(Lori Sapio). A 15-year trustee of the museum, Gardner will be the first African-American and first woman leader of the governing body for the museum and the School of the Art Institute. Im particularly excited for our students, particularly our women students and our students of color.. Denise Garder is chair of the Art Institute of Chicago's board of trustees. Similarly, a corollary issue is how we ensure that more audiences and communities will know, appreciate, and be inspired by art.. I like to exceed expectations.. All Rights Reserved. The Art Institute announced Tuesday that Chicago philanthropist and marketing executive Denise Gardner was elected chairperson of its board of trustees. .css-16c7pto-SnippetSignInLink{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;}Sign In, Copyright 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Amy Sherald's 2017 work, 'A clear unspoken granted magic. Her history with the museum dates back to 1995, when she began her decades-long involvement with the Leadership Advisory Committee. I was exhausted., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. I think Denise is really a transformational force. Denise Garder is chair of the Art Institute of Chicago's board of trustees. SAICs undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world, and adults, teens, and kids in our Continuing Studies classes have the opportunity to explore their creative sides, build portfolios, and advance their skills. The longtime art collector and marketing executive Denise Gardner will become the chairwoman of the Art Institute of Chicago in November, perhaps the countrys first Black woman to hold that position on a major museum board. She is a transformational leader, drawing the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and museum closer to those we serve, while expanding who is in that audience. Deeply invested in and knowledgeable about the Art Institute of Chicago, she has modeled support and advocacy for the museum and school by championing artists and the accessibility of art and art education for historically underrepresented audiences. We found 15 records for Denise Gardner in Chicago, Elgin and 8 other cities in Illinois. https://www.wsj.com/articles/collectors-eye-they-built-a-world-class-collection-of-black-artists-work-who-are-they-acquiring-now-11594828483. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact But she and her husband Gary have been actively collecting art for over a decade. I am thrilled that Denise has agreed to take on this responsibility, shared Levy. School of the Art Institute President Elissa Tenny, the first woman to head the school, said This is really an important moment in our institutions history., For the first time in the School of the Art Institute of Chicagos 155 years the vision for the future of art and design education will be shaped by a woman, which is quite phenomenal, Tenny said. CHICAGO (WLS) -- It was announced in April of 2021 that Denise Gardner was elected the new chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Art Institute of Chicago. The Art Institute has trimmed staff amid significant revenue hits during the past pandemic year and has heard public calls from staff to do better on questions of diversity, equity and inclusion. They never take it down; its there every day.. The wrong time for another loss, as the Bulls were now two games out of a play-in spot. Before moving to Denise's current city of Chicago, IL, Denise lived in Blue Island IL. Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. I look forward to working with the institutions leadership and staff to fully realize our aspiration of ensuring that people of all ages from throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond, particularly children, see the Art Institute of Chicago as a place where they are welcome and truly belong.. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Gary had the idea to gut the lower level of their house and build a gallery-like, white cube space for contemporary art, which required several weeks of earth excavation to lower the floor by 20 inches. Denise Garder is chair of the Art Institute of Chicagosboard of trustees. Gardner is also on the steering committee of the Black Trustee Alliance for Art Museums, established last fall to help museums bring on more Black trustees, artists and curators. Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. Weemss work is of particular importance to their collection, as a few years ago they faced a lack of wall space to accommodate a particularly large work by the artist. Gardner has a longstanding commitment to access, diversity, and equity in the arts. Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Denise Gardner stands on the Art Institute's Grand Staircase in a 2021 photo, in front of the 1958 sculpture "Hero Construction" by School of the Art Institute graduate Richard Hunt. (AP . She has served on the boards of The Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Public Library and Chicago Humanities Festival. But in Gardner, institution leaders said they believe the museum has found a guiding hand suited to the moment. Denise Gardner. Go inisde reheartsals with newly released photos and video of the company in action! Among her priorities, she said, are making sure the institutions are as accessible as possible. African American Legacy (AAL) is a philanthropic initiative led by African American civic and community leaders who share the common goal of. I hope she knows whats happening and I think she would have been overjoyed, Gardner said. Denise Gardner, who has championed Black artists, as well as art accessibility and education for underrepresented audiences. The Art Institute announced Tuesday that Chicago philanthropist and marketing executive Denise Gardner was elected chairperson of its board of trustees. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. We want to hear from you! Denise Gardner is 67 years old today because Denise's birthday is on 10/01/1954. As we looked for a chair who could fit our needs in the coming years, Denise emerged as the clear leader, said Art Institute of Chicago trustee Tom Pritzker, who led the nominating committee for the board. In her final production asChicago Shakespeare Theaterartistic director,Barbara Gainesstages Shakespeares riotousThe Comedy of Errors,imprinting her legacy of inventive and captivating interpretations of the Bards work for todays audiences. I remember as an adult when I learned about Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence and I was almost a little angry why didnt I know about these artists?. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. CHICAGO- The Art Institute of Chicago announced today the election of Denise Gardner as the organization's new chairperson of the Board of Trustees. ', Amy Sherald/Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago. Gardner said she was brought to the Art Institute as a volunteer almost 27 years ago by Jetta Jones, the museums first Black female trustee, who died last weekend at 95. View Denise Gardner's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Learn about our efforts toward supporting and building adiverse community. Gardner will succeed Robert M. Levy as the leader of the governing body of both the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and the Art Institute of Chicago museum. "I realized there were a whole set of artists I never heard about growing up: Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence and then here in Chicago Charles White, Elizabeth Catlett. We understand her credentials to be really independent of her race or her gender, right? Students have many options when it comes to getting involved in the SAIC community. Its an honor to accept this role, Gardner said in a statement. As chairperson of the Art Institutes board, Gardner will take on the challenge of navigating COVID-19, saying she admires Levy for his steady hand throughout the whole pandemic, through the closures of both the museum and the school and the impact on employees and staff. She was the lead individual sponsor of the museums recent exhibition,Charles White: A Retrospective,and, over the years, she has funded numerous acquisitions for the Department of Prints and Drawings and the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art. Denise is at the vanguard of making art and design education more inclusive, said School of the Art Institute of Chicago President Elissa Tenny. A 15-year trustee of the museum,. Chicago, IL. And I felt, what a shame it was I didn't really know those artists.". The World's Premier Art Magazine since 1913. I am grateful to our current chair, Bob Levy, for his leadership, particularly as we navigated the uncertainty of the past year. Gardner built a career as a leader in her field: president of Insights & Opportunities, cofounder of Namaste Laboratories, and vice president of Soft Sheen Products. SAICs new faculty members represent a diverse range of practices, media, and methodologies and exemplify SAICs focus on interdisciplinary studies. Denise Gardner's birthday is 05/18/1971 and is 51 years old. The Art Institute of Chicago announced today the election of Denise Gardner as the organization's new chairperson of the Board of Trustees. James Rondeau, the Art Institutes president and director, remembered going to see artists in their studios with Gardner when he was a curator in modern and contemporary art, visiting such up-and-comers as Jennifer Packer and Mark Bradford. Gardner, 66, has been involved with the Art Institute for nearly 30 years, including a 15-year tenure as a trustee and five years in her current role as vice chair of the board. CHICAGO The collectors Denise and Gary Gardner are very public in their support of "Charles White: A Retrospective," an exhibition now at the Art Institute of Chicago that will travel to. Levy will remain on the board and Gardner will take over as chair when Levys term ends in November. CHICAGO (WLS) -- It was announced in April of 2021 that Denise. Im looking forward to helping the museum move forward to becoming even more of a dynamic and leading cultural gathering place and institution in the city.. The appointment comes at a time when cultural institutions are seeking to diversify their staffs, boards and programming. She has also been a dedicated civic leader, previously serving on the boards of The Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Public Library, and Chicago Humanities Festival and currently holding positions on the boards of The Arts Club of Chicago and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Gardner, 66, will succeed Robert M. Levy whose term ends in November at the helm of the Institutes school as well as the museum. Iowa guard Molly Davis, right, fouls Purdue guard Jeanae Terry during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Big Ten women's tournament Friday, March 3, 2023, in Minneapolis. But we do understand the importance of this moment, Rondeau said. A defensive stalwart, Oswego Easts Tyler Jasek surprises Joliet West. Deeply invested in and knowledgeable about the Art Institute of Chicago, she has modeled support and advocacy for the museum and school by championing artists and the accessibility of art and art education for historically underrepresented audiences. Best Match Powered by Whitepages Premium AGE 70s Denise L Gardner Chicago, IL (Far Southeast Side) View Full Report Addresses S Clyde Ave, Chicago, IL Her history with the museum dates back to 1995, when she began her decades-long involvement with the Leadership Advisory Committee. She has rooted much of her philanthropic work in driving positive outcomes for Chicago youth, including expanding college access for Chicago students through the Denise and Gary Gardner Scholarship at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. They sold the company the following decade, and have since turned their attention to collecting and philanthropy. Their holdings of at least 130 works offer a sweeping look at modern and contemporary Black art, from pioneers like Henry Ossawa Tanner to modernists like Charles White and Norman Lewis. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago. consider it for our site. While their holdings include the works of major historical figures like Norman Lewis, Jack Whitten, Elizabeth Catlett, and Charles White, they have intentionally focused on purchasing the work of living artists. For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has been a leader in educating the worlds most How soon will people feel comfortable enough in crowds to return revenue to previous levels? She has exactly the right resume, which is business experience, involvement with the school, substantial involvement with the museum and art. I knew I was the first at the Art Institute. I welcome that. Their collection of more than 130 works focuses on modern and contemporary Black artists, with works by Henry Ossawa Tanner, Carrie Mae Weems, Sam Gilliam, Ed Clark, Amy Sherald, Nick Cave, and Elizabeth Catlett. I learned so much from watching her, watching how she managed progress and change at the board level at the Art Institute, Gardner said. All Rights Reserved. She is a transformational leader, drawing the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and museum closer to those we serve, while expanding who is in that audience. Gardner will succeed Robert M. Levy as the leader of the governing body of both the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and the Art Institute of Chicago museum. Anyone can read what you share. The Art Institute of Chicago announced today the election of Denise Gardner as the organizations new chairperson of the Board of Trustees. Amy Sherald's 2017 work, 'A clear . ARTnews is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Denise M Gardner, PhD Associate Director of Pediatric Behavioral Health/Pediatric Psychologist at Primary Care Psychology Associates Greater Chicago Area 90 connections Car dealership workers kidnapped, tortured in armed robbery: police, Woman buys new tires that turn out to be 9 years old. Throughout my tenure as chair, she has been a thought partner and a valuable member of the executive committee. She and her husband, Gary, are noted collectors., The decision, he said, was straightforward.. The work is still unfinished, Gardner said. He and Denise cofounded a former market leader in the ethnic HBA field, and he was president of another family-owned market leader in the 1990s where Denise led their marketing team. In November, she assumed her new role, becoming the first Black person and woman chairperson for the museum and the School of the Art Institute. Learn more. The Art Institute of Chicago announced today the election of Denise Gardner as the organization's new chairperson of the Board of Trustees. As a board member of The Chicago Community Trust, she served on its Strategic Planning Working Group and CEO Search Committee and chaired its Donor Relations and Civic Engagement Committee and African American Legacy Fund. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. I am absolutely thrilled with this appointment, said Elissa Tenny, president of the school. I n November 2021, Denise Gardner became the Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC). Gardner said her other priorities in this role include working on diversity, inclusion, equity and access. The actor suffered a brain aneurysm Feb. 18 at his Los Angeles home and died in his sleep Friday at a hospital in Burbank, California, his manager said. In 2019, the American Alliance of Museums, whose membership includes art museums, launched a national initiative to push diversity and inclusion on museum boards. In addition to Gardner as the incoming chair, the Art Institute currently has 20% Black board members, and 24% of members are of color, Rondeau said. Her vision for the Art Institute reflects our commitment to an inclusive understanding of human creativity.. Sculpture: Hero Construction, 1958, Richard Hunt (BA 1957, HON 1979). Other Denise Gardner's; Trusted Connections, Since 2002. She has helped the museum craft impactful plans and programs to engage new audiences. Gardner, 66, will be the first Black person and first woman chairperson of the governing body for the museum and the School of the Art Institute. I want people of color to know the history and the power and the contribution of their own people in the visual arts, Gardner said. Distribution and use of this material are governed by Its an honor to accept this role, said Gardner. She has built a personal collection of art that is internationally recognized and cultivated rich relationships with many artists and educators. our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. 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It was a percolating issue even before last summer. According to the Art Institute, Gardner has a nearly 30-year relationship with the Art Institute as a volunteer and philanthropic leader, which included 15 years as a trustee and five years as vice chair of the board. Im looking forward to collaborating with her and the chair of SAICs board of governors, Anita Sinha, as we plan for the future.. Denise is at the vanguard of making art and design education more inclusive, said School of the Art Institute of Chicago president Elissa Tenny. I am grateful to our current chair, Bob Levy, for his leadership, particularly as we navigated the uncertainty of the past year. Every month, we publish stories about our incredible community. Ive been inspired by her commitment to supporting artists and also cultural institutions for a while.. She will take the steering role at the encyclopedic art museum and leading art college at a pivotal moment in their history. This followed a 2017 AAM industrywide survey that found just 3% of museums had a Black board chair, almost half had all-white boards and 9 in 10 museum board members were white. I look forward to supporting her vision as board chair.. It has been my honor to partner with Denise for many years, said James Rondeau, President and Eloise W. Martin Director of the museum. I feel a little extra pressure to succeed. Get 5 free searches. Wow, said the beauty products entrepreneur, 66. Art Institute of Chicago trustee Tom Pritzker, who led the nominating committee for the board, said in the release Gardner emerged as the clear leader during the search for a new chair. "For date nights, a lot of the times, we'd (go) to the Art Institute. Board Chair, The Art Institute of Chicago Greater Chicago . It is believed that she will be the first Black woman to head the board of a major U.S. art museum, although such demographics are hard to come by. A longtime trustee of the museum, Gardner will be the first African American and the first woman to hold the position. Id be lying if I didnt acknowledge the significance of [this] moment, and for me it means an extra sense of responsibility and pressure to do well, Gardner told the Chicago Sun-Times on Tuesday. This is really an important moment. The group sees Black leadership as a path to diversification throughout the institutions, from staff to programming, Gardner said, and it is in the process of hiring an executive director and trying to expand its ranks by identifying other Black museum trustees. And I enjoy exceeding peoples expectations., Denise Gardner stands on the Art Institute's Grand Staircase in a 2021 photo, in front of the 1958 sculpture "Hero Construction" by School of the Art Institute graduate Richard Hunt. Facebook gives people the power. Serving from 1995 to 2006, Jones, who died Friday in Los Angeles at age 95, brought Gardner into contact and then deep involvement with the museum, Gardner said. Gardner has experienced firsthand the benefits of making meaningful connections throughout the city. She has rooted much of her philanthropic work in driving positive outcomes for Chicago youth, including expanding college access for Chicago students through the Denise and Gary Gardner Scholarship at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. ", "You would never give me a paint brush; I wouldn't know what to do with it," Gardner said. Denise joined the museums board in 2006 and has been a member of the governing board of the School of the Art Institute since 2011. Robert M. Levy, the current board chair, will remain on the board after Gardner assumes the position in November. Related To Michael Gardner. communications@saic.edu and we'll A former marketer and advertiser, she was president of the research-based marketing and strategic planning firm Insights & Opportunities, co-founder of Namaste Laboratories, and a former VP of Marketing at Soft Sheen Products Company. Gardner follows Robert M. Levy as the leader of the governing body of both the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the museum. She was an early buyer of Amy Sherald, whose popularity has surged since her official portrait of Michelle Obama, which hangs in the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery. Coming out of the pandemic, Gardner said, Its a time for innovation, renewal and thinking intentionally about making progress. She said its heartening that the museum has begun to liven again. All Rights Reserved. He can shoot it., Justin Steele and 6 Chicago Cubs relievers combine for the 1st spring training no-hitter in franchise history, Leah Palmer experiences grand time as Geneva grinds out victory in Class 4A third-place game. They have supported numerous exhibitions at various museums in the Midwest, particularly at the Art Institute of Chicago. So, who are they collecting now? With her professional background and a nearly 30-year relationship with the Art Institute as a volunteer and philanthropic leader, including 15 years as a trustee and five years in her current role as vice chair of the board, Gardner is uniquely positioned to advance the strategic vision of both the museum and the school. Gardner was president of Insights & Opportunities, a marketing and strategic planning firm, and a co-founder of Namaste Laboratories, a beauty manufacturer. Denise joined the museum's board in 2006 and has been a member of the governing board of the School of the Art Institute since 2011. In 2021, Denise Gardner made history when she was elected to be the chairman of the board of trustees of the Art Institute of Chicago, making her the first Black woman in the United States to lead a major museums board. I didnt know I was the first in the nation. In this role, I can help the museum accelerate their progress, she said. Art Institute of Chicago Announces Denise Gardner as Next Chairperson of Board of Trustees April 13, 2021 A Statement from President Elissa Tenny on Residential Art Spaces March 22, 2021 SAIC Named a Fulbright US Student Program Top Producing Institution for 2020-21 February 19, 2021 The Art Institute of Chicago on Tuesday elected Chicago philanthropist and art collector Denise Gardner as its next board chair, beginning in November. Its hard to avoid the historical significance, Gardner said in a telephone interview on Monday. Notable alumni and faculty include Georgia OKeeffe, Nick Cave, David Sedaris, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Cynthia Rowley, Michelle Grabner, Richard Hunt, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Jeff Koons. an interesting story to share that you would like to see featured, please email In this role, I can help the museum accelerate its progress.. Gardner has experienced firsthand the benefits of making meaningful connections throughout the city. On the business front, Gary enjoyed a long career starting and building beauty and personal care companies. Denise Gardner is the first Black person and woman chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Art Institute of Chicago. The Art Institute announced Tuesday that Chicago philanthropist and marketing executive Denise Gardner was elected chairperson of its board of trustees. What will be possible going forward will depend in large measure on how the institution and people generally come out of the pandemic, acknowledged Levy, who will stay on the board.