About us

Mission / Staff / Teaching Artists / Board of Directors / Support

Art Encounter is a nonprofit visual art education organization founded in 1978 with the mission to bring an appreciation of art and the creative process to people of all ages and backgrounds.  Our founders developed a unique interactive discussion method that helps people discover artistic concepts while sharing individual perceptions. We bring original art works and workshops to schools, residences for the elderly, and community centers. We also lead groups to museums, art galleries, and private collections to discuss works of art. Mission Art Encounter's mission is to bring an appreciation of art and the creative process to people of all ages and backgrounds. Staff Joanna Pinsky, Founder/Artistic Director Joanna develops our tours, workshops, and programs for youth, the elderly and special needs groups. As an artist, she has exhibited her shaped paintings and works on paper nationally and internationally in solo and group shows. A member of National Women In the Arts, she is represented by Perimeter Gallery in Chicago. Joanna has a BFA from Cornell University where she studied painting and art history. View Joanna's art: http://www.caconline.org/gallery.asp?artist=Joanna_Pinsky Ellen Kamerling, Founder/Travel Director Ellen develops Art Encounter’s travel programs from her residence in Sedona, Arizona. Her mixed media artwork has been exhibited in galleries throughout the country and has recently been shown at the Sedona Art Museum, Phoenix Artlink, and the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Ellen has a BA from Roosevelt University and a background in education and art therapy. Caryn Berman , Managing Director Caryn is responsible for the financial management of Art Encounter. She also manages volunteers, organizes benefits with board members, and serves as communication liaison between participants, board and staff. Caryn has a BS from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania.   Elaine Duhl, Program Director Elaine has a B.A. from Northwestern University and has worked with Art Encounter for 18 years. She schedules, coordinates, and promotes all outreach programs for Art Encounter.   Teaching Artists Teaching artists who facilitate our outreach programs first complete an intensive 5-week training course. We continually seek new talent, with an emphasis on recruiting artists of color, women, and other underrepresented groups, Our artists: Adrienne Aaronson, Joyce Black, Susan Chertkow, Eduardo DeSoignie, Linda Doyle, Anthony Hughes, Leah Hume-Wilson, Jill King, Jenny Learner, Jerry Lidsky, Joel Maxime, Jr., Keiko Nemeth, Lea Pinsky, Joy Rees, Nadine Royster, Lindy Rubin, Jill Specks, Michelle Stone, Donna Zarbin Byrne Interested in becoming a teaching artist for Art Encounter? For more information, please contact us at 847.328.9222 or email us at artencounter@yahoo.com   Board of Directors Officers Rae Jedel, President Marsha Goldstein, Vice-President Marc Nemenoff, Treasurer Members Tony Armenderiz, Christa Tresnak Sprinkel Cannon, Douglas Cannon, Bertha De Priest, Hazel Espinar, Susan Frolichstein, Cynthia Goldring, Susan Kipley, Marc Nemenoff, Donna Tuohy, Peter Vale Support We have been supported by the Illinois Arts Council, Evanston Arts Council Cultural Fund, Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation, Arie and Ida Crown Memorial, Davee Foundation, First Bank and Trust of Evanston, Frolichstein Family Foundation, Great Bank of Evanston, The Goldyne Heyman Foundation of the Chicago Community Trust, Heyman Family Foundation, JCCC Foundation, Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation, Keen Family Foundation, Kraft Foods, Mammel Foundation, Marshall Field’s, McDougal Littell, Col. Stanley R. McNeil Foundation, Modestus Bauer Foundation, The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust, Northern Trust Charitable Trust, Polk Bros. Foundation, Hulda B. & Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, The Service Club of Chicago, Irvin Stern Foundation, Target Stores, Zonta Club of Evanston, and donations from businesses and memberships.