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Evan La Ruffa

Founder & Executive Director at IPaintMyMind with over 15 years of experience in art, consulting, and community leadership

Evan La Ruffa is a multifaceted creative professional based in the Greater Chicago Area, recognized for his roles as a curator, consultant, and artist. He is the founder and executive director of IPaintMyMind, a nonprofit arts organization that connects artists with community spaces through art leasing programs. This initiative aims to enhance environments while fostering community engagement through art.

Educational Background

La Ruffa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, along with two Master of Business Administration degrees—one from Smartly Institute and another from Quantic School of Business and Technology. This educational foundation supports his diverse skill set in strategic operations and nonprofit management.

Professional Experience

  • Founder & Executive Director at IPaintMyMind: Since February 2012, he has led this organization, focusing on nonprofit development strategy, program design, and art installations. His work emphasizes the intersection of art and community impact, driving innovation in how art is integrated into public and private spaces.
  • Curator | Consultant | Artist at EvanLaRuffa.com: In this role since March 2013, La Ruffa manages projects for various artists and provides consulting services to help clients develop art collections. His artistic practice includes photography, particularly a series titled "Post All Bills," which explores urban decay and the layers of posters found on city walls.

Artistic Approach

Evan La Ruffa's artistic philosophy revolves around accessibility and engagement with diverse audiences. He believes in the power of art to create meaningful connections and foster dialogue within communities. His work often challenges traditional boundaries in art-making, utilizing modern tools like smartphones for photography to capture everyday moments in innovative ways.

Personal Insights

La Ruffa identifies as an Argentinian-American and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in his work. He views risk as an opportunity for growth and encourages others to embrace action as a means of learning and development.

For more details about his projects and artistic endeavors, you can visit his website at EvanLaRuffa.com.

Highlights

Aug 26 · linkedin

Can you believe that teachers often spend their own money on supplies for their students and classroom?

It’s true - and crazy.

That’s why IPaintMyMind works to provide teachers, schools, and students with the art supplies they need to learn like privileged kids do.

Big thanks to lulafit and Shana Oliver and Kaelyn Alexandria Norwood for helping us provide art supplies to a school in Los Angeles last week!

DM if your company is looking for a cool way to give back!!!

We’re particularly interested in pairing with corporate donors in:

  • Chicago
  • Detroit
  • New York
  • Atlanta
  • Miami
  • Houston
  • Dallas
  • Austin
  • San Diego
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle

Let’s make a difference, together!

Aug 23 · linkedin

This is what impact looks like!

IPaintMyMind has been hard at work expanding our reach, supporting teachers nationwide with curriculum, support, and resources…

And now we’re on the ground in Los Angeles doing what we’ve already done in Chicago and Detroit — identify heroes in education and support them.

Yesterday we delivered 125 art supply bags to Salvin Special Education Center, an elementary school for children with special needs near Koreatown.

To Principal Natalie Smith and Serena Au, the tireless and hugely inspiring art therapist that works there and at 7 other LAUSD schools — we look forward to more art + community wins together!!

Related Questions

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Experience

Founder & Executive Director at IPaintMyMind (February 2012 - Present)
- Curator | Consultant | Artist at EvanLaRuffa.com (March 2013 - Present) - Copywriter & Branding Strategist at Popskull (March 2013 - January 2015) - Editorial Contributor at Beinsports (October 2013 at New Futuro (March 2012 - January 2013)

Education

- altMBA, Awareness, Empathy, Action, 2021 - Executive MBA, Business Administration and Management, General, Quantic School of Business and Technology, 2019 - 2020 - BA, Justice and Peace Studies, The

Location

Greater Chicago Area