Elisa Ann Lindstrom

I went to art school but instead of going out and becoming a full time artist, I moved to New York and worked in not-for-profits hoping I would have time to paint after work. For the next 5+ years I worked helping others (awesome) but I didn’t get a chance to really work on my art (not so awesome).

In 2001, I was a caseworker on Staten Island. I had barely been at work for a month or two when 9/11 happened. I was in lower Manhattan rushing to the ferry when the 2nd plane hit. Although I can’t erase the sound of it or the sights out of my mind, that wasn't the only reason I began to show PTSD symptoms. It was the planes overhead and the constant military presence in the subways. It was going down to ground zero and all of the military check points with my boss to get to his condo and see where it all happened. And there was an incident with a client’s mother that I can’t forget and don’t want to re-live.

Despite the stress and anxiety, I moved forward. I love helping people and it meant so much to me that I went back to school to get a MSW. I don’t think I knew or admitted to myself how completely stressed and overwhelmed I felt. I did self-care – I painted, worked out, spent time with friends. But it was still taking a toll. Bein...

The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, BFA
New York University, MSW

One of A Kind - Chicago
Merchandise Mart
Chicago, IL

The Other Art Fair - Chicago
Fulton Market
Chicago IL

Evanston Made Group Show
Evanston IL

The Other Art Fair - Chicago
Mana Contemporary
Chicago IL

Third Thursday
Danon Gallery
Evanston IL

Creative Coworking
Featured Artist
Evanston, IL

Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival
Chicago IL

Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest
Chicago, IL

Art on the Plaza
Wilmette, IL

19th Annual Edens Arts Fair
Edens Plaza, Wilmette, IL

The Buzz Shoppe
Mixin Mingle, Woodstock, IL

Annual “An Arts & Crafts Adventure”
Hodges Park, Park Ridge, IL

12th Annual Chicago Art Open
River East Art Center, Chicago, IL

The Space Between Us
Art House Co-op, Brooklyn, NY

Canvas Project 2
Art House Co-op, Atlanta, GA

Around The Coyote’s Spring Arts Festival
Chicago, IL

Evanston Art Center’s Winter Arts + Crafts EXPO
Evanston Art Center
Evanston, IL

Portraits/Self-Portraits
Gallery 402
New York, NY

The Art Show 312 West 23rd
New York, NY

Art At 4R
Brooklyn, NY

P-Power
New York, NY

2.72%
Gallery X, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL

In the Collection of The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL