Power Session: “Starting From Scratch”
How we turned an old school building into an arts & culture center.
About the Speakers: Jonathon Romain is Co-Founder and Director of Development of ART Inc. He is a graduate of Bradley University and a nationally known artist who has owned an art gallery for over twenty years. His art has been seen on television, in magazines, and museums. In addition to his artistic accomplishments he is a prolific speaker. Jonathon has shared his journey with thousands of young people across the country from prisons to some of the most prestigious colleges in the world. He is also a member of Peoria’s Public Arts Advisory and serves on the PCCEO Board of Directors.
Nikki Romain is Co-Founder and Executive Director of ART Inc. She is a graduate from Columbia College Chicago with a B.A. in Theater. Nikki has an extensive background in the arts as an actor, singer, writer, and voice over artist. She was selected to perform with the well-known Chicago Praise Ensemble and toured throughout northern Italy. Nikki has performed in musicals and theatrical productions across the country such as, Little Shop of Horrors, The Wiz, Godspell, Steel Magnolias, For Colored Girls, and Shoe Story. She wrote, produced, and played in her one woman show, “Lost and Found” (a story about how the arts saved her life), at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in Los Angeles and the prestigious Royal George theater in Chicago. Using arts and culture as a vehicle, Nikki’s mission in life is to empower the lives of women and youth.
Outside of work, Nikki serves on the HOI United Way and Big Picture Peoria Board of Directors. She is also an active member of the Greater Peoria Illinois Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Incorporated and the Central Illinois (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is married to her soul mate and best friend, Jonathon Romain, and proud mother to the lovely Kennedy Alexandra Romain.