Krause Group believes that the Krause Family Art Collection plays an important role in helping Krause Group and its businesses achieve their CSR goals. Throughout 2022, we used art to encourage empathy, respect, and curiosity among people across cultures, with an emphasis on CSR-focused programming. Active engagement with Associates and external visitors fostered connections, encouraging people to learn about each other in real time while also attending to their own individual experiences.

Summer 2022 Exhibition in the Krause Family Art Gallery

Launched in June 2022, the included works from the permanent collection representing a variety of mediums including sculpture, photography, painting, and works on paper. With its vibrant, interesting collection of artworks, the exhibition curated relevant and robust conversations at Krause Group and within the community through its close in February 2023.

A full-color gallery booklet showcased the talents of a local photographer, graphic designer, and printer and included an insightful essay by LA-based guest curator, art writer and member of the LGBTQ+ community, Ricky Amadour. Ricky’s brief essay, Dialogues on Forced Migration, highlighted one of many important and timely topics these artists/artworks explore, including themes of forced migration, othering, racial and cultural inequity, by some of today’s most influential contemporary artists including: McArthur Binion, Bethany Collins, Theaster Gates, Simone Leigh, Richard Mosse, Oscar Murillo, Mark Rothko, Hank Willis Thomas and Ai Weiwei.

In December 2022, Krause Group was honored to host three art-centric events focused on highlighting the theme of art and inclusivity. We were joined by guest speakers Ricky Amadour and Jill Wells, local artist and community activist.

Ricky and Jill’s willingness to share their unique experiences with our Krause Group Associates and community partners was amplified by attendees’ lively participation, both with the art and speakers. All participants brought open minds and fresh perspectives to each event.

Sharing Artwork with the Broader Community

In addition to our home gallery, we believe in furthering the impact art can have in our community by supporting arts education, access, and ongoing scholarship. In 2022, pieces from the Krause Family Art Collection were loaned to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, MN and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art in Omaha, NE. Lending artwork allows the borrowing institution an opportunity to exhibit work that is not often viewable or otherwise inaccessible to the public. Additionally, the artwork contributes specifically to a scholarly vision, in which the work is contextualized with other art for cultural impact.