Hi, we’re glad you are here.
FOUNDER + EDUCATOR + ACTIVATOR + MAGIC-MAKER
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have an art teacher who could quite literally pull creativity out of thin air, meet Catherine Debrocke. She doesn’t just teach art—she lives it, breathes it, and somehow manages to sprinkle a little bit of its magic onto everyone lucky enough to be in her presence.
With years of experience at Sparhawk School, Essex Art Center, and most recently River Valley Charter, Catherine has inspired countless artists to trust their instincts, embrace the messy, and see the world through an infinitely creative lens. She is the kind of teacher who makes you believe in your own artistic potential, even when you're holding a paintbrush like it’s an unfamiliar alien object.
At The Center, Catherine brings her signature mix of passion, playfulness, and deep artistic knowledge to every class and project. Whether she’s guiding students through a massive collaborative mural or helping a hesitant hand take its first leap into clay, she has a way of making every artistic journey feel like an adventure.
Catherine is, simply put, the best art teacher we’ve ever met—and if you spend even five minutes in her studio, you’ll understand why.
About THE CENTER
Mission: Our mission is to foster a collaborative environment through arts events, classes, and community projects that spark dialogue and engagement. We believe in the power of creativity to weave the threads of humanity together, nurturing a space where every voice contributes to the fabric of a stronger, more connected community.
The Center strives to create a dynamic space where creativity, collaboration, and community thrive, building bridges between individuals and enriching local culture. We believe art is both a practice and a shared experience, and we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds into our creative space.
We are dedicated to cultural competence, social justice, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that every class, workshop, and event reflects these values. We are committed to elevating the Visual Arts and breaking down barriers of compartmentalization and polarization, instead promoting an interconnected approach to creativity—one that weaves together the diverse threads of humanity.
In all our endeavors, we strive to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where participants feel valued and respected. Through art, we seek to build a more equitable and engaged community, fostering thoughtful practices that resonate with the richness of our collective human experience.
Land Acknowledgement
We at The Center are incredibly lucky to reside in the Merrimack River Valley; however, access to this land comes from a long and painful history of genocide, disease, and the forced removal of Indigenous communities that once lived in Northern Massachusetts.
We acknowledge that the land we operate on is traditionally the land of the Pawtucket, Pennacook, and Abenaki peoples, and part of the historic lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy.
We use this acknowledgment to express our deep sorrow for the violent displacement of Indigenous peoples, to recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization, and to express our sincere gratitude for the use of this space.
We are committed to learning, listening, and honoring Indigenous voices, and we invite our community to join us in this ongoing work.
Contact us
Have a question, an idea, or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in classes, collaborations, or getting involved, The Center is here to connect. Reach out and let’s make something great together!