For Immediate Release

Media contact: Karina Quintana, karina[@]chicagoartistscoalition[.org], (847) 903-8855

Chicago Artists Coalition announces recipients of the inaugural ENVISION Grant, sponsored by the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation

Chicago, IL. July 15, 2020 --  Chicago Artists Coalition announces the recipients of the 2020 ENVISION Grant for Chicago-based artists working in the field of time-based digital and electronic art: Kayla Anderson and Kristin McWharter. Anderson and McWharter have been awarded unrestricted grants of $2,500 each for their demonstrated artistic excellence. 2020 is the inaugural year of the ENVISION Grant, which is made possible by a partnership with the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation. 

In announcing the grants, CAC’s Executive and Artistic Director, Teresa Silva said, “We are pleased to provide direct funding to Kayla Anderson and Kristin McWharter for their compelling and rigorous work. Our hope is that the ENVISION Grant will have a positive impact on their studio practice for developing imaginative and experimental new work. CAC is also grateful to the Thoma Art Foundation for their vision and generosity in supporting Chicago artists.”

The Thoma Art Foundation’s Curator of Digital Art, Jason Foumberg added: “The Thoma Foundation is thrilled to sponsor this three-year award for emerging Chicago-based artists working in the digital art field. We often look to emerging artists as we would a crystal ball, to see what the future holds in terms of experimentation, innovation, and paradigm shifts. For this reason, we are pleased that the jury has selected Kayla Anderson and Kristin McWharter, two promising artists working at the forefront of virtual reality who shed light on human relations in our technological age. I look forward to seeing the artworks that Anderson and McWharter develop in the near future.”

Anderson and McWharter will be recognized for their achievement in an award ceremony by CAC and the Thoma Art Foundation, once it is deemed safe to reopen to the public, anticipated for fall or winter 2020.

Please contact Aileen Cortez with questions regarding the ENVISION Grant program or application by email at aileen[@]chicagoartistscoalition[.org]

About the Chicago Artists Coalition

Chicago Artists Coalition is a non-profit organization that supports contemporary Chicago artists and curators by offering residency programs, exhibitions, professional development and resources that enable them to live, work and thrive in the city. CAC is deeply committed to advancing the cause of art and its importance in Chicago’s culture and economy by cultivating a wide-reaching civic, philanthropic and public support network. chicagoartistscoalition.org

About the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation 

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation recognizes the power of the arts to challenge and shift perceptions, spark creativity and connect people across cultures. The Foundation lends and exhibits artworks from its collection and supports innovative individuals and pivotal initiatives in the arts. thomafoundation.org