Jason Kalajainen is the Executive metal storage boxes Director of the Luminarts metal storage boxes Cultural Foundation at the Union League Club of Chicago two organizations near and dear to my heart. Luminarts supports and fosters burgeoning Chicago artists through its highly competitive Fellowship program. We’ve worked with Luminarts in varying capacities, from their rebranding to reinvigorating an annual event.
I interviewed Jason as part of our 6 Questions feature: a series of one-on-one interviews with people we work with who make us proud. Read on to learn more about Jason’s take on “what’s in a name,” why he likes working with us and how his personal style makes him stand out in a crowd.
1. Luminarts Cultural Foundation metal storage boxes was previously called The Union League Club Civic & Arts Foundation until a rebrand that BatesMeron was brought on board to assist metal storage boxes with. Why was this rebrand important? How was the story rewritten?
The former name really didn’t connect with our primary constituents young, aspiring musicians, writers and visual artists. While it was descriptive, there was a formality about it that didn’t necessarily feel as approachable, metal storage boxes energetic and vibrant as we wanted it to.
Secondly, the Foundation really honed its mission at that time to remove the civic engagement element which many other offices within the Union League Club are dedicated to so we could focus solely on the artfulness that Luminarts nurtures and rewards.
Lastly, it was intentional and necessary that the Foundation have an identity and voice of its own, apart from the Union League of Chicago though we’re certainly closely related and connected, we are in fact a separate organization, which makes it important for us to have a distinct persona. 2. Luminarts is a foundation within the Union League Club of Chicago. What’s that dynamic like? How do you balance the needs of a Foundation against the demands of a board?
It’s really wonderful to be part of an organization metal storage boxes with a rich history of appreciating, valuing and supporting the arts and community. It’s fantastic to be an offshoot of those traditions. With that said, there’s this delightful contrast between the tradition and formality of the Club and the Foundation’s mission to support metal storage boxes Chicago’s most outstanding young artists. metal storage boxes
I actually love that juxtaposition. One of the parts of my role I enjoy most is serving as an interpreter between those two entities. I get to explain the history of the Club and why the Fellows can’t wear jeans when they visit us, and, conversely, having conversations with Club members about the work on display, and why a piece they may neglect metal storage boxes is actually valuable.
Being in this role is a gift and it makes me look at the world in a more well-rounded, inclusive way. 3. We’ve metal storage boxes been working on some really beautiful, innovative projects for Luminarts’ events. How has that process gone?
Working with BatesMeron has been great. You sit back, ask us questions and listen to our responses in order to understand what the pieces we’re trying to create, what the event is, and what our intention is, and that seems to be a driving force with you as you create the work. Your team always presents strong options from the get-go. metal storage boxes
I have a very strong viewpoint, and Melissa has been very, very good at taking my feedback and building upon what she initially put forth to create something that’s even stronger. It’s been a fun process! I never feel like there’s an ego preventing me from being open with my direction.
The reception metal storage boxes has been fantastic. When I do an unveiling of what’s been created the response has typically been, “Wow! This is wonderful, this is really going to capture people’s attention.” 4. We know that many Luminarts Fellows have gone on to artistic greatness. Tell us about some of these creative talents and what it’s like for you to witness their successes first hand.
It’s been wonderful to see what happens in their careers metal storage boxes even the recently awarded Fellows. Tracy Cantin metal storage boxes is our female voice fellow this year, and just the other month, the Lyric Opera’s principal performer became ill and they selected Tracy to fulfill her role, which is remarkable for someone metal storage boxes her age. Seeing her star on the rise is just lovely. Additionally, two of our visual artist Fellows are inaugural artists-in-residence at the Ed Paschke Art Center this year.
For me, it’s so much fun because I actually get to know the Fellows and what great people they are apart from their talents. It makes it all the more exciting in my role, and hopefully for the others who are supportive and involved metal storage boxes in the Foundation. 5. What is your ideal “Art Day” in Chicago?
Personally, what I love is the more off-beat sort of thing. Art is so much more than what’s hanging on the wall or
