About Us.
We are a creative outlet for artists of every background and concentration.
Our Mission.
The Friendly Artists Collaborative (FAC) works to provide a creative outlet for artists of all different backgrounds and concentrations. By encouraging collaboration with old and new friendly artists alike, we are dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and accessible community to create, learn, and grow.
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Our Team.
Erin Hamilton
Founder, Executive Director
Erin has been working as a youth development professional and advocate for arts education the past several years. When she's not teaching, she's working toward pursuing her musical theater career. Upon graduating from UMass Amherst in 2018, where she earned a dual degree in Sociology and Theater, she moved to New York City. She started the Friendly Artists Collaborative with the hope that it encourages artists to continue practicing their craft and aid in building relationships even when the world has turned upside down and now truly in a digital age. She cannot wait to meet and collaborate with old and new friends alike!
Tori Lovallo
Education Director
Tori is a neuroscience research trainee based out of the Bronx, New York. She studies brain organization and function in the context of addiction. Tori loves learning all that she can about the body and the mind, with the goal of putting her knowledge to good use through initiatives that optimize the physical and mental well being of her community. Inspired by her two creative outlets of science and art, she believes that building communities dedicated to curiosity, playfulness and pursuit of knowledge is the way we can rise up in response to 2020's many challenges.
Kate Skerry
Programming Director
Kate is thrilled to be a part of the Friendly Artists Collaborative! In 2019, she graduated from UMass Amherst with her Bachelor's in Theater. At UMass, she gained management and production team experience in addition to performing in many musicals. Following graduation she was cast in her first professional show, and plans to move to New York City as soon as it is safe to continue pursuing musical theater! She is so grateful for this outlet during these unprecedented times, and hopeful that this organization will be a great source of creativity and inspiration for many.
Allyson Waddell
Social Media Director
Allyson graduated from UMass Amherst in 2019 with her Bachelor’s in Theater, and moved to New York City shortly after. Since then, she has started working in entertainment management while also selling merchandise at Broadway productions. She is a licensed real estate agent and currently practicing real estate with Compass. She is thrilled to be handling social media for the Friendly Artists Collaborative and hopes it fosters an environment conducive to personal growth, artistic inspiration, and of course, friendly interactions!
Mikayla Jing
Programming Associate
Mikayla graduated from the University Massachusetts Amherst where she studied English and Political Science. She is thrilled to be joining the FAC and looking forward to coordinating upcoming projects! Being able to promote artists and their work is an exciting opportunity and a passion of Mikayla’s. When able to do so, Mikayla hopes to pursue a career in arts curation. Mikayla can’t wait to help create an inclusive and welcoming community for artists!
Noh
Social Media Associate/Website Tech
Shelby Winch
Social Media Associate
Noh is a theatre and performance artist with roots in the Berkshires/ Western MA. They currently are working as Managing Director of The Foundry, a new visual and performing arts venue in West Stockbridge, MA with the commitment to present relevant art that is accessible to diverse audiences; that connects, inspires, and incites audiences to leap across cultural boundaries. As an artist they are dedicated to finding ways to create that are not about validation or competition, but true/ honest expression. They are very excited to be working with the FAC to provide a platform for multi-disciplinary artists to work with one another in an exciting and new form. @itsjustnoh
Shelby is a recent graduate from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she earned her B.A. in Journalism and Theater. Following graduation she became a Social Media Manager and in her free time has continued to pursue her love for playwriting. Shelby is overjoyed to join the Friendly Artists Collaborative, and work alongside artists who keep her inspired and in awe. She is looking forward to collaborating on social media content that reminds people of the love that is built with art.
