FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINKS TO ARTISTS’ WEBSITES:
Dan Gardiner
Laura Lee Junge
Damon Lamar Reed
Media Contacts:
Isaac Reichman, ireichman@choosechicago.com, (312) 805-9586
Stephen Crano, scrano@choosechicago.com, (312) 567-8505
The recognition of the three artists reinforces Choose Chicago’s commitment to uplifting diverse local perspectives in the cultural space
Chicago, IL (April 30, 2025) – Choose Chicago is thrilled to announce the selection of Dan Gardiner, Laura Lee Junge, and Damon Lamar Reed as the organization’s Artists of the Year. Each artist is recognized for the unique perspective their work lends to the Chicago experience for both residents and visitors, and for the shared passion and love for our city expressed through their work. Choose Chicago will commission works from each artist for gift-giving opportunities throughout the year and to present to major meetings and conventions clients as tokens of appreciation for bringing their events to our destination.
“We are fortunate to live in a city with a thriving visual arts community, and Damon, Dan, and Laura are outstanding examples of the high-caliber talent that Chicago produces,” said Rose Horcher, Vice President of Client Services at Choose Chicago. “I have no doubt that their artworks will be received by our clients and partners as cherished keepsakes and remind them of their positive experiences here for years to come.”
Dan Gardiner is a Chicago-based photographer whose work captures the city’s dynamic beauty, from iconic architecture to the vibrant lakefront. Gardiner shared, “It is an honor to be named one of Choose Chicago’s Artists of the Year. As an artist working in a highly competitive medium, any opportunity to broaden my reach and my audience is incredibly impactful, and I look forward to sharing my work with the professional organizations and event clients that Choose Chicago partners with.”
Laura Lee Junge is a painter and sculptor whose work encompasses a broad range of styles and subjects, including what some critics describe as “surrealistic expressionism.” “I am both an artist and the owner and operator of the Jackson Junge Gallery, so I definitely understand how challenging it can be to identify and connect with new customers and audiences,” said Junge. “This program is such a great way for Chicago artists like me to make new connections that we otherwise might never make.”
Damon Lamar Reed’s work encompasses multiple media, including public art, studio art, and music. His portfolio includes over 400 public art projects, and he was named the Chicago Public Art Group’s 2024 Artist of the Year. “Whether it’s through murals, my studio work, or my music, I always aim to use the power of my art to inspire hope, resilience, and forward progress,” said Reed. “I love partnering with organizations like Choose Chicago because it allows me to inspire wider audiences through my work while promoting everything that I love about my city.”
Since 2000, the Artist of the Year program has been part of Choose Chicago’s broader efforts to highlight and support the city’s diverse community of working visual artists.
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About Choose Chicago: Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, andX/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
