BOARD PRESIDENT

Laura holds a masters degree in clinical social work from The University of Illinois-Chicago, and for over 30 years has worked with children and families in a variety of settings, including her most recent positions before retiring as a school social worker at Hyde Park Day School,  and as a prevention education specialist focusing on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.  Laura joined the ARTSiE Board in 2025 and is excited to co-teach a Photo Voice class with Robyn Hurtig at Lydia Home in Evanston. 

Throughout her career working with students, she has always integrated art into her practice and sessions with students.  Art helps to calm the mind and allows emotional responses and creativity to flow.

Laura resides in Chicago and in her free time, she enjoys poetry, photography, cooking, walking along the beach and spending time with her family.

BOARD MEMBER

Sholo is a mixed-media figurative artist with a passion for painting community murals that transform an environment. Having owned a daycare for more than 20 years, Sholo’s passion for art finally became a priority. Advocacy for women’s and children’s rights, as well as immigration rights, continues to be a driving force behind Sholo’s artwork, inspiring change through messages of love, acceptance, and community.

During 2024–2025, Sholo became emotionally exhausted by the negative energy and constant fighting. Sholo made a conscious choice to follow the messages of the heart and now considers themself a warrior for love. Love is the connection Sholo paints into murals to inspire change and bring communities together.

Teaching for ARTSIE and working with children has reawakened a side of Sholo that had been deeply missed. Enriching children through art and literacy, while engaging them in conversations that open doors to new opportunities, continues to be a driving force. Being asked to serve on the ARTSIE board gives Sholo a voice in shaping meaningful change through the power of arts and literacy.

TREASURER

Jeff has a long career as a data analyst and database developer, in retail, government, legal and medical fields. He was lucky to find ARTSiE through his life-long friends in Evanston. After managing ARTSiE's finances as bookkeeper for several years, Jeff joined ARTSiE as Treasurer in 2023. He currently lives and works in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.