ART ENCOUNTER'S BIENNIAL Spring Benefit & Art Auction

SILENT ART AUCTION | WINE RAFFLE | FRENCH BUFFET | OPEN BAR

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | 6:00–9:00 pm
LeTour Brasserie, Downtown Evanston

Natalie van Straaten | Chicago Gallery News, Founder & Publisher from 1982 to 2007

Natalie van Straaten was founder and publisher of Chicago Gallery News (CGN) from 1982–2007 and served concurrently as Executive Director of the Chicago Art Dealers Association (CADA). A co-founder of van Straaten Gallery in 1969, Natalie was professionally active in the Chicago visual arts community for nearly four decades. Also devoted to Chicago’s broad cultural community, Natalie served as a docent for the Chicago Symphony, was Executive Director of the Chicago Coalition for Arts and Education (1986–1989), and judged theater as a member of The Jeff Awards for 25 years (1995–2020). She is currently writing a book on the history, growth and impact of Chicago galleries and dealers, 1967–2007.

Ginny B. Van Alyea | Chicago Gallery News, Publisher since 2007

Ginny B. Van Alyea has been the publisher and owner of CGN since 2007. She began working at Chicago Gallery News with founding publisher Natalie van Straaten in 2002 after graduating from Hamilton College. Ginny also worked for the Chicago Art Dealers Association (CADA) from 2002–2007. Ginny has written extensively about collecting art in Chicago and has interviewed dozens of artists and gallery owners over the years. She has been a featured speaker at national art fairs and panels, sharing the importance and joy of collecting contemporary art and antiques and of supporting living artists. In addition to publishing CGN and regularly attending gallery and museum events, Ginny is a mother to two busy and creative children, whom she likes to bring on trips and adventures to see art whenever possible.

Andy Vick | Executive Director, Downtown Evanston

An Evanston native with strong connections to the local community, Andy joined Downtown Evanston in 2023 after working for almost 20 years as a nonprofit Executive Director at local arts agencies in Maryland and Colorado. Earlier in his career, Andy and his wife were full-time visual artists and successful small business owners, and he worked in marketing and human resources for several companies in the Washington, DC area. Over the years, Andy has also been an engaged board member for a number of chambers of commerce, local and state tourism offices, a variety of cultural organizations, and a downtown development authority. Andy is passionate about economic development and community vitality, and intentional about working to foster a culture of equity and inclusion across the Downtown Evanston business district.