Catalyst Ranch’s
Creative Juice Blog
As a woman-founded and woman-owned company, Catalyst Ranch has always sought to lift up women. It’s a value that guides us in our private and public event booking as well as in the various arts and fundraising series we’ve produced ourselves. In March, Women’s History Month gives us the opportunity to learn more about [...]
While February comes to a close, we again look to ways Black History can be celebrated all throughout the year, beyond Black History Month.As we’ve explored in years prior, Black History abounds in Chicago, and many industry-changing institutions that were founded in Chicago endure to this day. Among them are the South Side Community Arts [...]
Chicago is host to such a wide range of events at any given time, bringing people together, in environments that allow you to interact with the city around you. There are art showings and installations, music at cozy blues clubs and huge festivals, food tasting events in the parks, and so much more. That's [...]
When we reflect on Black history in America, we at Catalyst Ranch can’t help but recognize the importance of the spaces where Black joy, creativity and community thrive; the spaces where Black culture and achievement flourish. After all, it was in Chicago, at the Wabash Avenue YMCA in Bronzeville, where Carter G. Woodson and [...]
At this time last year we pulled you into the straight-up party that was Pantone’s Viva Magenta. But for their 2024 Color of the Year, the Pantone color experts have predicted a year of Peach Fuzz. The vibe of this new hue is just as juicy and ripe for inspiration as Magenta. Let’s use [...]
The creative life of our social media pilot Bryan, like that of many other Ranch staffers, goes well beyond the Catalyst confines. He shared with the Creative Juice Blog an inspiring team-building activity he created for his teaching artist colleagues in Chicago. With the holidays in full swing, I’m reminded of an uplifting team-building [...]
We’ve been savoring these somewhat in-between days which happen after Labor Day and before the autumn equinox, i.e., the more scientific end of summer. But lo and behold, we're staring that milestone in the face — the autumn equinox is today, September 22 — and it’s still hard to let summer go. We dwell in this [...]
We’re thankful for an industry where we get to meet so many people and create community and connection into different industries and spheres. Human connection is such a huge part of cultivating mental wellness. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we’re bringing some attention to resources and communities whose work we have high regard [...]
We're not a drug store. Our colorful accoutrement isn't seasonal, and the bits and bobs that give you the warm-and-fuzzies don't get shelved on a clearance rack after February 14! On the contrary, LOVE is in the air all year round at Catalyst Ranch. Our environment has just the right recipe of joy and creativity [...]
Like Christmas, our staff look forward to early November every year. That's because it marks the Catalyst Ranch Anniversary, which we traditionally celebrate with a big party. All our Ranch Hand personnel join in putting on the festivities—for Ranch friends and clients alike—but make no mistake: We also get to enjoy the party ourselves. It's [...]
