About Us

Performing Arts Workshops (PAW) is a non-profit organization that provides experiences to youth ages infant-12th grade in Niles, Michigan. We offer summer workshops and performance opportunities, providing high-quality, integrative arts education that is affordable for all families. 

Our Mission

With a focus on quality instruction and inclusion, Performing Arts Workshops - PAW INC. provides value and opportunities that celebrate the essential powers of arts education to enrich communities and illuminate our common humanity. 

Goals:
  • Provide exposure to the performing arts through any or all of the following disciplines: acting, singing, dancing, instrumental music, art, creative projects, and personal expression.
  • Provide a safe and constructive environment that encourages personal growth and self-confidence.
  • Help students gain an aesthetic appreciation of the arts.

Our History

PAW was co-founded in 2012 by August Garritano and Lena Miles. Both from Niles, Michigan, they wanted to give back through the arts to their local community. With the help of Brandywine choir director Denise Boger, PAW launched its first summer workshop at Brandywine Elementary in July 2012 to students grades 3-6. Each year since, PAW has introduced improvements and new workshops to serve our students' needs. We now serve students from infants through 12th grade with a variety of programs. We have also taken students on trips where they have performed in Chicago, Northern Michigan, and Ontario, Canada.

Board of Directors

President: Jen Swank
Vice President: Karie Reske
Treasurer: Bill Gibson
Secretary: Liz Baumann
Board Members: Daysha Amster, Deb Millin, Lisa Garritano, Martha Morseau-Olson, Dena Vollman

Executive Team

August Garritano, Executive Director - DEI, Development, & Finance
Lena Miles-LoRusso, Executive Director - Education
Danny Ferenczi, Executive Director - Marketing & Human Resources

​PAW Inc.
P.O. Box 706
Niles, MI 49120

​directors@performingartsworkshops.org

PAW Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.