City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz has named Jennifer Lasik as Evanston’s new Cultural Arts Coordinator.
The new position was authorized by the City Council earlier this year in response to recommendations in the evanstARTs community arts roadmap report.
Lasik comes to Evanston from Kemmerer, Wyo., where she served as the city’s director of cultural arts and events since 2008.
She created a community-wide arts program which included the launch of a new cultural events center in Kemmerer and a number of now well-established arts programs and events. Lasik also served as a member of the executive board of the Wyoming Arts Council, appointed by the state’s governor.
“Jennifer has an outstanding track record of community engagement. Her work in Kemmerer brought people together from all walks of life and involved them in the arts.” Bobkiewicz said, adding that she “has an enthusiasm and passion for her work that will be contagious throughout Evanston.”
Lasik has also worked as a teacher and development director in Oak Creek, Wis. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Slippery Rock University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Lasik will be a direct report to Bobkiewicz and begin her duties in Evanston on Nov. 18.
Kemmerer WYO?
Population 2656 – what kind of arts program would a village of this size run?
They stated at council they were looking for someone with experience, what is going on here?
Its the fish fossil capital of the country!
Why?
The city is broke and cannot properly meet it's financial obligations.
The city is planning on raising taxes and fees and that won't be enough.
There is a culture here already.
Why does it need a director?
When will the city council snap out of it?
Welcome!
I commend the City for creating a position specifically designed to bring focus to our rich and diverse cultural arts scene and to develop it as the economic driver it could be. Jennifer has the experience and enthusiasm to make this happen. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Jennifer Lasik and her family.