House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo announced the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women awarded Winthrop resident and community leader Joanne Hillman with an Unsung Heroine of the Year honor. The award recognizes the work of women who make outstanding contributions to their Massachusetts communities.
“Joanne is a dedicated and passionate advocate for the cultural vitality of Winthrop,†said Speaker DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “I am grateful to her for her work to curate and cultivate rich cultural experiences for residents, visitors, and students alike while providing forums for artists to share their work. I congratulate her on this honor, and thank her for her decades of service to our community.â€
An advocate for cultural activities in Winthrop for more than 27 years, Hillman served as the chair of the Winthrop Cultural Council and founded the Clock Tower Gallery at The E. B. Newton School & Cultural Center, a showcase for local and regional art.
Hillman also launched the Youth Art Show at Winthrop Public Schools and created the Winthrop Small Business Saturday Art Market and the Winthrop Holiday Art Market. She also is also a champion of music, arts and crafts, as well as poetry events including Music on the Landing and Solstice Poetry Nights. She helped to launch the Winthrop Farmers Market and co-founded the Winthrop Community Chorus.
An artist in her own right, Joanne attended the New England School of Photography and currently photographs landscapes of Winthrop. She is working on a storybook: Beach Days – Exploring the Shore.