I'm JT, nice to meet you!

Hello, my name is Jennifer Thornton (nickname: JT), and I am the newest seasonal staff member at the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Evanston. I will be working on the Ethnic Arts Festival and the Lakeshore Arts Festival as the Program Coordinator. I have worked or volunteered for both festivals for several summers in a row, and I am in awe of the spirit of each event and the amazing, diverse talent and passion represented year after year. I think this season could be the best yet!

My life mostly revolves around the arts, and I am also a strong advocate for civil rights/equality and sustainable living issues. I grew up in Knoxville, TN and studied dance and musical theater throughout my childhood. I earned a BA with a major in Spanish and a minor in Dance from University of Tennessee, and then interned at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC before moving to Chicago. I then completed a Master of Arts Management at Columbia College Chicago, and have been working in the nonprofit arts in Chicago since 2002, at such organizations as The Field Museum, Chicago International Film Festival, Illinois Arts Alliance, and most recently at Links Hall, an innovative performing arts studio where I served as Managing Director for 2.5 years. I also sit on the Board of Split Pillow, a nonprofit Chicago-centric film production company, and I perform, produce, and create my own art as much as possible!

I love interacting with and supporting artists in all mediums, and I am thrilled by the festival environment, with its opportunities to share extraordinary art work and performance, meet new people, and celebrate the culture of Evanston, Chicago, and beyond! I hope that if you are participating in the festivals in any way or are one of our valued guests, that you will reach out to me about anything - I'm here this summer for you!