Omss Art: I am also Intuit. You can be too.

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Dear omss,

My name is Laura Fox, and I am Intuit.

But, I didn't start that way. As an advocate for the disenfranchised, I was first drawn to how Intuit shows the work of self-taught artists whose circumstances-- whether income, education, race, or disability-- prevented them from attending typical art schools and participating in exhibitions. Hosting more than 80 exhibitions since its founding, Intuit gives voice and agency to these artists, making sure their impressive work is represented in mainstream culture.

I truly got into it because of Intuit's commitment to educating contemporary communities. More than 7,500 people visit Intuit each year, an impressive number for a small museum. And, through their teacher programs, Intuit empowers more than 400 students from different Chicago Public Schools, with nearly 80% of the students coming from low-income backgrounds. In her Teacher Fellowship Program evaluation, Susan Mullen from Wells Community Academy notes, "I have been teaching art for nearly twenty-five years and have participated in numerous programs. The Intuit fellowship has had by far the greatest positive impact on my teaching... One of my goals in the classroom is to dispel the common myth that art is an elite endeavor, which produces objects that are incomprehensible, priceless and hanging in a church, mansion, or museum. I strive to show my students that we are all creators with a unique and valuable point of view. Introducing my students to outsider art did just that and more."

My own commitment to Intuit has grown over the past two years from teaching student workshops to leading docent tours, and now serving on the Board of Directors. I encourage you to start in the same way: grow along with us, contributing what you can now to help this little organization with a big impact reach our goal of $20,000 for our 20th Anniversary Year.

I'll be participating in a curator-led tour of the current exhibition on July 9 at 11am. I hope you-whether new donor, member, or just someone who'd like to learn more-can join me. You just might become Intuit, too.

All my best,

Laura's Signature
Laura Fox
Member, Board of Directors