Trickster Art Gallery
Trickster Cultural Center (dba Trickster Art Gallery) is a 501c3 nonprofit in Schaumburg, Illinois, and the first Native American owned arts institution in Illinois. It provides free contemporary Native American art exhibitions, veteran support, youth programs, and community education.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersSchaumburg, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Trickster Art Gallery does
Trickster Cultural Center, doing business as Trickster Art Gallery, is a registered 501c3 nonprofit arts organization founded on March 5, 2005 in Schaumburg, Illinois. It is the first Native American owned and operated arts institution in the state, operating from a 10,000 square foot facility at 190 S. Roselle Road that contains multiple gallery spaces (1st Floor Gallery, West Gallery, 2nd Floor Gallery, and Pop-Up Art Space), a gift shop, a learning center, and outdoor and garden space. The center provides free admission and serves Native American veterans, contemporary Native American artists, K-12 students, educators, and the general Chicagoland community through contemporary Native American art exhibitions focused on post-1960s work.
The organization's revenue model is donation- and sponsorship-driven, with ancillary gift shop sales through both physical retail and a Shopify-based online storefront selling Native-made merchandise. It runs an extensive program portfolio: educational programming (school tours, educator workshops), the annual three-day National Gathering of American Indian Veterans at Cantigny Park, an Eagle Staff National Recognition advocacy initiative, a youth program (Intertribal Youth Council, summer/fall/media camps), the N8V Goodlife R.O.S.C. recovery-oriented program, the Garden Program at multiple community sites, and the CPYD coalition. The center also produces award-winning documentary content including The Untold Story, Forward Together, Connecting Our Generations, and D-Day Warriors: It Was Our War Too. There is no proprietary technology platform; the organization relies on commodity tools including Shopify for e-commerce, Salsa Labs for newsletters, Tockify for event scheduling, and social media.
The organization has cultivated a multi-stakeholder partnership ecosystem including the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Pokagon Band of Pottawatomie, Field Museum, Chicago Blackhawks, Illinois Arts Council, Cantigny Park, Harper College, Oakton College, and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. It is led by CEO Joseph Podlasek, who spearheaded the 2015 launch of the National Gathering, and Executive Director Gina Roxas. Go-to-market is community-led: marketing runs through social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Flickr), email newsletters, community events, and partnerships rather than traditional paid channels.
Trickster Art Gallery firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Trickster Art Gallery
- Legal name
- Trickster Cultural Center
- Website
- https://tricksterculturalcenter.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Trickster Cultural Center (dba Trickster Art Gallery) is a 501c3 nonprofit in Schaumburg, Illinois, and the first Native American owned arts institution in Illinois. It provides free contemporary Native American art exhibitions, veteran support, youth programs, and community education.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Trickster Art Gallery industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cultural Arts Center
- NAICS
- Museums (71211)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Museum, Zoo & Attraction Gift Shops (CRALAJAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Cultural & Heritage Entertainment Booking (Traditional/Folk Acts) (HSACAHAG)
Keywords
Where Trickster Art Gallery is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Schaumburg
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Trickster Art Gallery business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Contributions: As a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, Trickster Cultural Center relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, organizations, and sponsors. Donations support arts programs, veterans programs, the learning center, special events, and general operations.
- Gift Shop Sales: The center operates a physical and online gift shop (Shopify-based) selling unique Native-made and Native-style items, artwork, and merchandise.
- Event Sponsorships: The organization generates revenue through event sponsorships for programs like the National Gathering of American Indian Veterans, Back to School Social, and other community events.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | General Admission - Free |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Trickster Art Gallery product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Trickster Cultural Center (DBA Trickster Art Gallery) is a nonprofit 501c3 Native American cultural center that operates a contemporary Native American art gallery in Schaumburg, Illinois. The center offers free gallery exhibits, educational programming, veteran advocacy services, youth programs, and cultural events. Revenue is generated through charitable donations, gift shop merchandise sales, and event sponsorships rather than admission fees.
Product overview
Trickster Cultural Center is a nonprofit 501c3 Native American and community arts center offering a diverse portfolio of cultural programs and services. The organization operates a 10,000 square foot gallery facility featuring contemporary Native American art exhibitions (1st Floor Gallery, West Gallery 'A Place of Teaching', 2nd Floor Gallery, and Pop-Up Art Space) alongside outdoor public art installations. Core programs include educational programming with school tours and workshops, the National Gathering of American Indian Veterans (annual 3-day event), the Eagle Staff National Recognition Program for veteran advocacy, and documentary production documenting Native veterans and cultural topics. The center supports youth through the Intertribal Youth Council, summer/fall camps, and media camp, while providing veteran services including art programs and Vet Connect outreach. Additional offerings include the N8V Goodlife R.O.S.C. (recovery support), Garden Program at multiple community locations, CPYD coalition, Back to School Social events, Monarch Migration Celebration, Summer Youth Powwow, and a Gift Shop. The center also maintains virtual exhibits including the Healing from Domestic Violence exhibit, and hosts the Native Led Climate Knowledge Exchange for environmental education.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Trickster Art Gallery Exhibits The gallery features multiple exhibit spaces including 1st Floor Gallery, West Gallery (A Place of Teaching), 2nd Floor Gallery, and Pop-Up Art Space showcasing contemporary Native American art, veteran art collections, and multicultural exhibits for visitors and the community.
- Gift Shop On-site and online gift shop offering unique Native-made and Native-style items, art, and merchandise for individual consumers and visitors.
- Educational Programming Educational programming featuring speakers, panel discussions, school tours, and educator workshops focused on Native American culture and awareness for students, schools, and educators.
- National Gathering of American Indian Veterans Annual three-day event at Cantigny Park honoring veterans and military personnel in a Native American style, featuring panels, performances, cultural vendors, and veteran networking for Native American veterans and their families.
- Eagle Staff National Recognition Program Advocacy initiative to get eagle staffs recognized as the Nation's First Flag across all 50 states, with resolutions passed in Illinois, California, and Oklahoma.
- Youth Programs Programs including Trickster Intertribal Youth Council, Niben (Summer) Camp, Dagwaag (Fall) Camp, and Trickster Media Camp for Indigenous youth ages 10 and up.
- Military Veterans Programs Services for Native American veterans including veteran art programs, Vet Connect outreach, veteran resources, and support for veteran needs.
- N8V Goodlife R.O.S.C. Recovery Oriented System of Care Council providing education about Native practices and services for recovery and wellness for those impacted by substance use.
- Garden Program Community gardening initiative at multiple locations including Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve, Oakton College, Harper Community College, and Trickster Cultural Center.
- Communities for Positive Youth Development (CPYD) Coalition supporting the full continuum of care (prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery) in Schaumburg and surrounding communities.
- Documentary Production Documentary production about Native veterans, cultural topics, and events including 'The Untold Story,' 'Forward Together,' 'Connecting Our Generations,' and 'D-Day Warriors: It Was Our War Too.'
Quantifiable outcome
- First state (Illinois) to formally recognize the eagle staff as the Nation's First Flag
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Trickster Art Gallery
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Trickster Art Gallery technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Trickster Art Gallery partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Illinois State Representative MussmancoreChampioned and signed Illinois resolution recognizing eagle staff as the Nation's First Flag on May 17, 2017. First resolution of its kind in the nation.
- Pokagon Band of PottawatomiecoreThe first tribe to support the National Gathering of American Indian Veterans. Tribal lands were historically in the Illinois/Chicagoland area. Partnered with Trickster Cultural Center and Representative Anthony Foerster to champion eagle staff recognition.
- Field MuseumminorLoan arrangement for artifacts and cultural items to be displayed at Trickster Cultural Center. Includes pieces from the Numunuu (Comanche Nation) and contributions from the Puyallup Tribe.
- Chicago BlackhawksminorCollaboration on Black Hawk exhibit and the 'Veterans On The Ice' program that honors Native and non-Native veterans at Chicago Blackhawks games. Trickster participates in events at the United Center.
- Teotlecuilli Aztec Dance GroupminorCultural sharing partner. Aztec dancers meet every Wednesday evening at Trickster to share their culture with the community and teach traditional dance. Perform at events including National Gathering.
- Illinois Arts CouncilminorInitial facilitation that led to Trickster Cultural Center's establishment in Schaumburg. At an Illinois Arts Council meeting in 2005, local Native American artists expressed need for exhibit space.
- Cantigny ParkcoreVenue partner for the annual National Gathering of American Indian Veterans. Three-day event held at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois.
- Meet Chicago NorthwestminorOfficial destination marketing organization for Chicago's Northwest communities. Sponsoring partner for the 2025 National Gathering.
- Four Points By Sheraton Chicago SchaumburgminorOfficial host hotel for the National Gathering of American Indian Veterans, offering special event rate of $109 per night.
- Harper CollegeminorCommunity garden partner location. Garden work days held at Harper College Community Garden, Building O.
- Oakton CollegeminorCommunity garden partner location. Garden work days held at Oakton Community College garden site.
- Forest Preserve District of Cook CountyminorPartnership for Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve garden program. Garden work days held at the forest preserve location in Elgin.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Trickster Art Gallery competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Trickster Art Gallery social profiles
Digital presenceTrickster Art Gallery financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Trickster Art Gallery leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Trickster Art Gallery funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Trickster Art Gallery M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Trickster Art Gallery
What does Trickster Art Gallery do?
Trickster Cultural Center (DBA Trickster Art Gallery) is a nonprofit 501c3 Native American cultural center that operates a contemporary Native American art gallery in Schaumburg, Illinois. The center offers free gallery exhibits, educational programming, veteran advocacy services, youth programs, and cultural events. Revenue is generated through charitable donations, gift shop merchandise sales, and event sponsorships rather than admission fees.
Is Trickster Art Gallery a public or private company?
Trickster Art Gallery is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Trickster Art Gallery founded?
Trickster Art Gallery was founded in 2005. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Trickster Art Gallery based?
Trickster Art Gallery is headquartered in Schaumburg, United States, in the North America region.
How does Trickster Art Gallery make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Contributions are the primary driver. The others are gift Shop Sales and event Sponsorships.
Does Trickster Art Gallery have an API?
No public API is recorded for Trickster Art Gallery.
What industry is Trickster Art Gallery in?
Trickster Art Gallery's product category is Cultural Arts Center. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRALAJAG, Museum, Zoo & Attraction Gift Shops, with a secondary code of HSACAHAG, Cultural & Heritage Entertainment Booking (Traditional/Folk Acts). Its NAICS code is 71211 and its SIC code is 7990.