Ruth Yasko, Curator and Art Program Manager, Northwestern Mutual Art Collection

I'm fortunate and proud to be able to say that I've been a part of Milwaukee's creative economy for several decades. I've never seen it as vibrant or as multi-faceted as it is today; my heartfelt respect to everyone in our city who is working together to light a creative path forward for themselves and for others.  

I started my career as an arts and culture journalist while studying at UW-Milwaukee and have worked in many creative capacities since then. Now, as the Curator and Art Program Manager for Northwestern Mutual's Art Collection, I use artwork to help create vibrant, welcoming, inclusive spaces. I also activate the artwork to provide engaging cultural experiences that help us connect to each other and to the community. 

Companies like Northwestern Mutual are a vital part of the arts ecosystem both in terms of corporate support (thought-leadership, resources, patronage, etc.) and through the efforts of many employees who actively volunteer with local arts organizations. I place artwork into every single workspace in our home office locations to enhance the experiences people have in those spaces. I love it when colleagues tell me that the artwork enhances their sense of belonging, inspires them to think bigger, or gives them a quiet moment to reflect and recharge. 

Northwestern Mutual brings thousands of people to Milwaukee every year. We have national conferences in our downtown Milwaukee campus and attendees have told me that the quality of our built environment and the artwork we feature rival that on either coast -- that's something everyone in Milwaukee can be proud of! You don’t have to take their word for it though – you are welcome to visit our Commons and meander through our three-acre garden on Wisconsin Avenue. In the garden you’ll find Cleft by artist Roxy Paine; it’s a remarkable sculpture that was named one of the “Seven Wonders of Milwaukee” by Milwaukee Magazine.

Visit Northwestern Mutual at northwesternmutual.com.