Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So, at Reel Chicago, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices all year long. Today, let us introduce you to curator, philanthropist, and art collector, Autumn Pippenburg
Autumn Pippenburg is the visionary behind the Art of Giving Foundation, a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that harnesses the power of art to promote emotional learning, healing, and community engagement—especially among youth.
A multidisciplinary artist with a background in mixed media, classical piano, and dance, Autumn is passionate about keeping the arts at the forefront of education. Under her leadership, the foundation offers art therapy, produces public murals, and leads community-based projects that use creativity as a force for connection and positive change.
Her work bridges philanthropy and the arts, extending both locally and globally, and reflects her deep commitment to giving back and empowering others through artistic expression.
In short, Autumn is a key cultural connector and change-maker in Chicago’s art world.
Let’s meet her!
What’s your Chicago story?
I was born and raised in Elgin, IL. I had to move to Oxford, MI in the middle of my Junior year of high school. I stayed in Michigan for several years, attending Oakland University. I then moved back to Elgin where I stayed for just a year before moving to Naperville for 10 years. I moved to Chicago about 7 years ago and reside in the West Town neighborhood. I’ve lived in a few different neighborhoods throughout Chicago – Old Town, West Loop, Avondale, and River West. I choose to stay in Chicago because my
organization is a Chicago-based nonprofit.
How did you break into art?
I was volunteering for another organization when I realized my calling. I absolutely had to work with children and in some artistic fashion. Starting my nonprofit happened so quickly and almost by accident, that if it weren’t for the monumental shift in my life, it would be blurry. The defining moment when I knew I was where I was supposed to be… the moment I left the kids in Nicaragua and realized I already missed them. I wanted to make sure they were doing okay in every stage of their lives and it kept me awake at
night thinking about them.
How has Chicago influenced your creative journey?
The need is here, in my own backyard. Chicago has influenced me in so many ways – the art scene here is unbelievable, the hospitality industry is alive, the entertainment is old school meets new school. There is something creative here for everyone, in every stage of their creative journey. There is so much room for potential and growth here – so many nonprofits fighting for change and doing inspiring work – the network of good people here is vast and I value that tremendously.
Chicago is known for its grind and resilience. How has that shaped your career?
We have so many creatives here, how could there not be grind and resilience? We are the problem solvers, the thinkers, and we never give up on an idea. We take a lot of risks here – I’ve personally taken risks and know my friends have too with their businesses. We’re a tight knit community though – big city, small world kind of vibe.
What’s a creative risk you took that paid off?
Opening Gallery AOG has been the biggest risk I’ve taken thus far. Gallery AOG is not just an art gallery, it’s an event venue and a hub for the Art of Giving Foundation to run our programs. It serves so many uses and has so many moving pieces – all worth every minute of it.
Chicago has given us Michelle Obama, Oprah, Joan Cusack Shonda Rhimes, Linda Kaplan Thaler, Barbara Proctor, Lena Waithe, and so many powerhouse women. What’s it going to take to create even more opportunities for Chicago women?
Women create – we are the creators of life itself. If you want an opportunity, create it. I also believe in supporting our fellow women. All those big names you listed, are known for giving back to their communities. We need more of that – we need to stick together.
What’s your take on the rise of AI?
AI has been around for decades, only now it’s actually evolving into something outside of most people’s understanding. And that can make it scary. For me, anything that is unknown or outside of my knowledge base, I want to learn more about. I welcome it with open arms. I’m sure there will be aspects to it that I don’t like, just like with almost everything else in life. I’ve personally used AI to help me design flyers for fundraising events, write grants, write emails, and so forth. I think it’s a valuable tool.
How do you balance ambition with self-care?
I work as hard as I can for as long as I can, and then right before I burnout, I take a day of rest to recuperate. I have a high tolerance level – you have to in this business. I also love what I do, so even on my “off” days, you’ll probably find
You’re writing a memoir. What’s the title?
The Art of Giving.
Autumn’s Socials:
Instagram: @autumnpippenburg
Facebook: @Autumnpippenburg
To see who else is a REEL WOMAN, click here.
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