A Year of Growth, Gratitude & New Beginnings
- Linda Solotaire
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 10
True Muse Inc — End of Year Reflections & 2026 Preview
As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude. Whether you joined us as an artist, audience member, volunteer, workshop participant, or generous supporter—you have been part of the evolving story of the Second Sunday Salon series. Your presence and participation have helped shape a community rooted in creativity, connection, and care.
Over the past few years, this little idea—an intimate gathering of artists and neighbors—has grown into a vibrant multidisciplinary program. Thanks to a special donor and our ongoing partnership with Tom Burke-Kaiser and The Print Shop Live, we’ve now produced more than a dozen Salons featuring artists from across Chicago’s cultural landscape. Together, we’ve welcomed musicians, dancers, poets, visual artists, choreographers, and storytellers into shared space with audiences eager for beauty, dialogue, and inspiration.
Our Collective Impact
This year reaffirmed our belief that art is not only expressive—it is a tool for solidarity and service. Together, we’ve raised funds to support vital community work, including:
Contributions for the AOC & Bernie Sanders coalition (with gratitude to Lance Brown)
Nearly $1,000 raised for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights
Ongoing awareness-building in support of local justice organizations and mutual aid efforts
Art That Moves, Connects & Belongs to Everyone
We’ve watched audiences light up as jazz met spoken word, as folk and rock collided with dance, and as photography and painting captured what words couldn’t hold. New friendships have formed in real time. We’ve made art together and written poetry in workshops with award-winning artists. We’ve seen people walk out different from when they arrived. That is the heart of this work.
Looking Ahead to 2026
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The year ahead is already shaping up to be our most ambitious yet. To make our programming more accessible to diverse communities, we are expanding our reach:
New partnership with Colvin House
in Edgewater
—a stunning historic home at Sheridan & Thorndale Ave.A developing partnership in Hyde Park / Bronzeville—to bring the Salon further south.
Ongoing collaboration with The Print Shop Live—our creative home base in Humboldt Park.
New Artists, musicians, composers, writers, spoken word artists, filmmakers, dance makers, and more.
We envision a future where our audience reflects the city we love: multiethnic, multigenerational, interdisciplinary, deeply curious, and joyfully engaged.
Organizational Growth
Behind the scenes, we’ve also taken important steps forward:
Formation of a Board of Directors
Development of an Artistic Advisory Board
Current filing for 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt status
If you feel called to take a more active role—volunteering, joining a committee, or exploring board service—I would love to hear from you.
Thank You
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for believing in what we are building. Thank you for choosing community, art, and courage in a world that desperately needs more of each.
I cannot wait to share what comes next.
With love, warmth, and gratitude,
Linda Solotaire
Artistic Director, True Muse Inc.
Want to Get Involved in 2026?
Volunteer or join a committee
Offer space, partnerships, or resources
Sponsor a Salon or artist honorarium
Join our mailing list & share events with your community
👉 Email us to start the conversation. *Linda@TrueMuseInc.com
👉 Follow us on FB for upcoming dates & announcements.*
The Power of Community Art
Art has the power to transform lives. It brings us together, bridging gaps between different backgrounds and experiences. In our gatherings, we create a space where everyone feels welcome. We share stories, laughter, and sometimes tears. Each Salon is a reminder of the beauty in our diversity.
Creating Lasting Connections
As we move into 2026, I am excited about the connections we will continue to foster. Each artist and audience member adds a unique thread to our tapestry. Together, we weave a narrative that reflects the heart of our community.
Embracing New Opportunities
This year, we are committed to embracing new opportunities. We will explore innovative ways to engage with our audience. By collaborating with a wider range of artists, we will enrich our programming. This is not just about showcasing talent; it’s about creating a platform for voices that need to be heard.
Celebrating Our Achievements
Let’s take a moment to celebrate what we have achieved together. Each event has been a milestone. Each interaction has been a step toward building a more inclusive arts culture. Your support has made this possible. We are grateful for every contribution, no matter how small.
Looking Forward with Hope
As we look forward, let’s carry this spirit of hope and collaboration into the new year. Together, we can create a vibrant arts community that uplifts everyone. Let’s continue to dream big and work hard. The journey ahead is filled with possibilities, and I am thrilled to embark on it with all of you.
Join Us on This Journey
I invite you to join us on this journey. Your involvement can make a difference. Whether you volunteer your time, share your talents, or simply spread the word, every action counts. Together, we can build a future where art thrives and everyone feels they belong.
Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, connection, and creativity. Together, we will shape the narrative of our community through the power of art.
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