PILSEN — ElevArte Community Studio's new leader plans to expand the art group's free programs into Back of the Yards and Brighton Park.
The creative youth development organization named Maria Leon as the group's new executive director this week. Leon replaces Giselle Mercier, who stepped down from the executive director post to move back to her native Panama.
Under Leon's direction, Pilsen-based ElevArte will expand its free art program in the city's Southwest communities, including Back of the Yards and Brighton Park. In 2015, ElevArte partnered with SGA Youth and Family Services and After School Matters to deliver Walls of Hope, a mural program in Brighton Park.
A Mexico native who grew up in Back of the Yards, Leon has worked in the non-profit and youth development sectors for more than a decade. Previously, she has worked at The Rauner YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, After School Matters and Mujeres Latinas en Accion.
“I am beyond excited to serve Chicago youth through this innovative organization and look forward to working with the board, and an outstanding and passionate staff to expand the panorama of arts programming and create more opportunities for young people in our city,” Leon said.
Elise Kerr, ElevArte's board chair, said Leon brings the relevant experience to the position needed to help widen the group's outreach.
“We are delighted to welcome Maria to the ElevArte team and be able to count on her expertise as we continue to collaborate with partners to help fill the arts programming void in these communities,” Kerr said.
ElevArte, formerly known as Pros Arts Studio, is a social impact organization that uses the arts as a portal for creative youth development. The organization operates in-school residencies, out-of-school programs and community celebrations, including the annual Muertos de la Risa processional, Pozalada and We are Hip Hop youth festivals.
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