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History

Honoring Our Roots: Kathi Parisi’s Legacy

June 4 marks the anniversary of the passing of Kathi Parisi, the visionary founder of our non-profit. Kathi’s deep passion for bringing art to children who (in her words) "love art and can use love" inspired an outpouring of memorial gifts that officially became Starts With Art. We remain profoundly grateful for her inspiring life and the life-long legacy that continues to guide us today.

Left to Right: Jan Reagan, Carolyn Morriss, Suzanne Ziemnik, Lynda Nadkarni, Stephanie Skertich

Our organization is proudly powered by a fully volunteer board, meaning 100% of your financial support is funneled straight into art supplies, scholarships, and youth programming rather than administrative overhead. But our board members don’t just manage the mission behind the scenes—they live it. On any given day, you’ll find them teaching classes, assisting with hands-on art activities, and working directly with local youth. By giving your support, you are partnering with a deeply dedicated, hands-on team committed to fostering a lifelong love of art, empowering Chicago's children and teens to freely develop their creativity and unique self-expression.