We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Caroline Eimer | Artist & Art Educator

I have been interested in the arts my entire life, I decided to pursue an artistic career as I love how one can use art to make an impact on society and our planet. When you are an artist, you can be anything, I use my imagination and technical skills I have developed over the years to turn my dreams into reality. From painting a realistic ice cream cone on a second hand purse, to rolling magazine pages into one of a kind beads I love that art can be used to create joy from materials that otherwise may go overlooked. Read more>>

Emily Kortan | Marketing Director | Art & Music Lover

As a child, I loved art and drawing. Growing up, I knew that I wanted to use that creativity along with the desire to help people in the workplace but wasn’t sure how. I found graphic design and pursued that as my career. I happened upon a job opportunity with a local nonprofit organization called Living Hope Dream Centers and found God’s calling there. Everything that I was looking for fell right into place: using art to help people. Read more>>

Ellen Mahnken | Multidisciplinary artist designer maker

I was always a creative. Art and music were ever present and encouraged in my home growing up. and art became my true passion. As an adult, with some college, work, and a family, my education became more self directed. With drawing and painting being my foundation, I started exploring many different mediums and art forms. Unable to focus my skills in just one area, I became somewhat obsessed with trying and learning many new things. Read more>>