Volunteer Work
Empty Bowls Fundraiser - Participating Artist + Volunteer
November 2022
Gnarware Workshop + the Hyde Park Art Center partnered to sell handmade ceramic bowls at Gallery 400 (UIC) raising over $5,000 for organizations that create food accessibility in Chicago (Pilsen Food Pantry, the UIC Food Pantry, The Love Fridge Chicago, McKinley Park Mutual Aid, and PMI Community Kitchen).
Donated work for sale + assisted the gallery with in-person sales + order pick-ups the day of the event.
"Pilsen Ceramic Studio is Selling Empty Bowls to Support Food Pantries" — Block Club Chicago
Chances Dances Critical Fierceness - Board Member
Jan 2005 – Jan 2016
Since its founding in 2005, Chances Dances has sought to create a safe space for all gender expressions by bringing together the varied LGBTIQ communities of Chicago. The creation of the Critical Fierceness grant expanded upon this goal by offering a unique platform, funding queer thinking and expression through art made by individuals or groups who identify themselves or their work as queer. The Critical Fierceness Grant supported the development and realization of queer artwork through project-based financial assistance of up to $500, funded by donations, bar proceeds, and admission to our Saturday night parties and special events.
Funding was further expanded with the Mark Aguhar Memorial Grant: Chicago's first grant for trans-identified artists of color.
Website
AIGA Chicago Mentor Program Participant
2013
The AIGA Chicago Mentor Program offers creatives from across disciplines a safe space to gather and share insights, experiences and resources. With the support from our community, we are able to curate our mentor programming. This program helps guide and grow designers at any level of experience through focused mentor groups that are based on our community’s needs.
Website
Fire This Time Fund - Giving Circle Member
Mar 2003 - Dec 2003
Fire This Time Fund is an all volunteer organized, independent giving circle. We support small-scale, creative social change projects initiated by local artists, educators and organizers who weave an analysis of racial, economic, social, environmental, or gender justice into their work.
The fund prioritized the channeling of project-based funds to informal groups working in atypical ways, inside and outside of the non-profit model, without access or ties to extensive institutional support.
Website
Spark-Online Magazine - Contributing Writer
Jan 2001 - Jan 2002
“The clash of ideas brings forth the spark of truth” —Aboriginal proverb
In every issue of *spark-online we apply this principle to our idea that the new world of high technology has not only created a new "e-society"—it has created a new understanding of self. We call this new understanding of self, "electronic consciousness." Technology hasn’t changed only our societies—it has fundamentally changed us. *spark-online is at the vanguard of recognizing, and attempting to understand this change.