Voices

Voices celebrate individuals who challenge the status quo. Outspoken action-oriented people using their voices to shine a light on the issues and injustices that surround us and, in turn, promote change. It’s an escape from the divisiveness we see daily to believe in the opportunity for an inclusive and empathetic view of our world. This series focuses on artists, musicians, writers, performers, activists, religious leaders, gender non-conformists, and environmental stewards. Each subject is painted on a large-scale, 48 x 48” canvas, creating an intimacy with the viewer.

Nestor—Performance artist and storyteller. Nestor is the creator, producer, and curator of 80 Minutes Around the World, in which he and his guests share the realities of the experiences immigrants, refugees, their descendants and allies face living a

Nestor—Performance artist and storyteller. Nestor is the creator, producer, and curator of 80 Minutes Around the World, in which he and his guests share the realities of the experiences immigrants, refugees, their descendants and allies face living and working in the United States.

Nialie—As an ETHS student, Nialie served on the board of SOAR - Students Organized Against Racism. She created multiple initiatives that combated racial discrimination within ETHS and brought light to various issues that have been long overlooked in

Nialie—As an ETHS student, Nialie served on the board of SOAR - Students Organized Against Racism. She created multiple initiatives that combated racial discrimination within ETHS and brought light to various issues that have been long overlooked in Evanston’s educational history. Her activism continued at DePaul, as she works to combat Chicago’s food deserts and affordable housing crisis. —SOLD—

Leah—With her empathic nature, is a natural social worker and activist. As a member of If Not Now, Leah works to focus on what unites us rather than divides us, highlighting a fair and just relationship between Israelis and Palestinians, taking a sta

Leah—With her empathic nature, is a natural social worker and activist. As a member of If Not Now, Leah works to focus on what unites us rather than divides us, highlighting a fair and just relationship between Israelis and Palestinians, taking a stand for the freedom, dignity, and equality for all.

Andy has first-hand knowledge of a myriad of societal and institutional challenges. He is also a shining example that courage has many faces. By his example, he educates and inspires others on gender identity and self-awareness. Through his unassumin

Andy has first-hand knowledge of a myriad of societal and institutional challenges. He is also a shining example that courage has many faces. By his example, he educates and inspires others on gender identity and self-awareness. Through his unassuming manner, he makes real the possibility of an open and honest discussion. —SOLD—

Sher—A writer and journalist, Sher is a native of Pakistan who splits her time between Peshawar and New York. Sher brings a unique perspective to understanding the multicultural and international issues we face in society. Her activism focuses on the

Sher—A writer and journalist, Sher is a native of Pakistan who splits her time between Peshawar and New York. Sher brings a unique perspective to understanding the multicultural and international issues we face in society. Her activism focuses on the long-standing struggle for womens’ rights in the Middle East and South Asia.

Thomas—An environmental activist, artist, urban planner, civil engineer, historian, truth teller and member of the Southeast Environmental Task Force. Thomas advocates for local communities on the border of Illinois and Indiana, where large scale man

Thomas—An environmental activist, artist, urban planner, civil engineer, historian, truth teller and member of the Southeast Environmental Task Force. Thomas advocates for local communities on the border of Illinois and Indiana, where large scale manufacturing and fossil fuel operations are literally swallowing the towns around them.

Sebastián—A visual journalist from Pilsen who documents the culture of low income black and Latin communities as gentrification transforms their neighborhoods and cultures in Chicago and around the country. Sebastián is currently documenting the plig

Sebastián—A visual journalist from Pilsen who documents the culture of low income black and Latin communities as gentrification transforms their neighborhoods and cultures in Chicago and around the country. Sebastián is currently documenting the plight of migrant workers in California, powerfully captured on black and white film.

Ife—A Chicago native and faculty member of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, her work seeks to engage the community through radical imagination, visioning, and the activation/facilitation of creative and spiritually expressive learning. Ife

Ife—A Chicago native and faculty member of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, her work seeks to engage the community through radical imagination, visioning, and the activation/facilitation of creative and spiritually expressive learning. Ife is a founding member of the now-inoperative Art Forward, the Healing & Safety Council in BYP100, and the P.O.W.E.R. Collective.