What is RATIO?

RATIO is an official, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, fully recognized by the IRS and Federal, State and Local Governments.

We network, inform, support and then integrate diverse groups of artists, performers and lovers of art behind inspiring, charitable causes. We then throw exciting, art-related events that showcase these and other quality, local artists; to raise awareness to human rights abuses and the inspiring work of NGOs and non-profits who are doing vital on the ground work.

In this way, we inform the general public of critical humanitarian issues, expose them to inspiring local art and performance, and then empower audiences to realize their own potential to make a difference by choosing to support the work of a humanitarian aid agency.

Everybody wins! And all without the heaviness and guilt you normally get from the non-profit world!

Have fun! Relax and kick back!

Amy Rieckelman- Booking / Production
I am an apartment leasing agent/ cocktail server currently pursuing a career as an actress. Inspired by my friends at RATIO, I volunteered to book what I thought would be a small concert to raise funds for a part of the world I cared for, but knew little about, Darfur and D.R. Congo. Not only did I learn more about the cause, but in just under a year, I've had the chance to book three benefit shows, with three amazing line-ups of great Chicago bands with great big hearts.

I have been so impressed by the Indie Rock community and their compassion, so thank you to all of the many bands and volunteers who have given so much of their time, energy, and support.

Thank you RATIO for giving me the chance to do this.
Do something for Africa, do anything!

Erica Mott- Co-director
I am a performance artist/creator/educator/communicator who has a great love for community cultural work in all its various forms. My curiousity has taken me around the globe a few times and now into the heart of a progressive and diverse community of RATIO artists unafraid of intersecting their practice with their beliefs to incite change.

Sheelah Murthy - Time Arts Coordinator / “Fill in the Gap” Coordinator.
Or maybe I'm the Crazy-Last-Minute-Inspiration-We-Can-Do-Anything-If -We-Just-Work-Hard-Enough Coordinator...Oops. Now I’m a Co- Director for RATIO. How did that happen?

For a long time now it seems that many have thought sincerity equals cheesy sentimentality. This is SO WRONG! The people I've met through RATIO have proven that sincere compassion for others can be smart, funny, hip, tough, razor sharp and a powerful weapon against cruel injustice. I'm Sheelah Murthy an interdisciplinary artist (and licensed massage therapist) and I am very grateful to my jazz musician partner Joseph Marchione, my 8 year old daughter and my 5 employers without whose influence I would not be here today.

Jonathan Clark – Production Chair.
I am the head of production for Ratio. When I am not working with this group collective, I am a filmmaker, actor and producer. My day job is in real estate and I want to give my respect to all those artists that have to work, to WORK.

McCamie Cole – Marketing Coordinator
After three and half years of living in West Africa and wandering the world I've returned to find these kind folks at RATIO welcoming me with open arms. I work identifying and coordinating our contacts and exploring marketing opportunities. If you've received an email, postcard or phone call, chances are I've got your name on my list. I try my best to bring a little of my real world experiences into every meeting, event, and conversation about our cause.

Anne Markovich – Marketing Director

Kasia Niemczyk – Assistant Marketing Director
It's been a very busy and bumpy road, but I'm happy to be part of a growing organization that is trying its hardest to do some good in the world.... I'm all about it and very proud! . I'm excited that the events that we've put together this year will help make some kind of positive impact in Africa. Good luck to my fellow R.A.T.I.O. friends, i'm very happy to be working w/ you all.

Robyn Maitland – Artist Committee – Visual Arts Coordinator
I try and find balance in my life as a representative for a homeopathic company and as a painter, but my true passion is helping others. I have had the good fortune to host art events in Chicago and found that supporting artists and the community is incredibly rewarding.

I have always had an interest in collaborating with creative minds and also in not-for-profit work; then along came RATIO :)

I have been brought on board as a Visual Arts Coordinator and feel honored to be a part of this group and to help the cause.

Sean Patrick – Founder.
I studied classical theater in college and originally saw myself as a professional stage actor, but it's funny how things change in life. I am now on track to be a high school physics teacher in the Chicago Public School system, and am excited to have founded an organization that brings art and artists together behind important humanitarian causes. I have always felt that art is at its most powerful when used in service to humanity and am constantly blown away by the incredible people that make up this organization and the artists that contribute. They are all humanitarians in the truest sense of the word.