Who is Scarlett, and are LOLcats art?

1. Hi! My name is Scarlett.

2. I work here: We’re Illinois’ arts advocacy and service organization.

3. I don’t make art …

4. I don’t make art … (for good reason)

5. I help make art “artier.”

6. By helping to give voice to a creative state in Illinois. I work to elevate the presence and importance of the arts in Illinois and celebrate the contributions Illinois artists and arts groups make to schools, neighborhoods, and local economies. How?

7. I like art that makes me say “wow.” Like this Caspar David Friedrich painting.

8. Or Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, most of which he wrote in secret while imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island.

9. I like art that amazes me. Like this woodwork—spanning 36 feet high—by Martin Puryear.

10. Or the spoken word performances of Climbing Poetree.

11. I also like art that amuses me. Like LOLcats.

12. Mostly, I like supporting artists and arts professionals and playing a tiny part in the change they inspire.

13. You can usually find me here:

14. [email_address] www.facebook.com/scarlettswerdlow www.linkedin.com/in/scarlettswerdlow And if you ever want to say “hi,” you can reach me at: