Join CDPUG at Future Ink Graphics (FIG) on Thursday, April 27th at 6:00 pm for Talking Creative Entrepreneurship with FIG, a discussion with creative entrepreneurs: Stephanie Kluk of FIG, Reinaldo DeJesus of Cultura Clothing, and Lauren Mailey a Cleveland based artist, non-profit administrator, and community inclusion facilitator/enthusiast. Learn about their practices, how they took their ideas and made it into a career, and how they continue to evolve as small business owners. Then stay for a tour of FIG’s facility and Q & A with the artists.
Future Ink Graphics (FIG) is a makerspace for professional, emerging and student graphic designers, and digital and silkscreen artists. FIG provides space and equipment, along with educational programs, resources and mentorship to help develop and advance individual artists, with the goal of strengthening the larger creative community. FIG's mission is to foster the development and advancement of Cleveland designers, artists and youth, bringing economic opportunities and arts education to the Clark-Fulton neighborhood and the Greater Cleveland community.
Future Ink Graphics is located inside the Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression at 2937 W. 25th St. Cleveland, OH 44113. Free parking.
Refreshments: Pizza, drinks and snacks will be provided.
Speaker Bios:
Stephanie Kluk is an artist and arts administrator living and working in Cleveland, OH. After receiving her BFA in Photography from the Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, OH, Stephanie moved to Chicago, IL. While in Chicago, Ms. Kluk exhibited her artwork and worked as the Program Director for the Chicago Artists' Coalition. In 2008, Ms. Kluk moved to Cleveland and became the Program and Community Enrichment Manager at Art House, Inc. where she managed a variety of programs that included free art education classes for children and families. Stephanie also helped developed a Program Coordinator position for Shore Cultural Center, and sat on the Board of Directors for the Cleveland West Art League (CWAL) for six years. In 2016 Stephanie became the Director of Operations and Co-Executive Director, respectively, of Zygote Press. In June 2020, Ms. Kluk joined CAN Journal as the Development Manager and launched her own arts organization, Future Ink Graphics (FIG).
Reinaldo De Jesus was born in Norwalk, CT, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and Sanlorenzo, Puerto Rico. De Jesus is a Digital Design Artist, Teaching Artist, Entrepreneur, Navy Veteran and activist who puts his community at the top of his list. Reinaldo is the Founder of Cultura Clothing Co., a clothing and merchandise company that provides a platform of expression for himself and other artists. He also plays a large part in the New Era Young Lords Ohio chapter. As 2nd in command, with his boots on the ground approach, De Jesus works with the philanthropic, activist organization, making a difference for youth in the community. After separating from the Navy, Reinaldo continues to give back in many ways as Marketing lead for Foluke Cultural Arts and as a teaching artist/mentor for Future Ink Graphics. Reinaldo's passion is bringing art to the community, sharing its power, and demonstrating that it can be an agent for culture, ingenuity and change.
Lauren Mailey is a Cleveland based artist, non-profit administrator, and community inclusion facilitator/enthusiast. She is the Program Administrator for Catholic Charities / Diocese of Cleveland - Disability Services, where she coordinates community programs for individuals with diverse abilities including those with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities. Lauren has had the privilege of supporting individuals with diverse abilities and their families for over 10 years. As a visual artist herself, Lauren has personally experienced the incredible community benefits, for ALL involved, when intentional inclusive spaces are created and sustained. Lauren is currently consulting with FIG on inclusion programming and accessibility
