About Us
Using Art to Create Your Own Wellbeing
Our mission at ARTS and REC, LLC is to help all individuals with special needs meet their desired goals of health and well-being. Using art-based Therapeutic Recreation and visual arts, we will help all to experience leisure, art, and mindfulness. Our experienced instructors will teach and encourage our students to use the arts to be creative and express themselves.
Our Story
ARTS and REC, LLC started in a barn on the owner, Julie Quill's, property. Julie saw a need for a program that would be engaging and fun for individuals with special needs. Julie, an artist herself, wanted to share that experience. Art can give so much self-esteem and pride to an individual because anyone can be an artist with the right instruction. Julie is also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist. She believes that leisure time and skills are so important to everyone's quality of life. Using her artist background and education, she moved forward with ARTS and REC, LLC.
Due to COVID, many adults do not have a program to go to, a place to socialize, or spend time with peers. The center is not only a great place to take a class, be engaged or learn something new, but it is also a great place to meet new friends.
We now offer drums alive, photography, and cooking classes. Along with painting and drawing, we have an animation drawing class and a multimedia art class. Come see what we have to offer.
Hi!
I'm Julie Quill
Founder & CEO
Julie Quill, is a local artist and educator. As our CEO, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts (concentration in crafts) as well as a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, both from Bridgewater State University. She has studied at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, and has a Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation from SUNY Cortland. She successfully passed the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certifications exam, and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Julie has been painting with acrylic and oils for over twenty years and has had her work displayed in several local exhibits on the South Shore, as well as a traveling art show in California. Besides painting, Julie loves weaving: learning different patterns, as well as putting different textures and colors together with the yarn.
Her dedication and commitment to sharing the arts with students comes from her son, who has autism. Sean has inspired Julie to use my talents and education to show how art can not only be fun but also be used to express oneself. As a parent of a child with special needs, Julie understands that it can be difficult to find extracurricular activities that are fun, supportive, and safe.
Meet The Team
Arts and Rec, LLC has grown over the past few years to offer more services to our wonderful students. Our team works hard to bring the most to each of their classes and we’re excited to properly introduce everyone.
Eileen Devine
Office Manager
Eileen serves as our full-time office manager, bringing a wealth of experience from her bachelor's degree in hospitality business management from Johnson and Wales University and her time living across various New England states. Beyond her administrative role, Eileen is a level two certified Reiki practitioner of three years, deeply valuing the soothing and calming energy it offers. Her past entrepreneurial spirit shines through her ownership of a gluten-free cookie business and her involvement in managing a local coffee shop, experiences that have fostered her appreciation for the diverse talents within the Arts and Rec community.
Eileen's passion for exploration extends to her personal life, where she cherishes taking her nieces and nephews on "field trips" throughout New England. She delights in uncovering the region's rich history and hidden gems, finding joy in learning and exploring the unique offerings right in our local area.
Kelly Bianchi
Instructor
Kelly is our newest addition to the ARTS and REC team, joining as Special Education support staff. Her extensive background includes being a family life advocate at Friends of the Homeless and as a resource coordinator for Independence Associates. In these roles, Kelly dedicated herself to empowering families with essential tools to foster independence for individuals with disabilities in their communities.
Kelly also served as a paraprofessional in a life skills classroom in the Weymouth Public Schools. Kelly considers her most significant role to be Mom to her three children, Brynn, Evelyn, and Caleb, with whom she enjoys outdoor adventures such as hiking, swimming, and exploring new places.
Christine Keane
Instructor
Christine Keane comes to ARTS and REC with 30+ years of experience. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State College in Motor Development Therapy with a minor in Psychology. Christine works full time as a Senior Case Manager for South Shore Support Services and really enjoys making a difference in the lives of the people she serves.
In her spare time, Christine likes to spend time with her family, watch interesting documentaries and listen to live music.
Elizabeth Sullivan
Instructor
Elizabeth recently graduated from Bridgewater State University with a Psychology major and a Special Education minor in May 2024. She is currently working at an autism center as a Registered Behavior Technician and has joined ARTS and REC to work their Saturday programs.
Elizabeth has lots of experience working with those who have developmental disabilities. In the past, she has worked as a Paraprofessional along with being a Personal Care Assistant. Elizabeth has an older brother with Down Syndrome who inspired her to work in this field. In Elizabeth’s free time, she enjoys skiing, going to the beach, hiking, exploring new places, and spending time with her family and friends.
Andrea Ruiz-Martell
Instructor/ Recreation Therapist
Andrea graduated with a degree in Recreational Therapy from an eastern Idaho college. She completed her internship in Arts and Rec. She thrives on exploring new experiences and has a wide range of interests, including traveling, hiking, music, pottery, tennis, and snowboarding.
In her role with a mental health program at her former college, Andrea supported students with anxiety and depression, helping them develop coping skills to enhance their cognitive, social, physical, and emotional well-being. She volunteered at a summer camp in Bellville, Texas, for people with disabilities, providing diverse activities to enrich their lives. Andrea believes in pursuing one's passions and focusing energy on activities that allow individuals to escape daily stresses and concentrate on personal growth.
Arianna O Connor
Intern
Arianna
Arianna grew up in the south shore and attends PSU seeking a degree in developmental psychology. She is with us this summer as an intern eager to gain experience in this field. She loves sports and spending time with her family and friends.
Lillie Strasser
Intern
Lillie is joining us this summer from Idaho. She is completing her degree at BYUI. Lillie aims to be a recreational therapist after completing her program. She loves dance and spending time with her family.
JOIN US TODAY
Whether you're looking to develop new skills, express yourself creatively, or simply have fun, ARTS AND REC, LLC is the perfect place for you. Come and experience the magic of art and the power of human connection