Our Story

Originally known as the South Chicago Art Center, SkyART was founded in 2001 by art therapist Sarah Ward who taught 18 students two days a week in a small rented studio.

Almost 25 years later, our mission remains the same: With creativity at the center of everything we do, SkyART provides free, safe, open spaces where young people are empowered and connections are made.

SkyART serves young people through free art and mental health programs at our studio spaces in South Chicago and Garfield Park, as well as through partnerships with schools and community-based organizations.

Staff

  • Executive Director
    Devon VanHouten-Maldonado

    Chief Operating Officer
    Tasha Robinson

    Director of Programs
    Casey Smallwood

    Director of Development
    Jalen Taylor

  • Senior Program Manager
    Ellen Tritschler, MAAE

    Project 3rd Space Manager
    Arinique Allen

    Schools & Community Program Manager
    Kelley Christiel, MA

    Project Impact Manager
    Cameron Swanson

    Project Impact Coordinator
    Dacia Slater, LSW

    West Side Program Coordinator
    Ya’Shalan (Yaya) Nelson

    South Side Program Coordinator
    Crystal (Nikki) Diaz

  • Senior Operations Manager
    Jen Torwudzo-Stroh

    Operations Coordinator
    Jorge Ramirez

    Operations Assistant
    Francesca Fox

  • Development Coordinator
    Sophie Tiahnybik

Board of Directors

  • Chair
    Christopher Dubose

    Secretary
    Morgan Hughes

    Treasurer
    Froilan Nunez

  • Julia Fischbach

    LeeAndra Khan

    Jana Hees

    Bianca Marks

    Steve Hernandez

    Stephanie Murray

    Barb Markoff-Eggener

    Emma McKee

    Joe Reinstein

    Jeanne Rogers

    Steve Wolff

    Steve Flores

Annual Reports

2021
2021
2022
2022
2023
2023
2024
2024
2025
2025