JESSICA MATUSHEK, DIRECTOR

Jessica Matushek is a ceramic artist working out of her back porch studio. A Homewood resident for 18 years, she shares her life with her husband, Peter, their two kids, a dog, and some backyard chickens.

Creativity has been a consistent thread throughout Jessica’s personal and professional journey. She founded and operated a successful wedding and lifestyle photography business, developing both her artistic perspective and a love of connecting with people through art. Before moving fully into the arts, she strengthened her administrative and leadership skills at DePaul University’s Treasurer’s Office, where she gained experience in budgeting, operations, management, and cross-departmental coordination— skills that will now help sustain and grow the work of the Creative Alliance.

In her role as Director, Jessica is passionate about supporting local artists, fostering inclusive creative spaces, and ensuring that Homewood’s cultural life reflects the diversity, talent, and curiosity of the people who live here. She is committed to developing experiences and programs that encourage residents of all ages to explore the arts, build relationships, and feel a deeper sense of connection and belonging within their community.

When she’s not making pottery, Jessica is spending quality time with her family—cooking, gardening, reading, and playing card games. She also enjoys experimenting with film photography, singing in the Bel Canto Community Choir and with her acoustic duo, Jess & Dave, and hanging out on her front porch with friends and neighbors.

Karlie Sherman brings a lifelong dedication to creativity to her role as Associate Director of the Homewood Creative Alliance. A graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University with a BFA in Acting, Karlie spent years performing on stage and later representing artists as a talent agent.

She now works in pediatric occupational therapy and as a consultant for families and adults who are neurodivergent or supporting individuals with developmental differences, including ADHD and autism. Her work centers on helping people build confidence and connection- principals she also sees at the heart of the arts.

Passionate about community-based art projects, Karlie envisions a Homewood where radical acts of creativity are central to the town’s identity and neighbors become friends through collective expression.

When she’s not working for the HCA, Karlie can be found laughing with her husband and daughter, traveling, making art, and hanging out with her friends.

KARLIE SHERMAN, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

ERICA VAN SCHAIK, SECRETARY

Erica Van Schaik is a multidisciplinary artist, an 11-year Homewood resident, and a passionate advocate for the power of art.

Throughout her career, Erica has explored many corners of the art world—from designing a float for Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade and creating spontaneous public installations, to painting vibrant murals on neighborhood garages. Her hands-on experience and inventive approach have taught her how to bring big ideas to life on any budget. Today, she channels that creativity into a line of greeting cards and paper goods sold locally and in Chicago shops.

Since moving to Homewood with her husband and daughter, Erica has become deeply rooted in the community. Her involvement with Homewood School District 153’s PTA included two years as Vice President of Fundraising and one year as Secretary—roles that strengthened her belief in the impact of collaboration and creativity.

Erica’s guiding mantra is simple: art is important. She believes art weaves the fabric of society together, uplifts us in difficult times, and strengthens our shared humanity. Through her work with this nonprofit, she aims to make art accessible, visible, and valued in every corner of Homewood.

When she’s not painting murals or printing greeting cards, Erica can be found spending time with her family and friends, sipping coffee at a local café, or hunting for treasures while thrifting. She also works part-time at Loulou Belle and in the office at Willow Elementary School.

SANTYNA PIÑEIROS, TREASURER

Santyna Piñeiros has been a resident of Homewood for the past 8 years with her husband, their two children and two dogs.

Being surrounded by a family of creatives who celebrated and made art and music, allowed Santyna to be curious about the world through these lenses. She believes creating and experiencing art should be accessible to everyone and has the power to connect people from different cultural backgrounds and identities.

As a licensed clinical social worker who currently works in a group practice in Hyde Park, Santyna is passionate about providing equitable, culturally responsive mental health services to the BIPOC community. She often uses art modalities in her work as a therapist.

Santyna treasures time with her family and especially enjoys being outdoors, cooking, reading, and having movie nights curled up with their dogs. She sings in the local Bel Canto Choir and likes to paint and work on her printmaking.