Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Frank Juárez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Frank, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Like many creatives, my interest in art began at an early age. I remember competing against my best friend, Ramón Alvarado at Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School to see who was the best drawer in class. The winner would be determined based on our classmates’ excitement, which was a tie. I engaged in the creative process throughout my middle and high school education. Although my interest was in art, my career aspiration was to become a doctor. As I took courses in college, I realized that my dream was not turning into my reality. This resulted in reassessing my career goal, ultimately leading me into the arts.

When I graduated from Carroll University, I was searching for my first job as a graphic designer. After several interviews, the idea of an entry-level graphic design job did not appeal to me. I felt that I needed something that would offer more creativity and purpose. I remember going to a local bookstore and heading to the business section. I came across a book titled, “What Color Is Your Parachute?” by Richard Nelson Bolles. I skimmed the book and came across two questions that would change my life. They were “What are your skills?”, and “Where would you like to use them?” Immediately, I responded with art and classroom. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to become an art teacher. I returned to my alma mater to pursue certification.

I was hired as a full-time art teacher in 2001 at Riverview Alternative Programs in the Sheboygan Area School District. I taught at-risk youth for five years before transferring to Sheboygan North High School, where I currently teach. It was around this time, 2005-2006, that I became curious about the art world. I wanted to learn as much as I could about every possible facet of art. This curiosity drove me to who I am today – an art educator, artist, publisher of Artdose magazine, editor-in-chief of SchoolArts magazine, arts advocate, business of art coach, curator, and former gallery director.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I bring over two decades of art education and arts management experience organizing local and regional art exhibitions, and community art events. I present on art education at the state and national level, support artists through grant programs, and offer professional development workshops for artists. This has put me at the forefront of promoting Wisconsin artists, in addition to attracting regional, national, and international artists to collaborate and exhibit in Wisconsin. Projects that I have founded are Artdose magazine, the 365 Artists 365 Days Project, and the Midwest Artist Studios Project. In addition to curating the Indiana Green Invitational since 2010.

My curiosity is what drives me. I want to put my finger on the pulse of our Midwest contemporary art landscape. My desire to continue to learn and engage in multiple processes led me to pursue a creative practice in tandem with teaching art and creating a gateway into the gallery, business of art, and advocacy worlds. These experiences resulted in developing skills that would give me the confidence to start my art magazine, Artdose magazine. This magazine introduced another layer to this contemporary art landscape. What began as an art publication (2013) started in my community slowly transitioned into a Midwest art magazine focusing on the visual arts in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. I like to use the phrase, “Born in Wisconsin. Raised in the Midwest.” In 2025, Artdose will turn twelve. It has become a platform for areas that I strongly believe in – advocacy, education, equity, diversity, and inclusion. I believe the success of the magazine is a result of collaborations, partnerships, and belonging. My profession continues to play a major role in defining my identity, values, and beliefs, shaping me to become the best person I can be.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Defining my legacy drives my creative journey. As I approach retirement, I have started to think about my next phase in life and what I want to continue to bring into this world. Being in the art industry is difficult, considering that Wisconsin is ranked as the 49th state with the lowest public funding in the arts. I am in a good place to share decades of experience and knowledge. I want creatives to succeed, especially those that are emerging or new to this industry. I have been blessed with the opportunities I have been provided throughout my career. Through the legacy I continue to build, I hope that one day, it will have an impact on others and encourage them to pay it forward. We need to build a system that supports each other.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Art may seem like a luxury in the public’s eye, but for us, it is a way of living, a way of being who we are, and a way to share our passion. Through art, we show our vulnerabilities, inner feelings, thoughts, and personal experiences. Each work of art tells a story and provides a stage for connection and conversation. I would like people to realize that art is a business. Creatives have financial needs like any small business owner such as studio costs, bills, rent, insurance, etc. I believe creatives are the heartbeat of our communities. It is their artistic contributions that make our world more colorful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artdosemagazine.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artdosemagazineweekly
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankjuarezartdose
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankjuarez/

Image Credits

JUA_1373 File. Photo: Sally Carson.
IMG_8952.jpeg File: Photo: Dannielle Arneson.
aDSC_8024.jpeg File. Photo: Sheboygan Area School District.
39_AP3_Frank_Juarez.jpeg File. Photo: Rachel Foster.
juarez 1.jpeg File. Photo: Frank Juarez.
Photo_Credit_Meg_Strobel_9 File. Photo: Meg Strobel.