Meet Maru Jensen, a Bakehouse artist who has shown incredible support for our community in varied ways. In 2022, Maru co-chaired Futures / Visions / Visionaries, our annual fundraiser event. As co-chair, Maru was highly instrumental in securing sponsorships and selling tickets, all in support of our mission to ensure Miami-based artists have expanded access to studios, art-making facilities, and a community of peers. 

Beyond assisting with the organization's fundraising activities, Maru is a full-time artist and often present in Bakehouse's shared ceramics facilities, creating new work and further developing her practice. 

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1. Why is it important to support artists and the organizations that serve them?

Supporting artists and the organizations that serve them is crucial for cultural enrichment, economic growth, community engagement, innovation, and heritage preservation. Artists contribute to our cultural landscape, while their work stimulates economic activity and creates jobs. Arts organizations provide platforms for community dialogue and cultural exchange, fostering understanding and empathy. Contributing to artists and art organizations helps create a vibrant, inclusive society where creativity flourishes and our collective identity is celebrated.

2. What inspires you about Bakehouse?

What inspires me about Bakehouse is its ability to serve as a catalyst for creativity, community, and change. Bakehouse provides vital support and a platform for artists, enabling them to pursue their passions and share their perspectives with the world. I'm inspired by its commitment to fostering cultural enrichment, promoting diversity, and engaging with communities in meaningful ways. Its dedication to innovation, collaboration, and pushing boundaries fuels my enthusiasm to support them. Bakehouse has the power to ignite imaginations, provoke thought, and bring people together, ultimately contributing to a more connected society.

3. Why should someone donate to Bakehouse?

Donating to an art organization is crucial for fostering cultural enrichment, supporting artists, and promoting community engagement. These organizations serve as vital platforms for showcasing diverse artistic expressions, preserving cultural heritage, and providing access to arts education and resources. By contributing financially, donors help sustain these essential initiatives, ensuring that artists have the necessary support to create and share their work. Additionally, donations enable Bakehouse to organize events, exhibitions, and outreach programs that enrich communities, stimulate creativity, and foster inclusivity. Ultimately, donating to Bakehouse empowers individuals to play an active role in promoting the arts and enriching society.

4. What is your wish for Bakehouse as it embarks on its next generation for 21st-century artmaking?

My wish for Bakehouse in the next generation is to embrace innovation, diversity, and inclusivity in 21st-century art making. May they serve as a dynamic platform that amplifies diverse voices, foster creativity, and strengthen communities, shaping a vibrant and culturally rich artistic landscape for generations to come.

5. Where would you like to see Bakehouse in three years?

I envision Bakehouse securing the essential funding needed to refurbish its current facilities and to construct affordable studios and future residential spaces tailored to Miami's vibrant artistic community.