Conru Art Foundation Logo

Serving Humanity Through Art

The Conru Art Foundation (CAF) is dedicated to championing art that inspires, heals, and reconnects us with beauty, truth, love, and transcendence. We are also deeply committed to enriching Seattle's vibrant and diverse arts community.

Our current initiatives are designed to nurture creativity, support artists, and foster a thriving cultural landscape. Explore these initial efforts as we continue to grow and evolve our programs:

"Our goal is simple: to nurture creativity, support local artists, and make Seattle a beacon for the arts."

Meet the Founder

Andrew Conru

Andrew Conru

Engineer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

Andrew Conru's journey is one of relentless curiosity, innovative problem-solving, and a deep-seated desire to foster connection. Raised on a small Indiana farm, his early life instilled a strong work ethic and a practical, hands-on approach. This practical foundation, combined with his engineering mindset, propelled him through a Stanford PhD during the internet's infancy. There, he became a pioneer in online social technologies, driven more by creating useful tools for human interaction than by purely commercial ambitions.

After achieving significant success in the tech world, a period of profound personal reflection led him to dedicate his resources and energy to philanthropy. Through the Conru Foundation and subsequently the Conru Art Foundation, he seeks to address what he sees as a growing societal need for deeper meaning and connection. His approach to philanthropy is marked by the same inventive spirit and service-oriented mindset that defined his entrepreneurial career: identifying needs and building impactful solutions.

An amateur artist himself, Andrew believes passionately in art's power to heal, inspire, and unite. He views the intentional pursuit of Beauty, Truth, and Love through masterful craft not merely as an aesthetic endeavor, but as a vital pathway to reconnecting with our shared humanity in an often-isolating modern world. The Conru Art Foundation, with its emphasis on (Restorative) Rehumanism and initiatives like the Seattle Prize, is a direct manifestation of this conviction—an "experiment with love" aimed at nurturing artists and exploring art's deepest potential to enrich lives and elevate the human spirit. Learn more about his broader work at conru.com.

CAF Kickoff Presentation (June 2024)

Our Mission & Values

The Conru Art Foundation (CAF), founded by Andrew Conru, is dedicated to enriching lives and connecting communities through art, both in Seattle and beyond. Our work is driven by a dual mission:

  • Fostering Transcendent Art: We champion art that speaks to profound human experiences – focusing on Beauty, Truth, and Love – promoting technical excellence alongside emotional resonance. This includes nurturing art grounded in representational skill that inspires, connects, and offers moments of transcendence.
  • Supporting Seattle's Arts Ecosystem: We are passionately committed to elevating and supporting Seattle's entire arts community. We believe a thriving, diverse cultural landscape benefits everyone and actively work to build connections and foster artistic excellence across the city.

As an additive force, CAF is more than a funding body; we are an active participant in Seattle's cultural life. Through initiatives like the Seattle Atelier and Prize, the ArtLove Salon, support for PublicDisplay.ART, and various educational and therapeutic programs, we seek to make a lasting impact – nurturing local talent, engaging the public, and promoting art that speaks to our shared humanity.

Our Guiding Philosophy

Our work is primarily guided by a commitment to art that connects with enduring human values, alongside a deep dedication to Seattle's unique creative spirit.

Focus on Art that Connects

Championing Beauty, Truth & Love

We aim to nurture and promote art grounded in technical excellence, representational skill, and profound human experience – art that inspires, connects, and offers moments of clarity and shared understanding.

  • Training world-class artists through the Seattle Atelier.
  • Creating a new art venue, starting with the ArtLove Salon, to showcase exceptional art.
  • Developing therapeutic art programs for community well-being.
  • Promoting rigorous arts education and classical approaches.
  • Exploring art's power to foster human dignity and connection.

Supporting Seattle's Arts Ecosystem

Celebrating Local Creativity

We are passionate about elevating Seattle's entire arts community. We believe a thriving, diverse scene benefits everyone, and we actively support local artists and organizations. This includes direct financial support through art acquisition, rentals, and operating paid prize contests.

  • Supporting Public Display Art as a vital platform for local artists.
  • Championing artistic excellence across the Pacific Northwest.
  • Directly supporting local artists through purchases, rentals, and prize competitions.
  • Contributing to Seattle's reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
  • Investing in our creative community through grants and partnerships.

Rehumanism: A Framework for Meaningful Art

In an era often marked by fragmentation and detachment, CAF champions art grounded in enduring human values. We believe that art focused on Beauty (profound and sublime, not just superficial), Truth (authentic representation capturing essence and dignity), and Love (compassionate connection and mature intimacy) holds immense power to heal and unite. This vision aims to contribute positively to Seattle's cultural dialogue.

Our guiding philosophy, which we term Rehumanism, is a cultural movement seeking to reconnect art with human dignity, spiritual exploration, and technical excellence. It serves as a thoughtful alternative to perspectives that may de-emphasize craftsmanship or universal human experiences.

The Gleaners by Millet
Gassed by Sargent
Barge Haulers on the Volga by Repin
The Kiss by Klimt
Old Friends by Alex Venezia
Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth
Joan of Arc by Bastien-Lepage
The Light of the World by Hunt
Dante and Virgil by Bouguereau
The Gross Clinic by Eakins
Portrait of Monsieur Bertin by Ingres
Midsummer Dance by Zorn
A Favourite Custom by Alma-Tadema
A Burial at Ornans by Courbet
Ophelia by Millais

Key Principles:

  • Affirm Human Dignity: Focus on the individual and shared human experiences.
  • Celebrate Skill & Craft: Value disciplined artistic technique and mastery.
  • Explore Deeper Meanings: Acknowledge and depict resonant aspects of human experience.
  • Art that Connects & Heals: Prioritize work offering connection, solace, and upliftment.
  • Respect Tradition, Embrace Nuance: Learn from artistic lineages while engaging contemporary life thoughtfully.

Our Philosophical Framework: Purpose and Intent

We recognize that all art, regardless of style or approach, has intrinsic value and potential therapeutic benefits. Our particular philosophical focus is not meant to diminish other artistic philosophies or suggest that only certain types of art can heal, inspire, or transform.

Rather, this framework gives purpose and direction to specific initiatives like the Seattle Prize fellowship. By articulating clear principles, we create a meaningful context for our fellows' work, inviting them to engage with these ideas rather than imposing stylistic constraints.

This approach enables us to foster art that intentionally connects with fundamental human experiences—art created not primarily for market demands, but to explore what it means to be fully human. For artists engaging with this philosophy, it can provide both freedom and focus, encouraging technical achievement in service of authentic human expression.

The ArtLove Salon

Host your professional gatherings amidst a curated collection of Seattle's finest art. The ArtLoveSalon uniquely blends premier event hosting with meaningful art engagement, fostering connections between creativity and enterprise.

A Dynamic Hub for Seattle's Creative & Professional Scenes

More Than Just Walls

Located in the historic Poll Building (110 Union St), the ArtLoveSalon spans 16,000 sq ft across two floors. It's designed as a vibrant intersection—a place where professional events gain cultural depth and Seattle's artists connect with new audiences.

Our space serves multiple purposes:

  • A curated gallery showcasing ~300 artworks, reflecting CAF's values of Beauty, Truth, and Love.
  • An elegant venue for meetings, receptions, and professional events (up to 150 guests).
  • A unique exhibition area featuring historical mechanical music and furniture collections.
  • A testbed for innovative programs bridging art and community needs.
  • An intellectually stimulating social space fostering dialogue and discovery fueled by art.

We are committed to activating this space as a service to Seattle, elevating the local art scene while providing an exceptional environment for professional gatherings enhanced by creativity.

ArtLoveSalon Event with Musicians ArtLoveSalon Lounge Area ArtLoveSalon Event Crowd

Showcase Your Vision, Connect & Thrive

The ArtLoveSalon offers Seattle artists more than just exhibition space; it's a curated platform designed for visibility, connection, and direct support, aligned with our values of Beauty, Truth, and Love.

Curated Exhibitions

Display your art in a professionally curated environment. We focus on quality and alignment with CAF values, ensuring your work is shown in its best light.

Connect with Professionals & Patrons

Gain exposure to leaders, professionals, and potential buyers attending diverse events hosted within the ArtLoveSalon, fostering organic networking and sales opportunities.

Artist-Focused Support

Benefit from our commitment to artists: enjoy 0% commission on direct sales or referrals originating from the ArtLoveSalon. Participate in potential loan programs or themed contests.

Inquire About Exhibiting

Looking for more resources? Visit PublicDisplay.ART.

Art viewing during event at ArtLoveSalon

Elevate Your Event with Seattle Art

Why settle for a standard venue when you can immerse your guests in the heart of Seattle's vibrant art scene? Hosting your event at the ArtLoveSalon offers a unique dual benefit: accomplish your professional objectives in an elegant setting while treating your attendees to an exclusive encounter with curated works from talented local artists. It's the perfect backdrop for sparking conversation, fostering creativity, and making your gathering truly memorable.

  • Inspiring Atmosphere: Conduct your meeting or reception surrounded by exceptional, conversation-starting art.
  • Effortless Cultural Enrichment: Offer your guests a meaningful connection to Seattle's art community simply by choosing our venue.
  • Prime Location & Flexible Space: Central Seattle location ideal for professional events, workshops, and receptions (up to 150 guests).
  • Unique Experience: Enhance your event with access to fascinating collections of mechanical music and historical furniture alongside contemporary art.

Our Mission: Connecting Communities

The ArtLoveSalon embodies our commitment to Seattle – creating a dynamic space where the worlds of art and enterprise don't just coexist, but actively enrich one another. We facilitate meaningful interactions, allowing professionals to experience the power of local art during their events, and artists to connect with engaged audiences.

"Our goal is simple: to nurture creativity, support local artists, and make Seattle a beacon for the arts."

- Andrew Conru, Founder

Get In Touch (ArtLoveSalon)

Artists

Interested in exhibiting your work at the ArtLoveSalon? We'd love to hear from you and learn more about your art.

Please reach out to discuss potential opportunities:

Email Artist Liaison

Event Planners

Looking for a unique and inspiring venue for your next professional event? Contact us to discuss availability and options for the ArtLoveSalon.

Let's make your event memorable:

Email Event Coordinator

ArtLoveSalon

Located within the Poll Building

110 Union St, Floors 4 & 5

Seattle, WA 98101

Our Team

Meet the dedicated individuals driving the foundation's daily operations and programs.

Portrait of Andrew Conru

Andrew Conru

Founder & Artistic Director

Guides the overall vision and artistic direction. Known as the "Engineer of Love" with over 15 years as a dedicated philanthropist, he ensures alignment with core principles of Beauty, Truth, and Love.

Portrait of Nonie Conru

Nonie Conru

Vice President

As Vice President, Nonie provides invaluable insight into the founder's vision and helps guide the foundation's spirit. Her 11 years previously serving the Seattle community in various roles at the Seattle Public Library have provided a strong community connection. She is a great organizer and a crucial support for the team, helping to keep everyone aligned with our core mission.

Portrait of Laura Heider

Laura Heider

Director of Operations

As Director of Operations, Laura leverages her extensive experience in organizational strategy, change management, and human resources to ensure the foundation runs effectively. She is adept at transforming company culture and fostering employee engagement, with a strong background in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to drive measurable results.

Portrait of Marty Griswold

Marty Griswold

Head of Community Impact

A dynamo with decades of connections in the Seattle arts scene, Marty launched PublicDisplay.ART in 2021. He previously served as Executive Director of One Reel, known for producing Bumbershoot. Now published under CAF, PDA reaches over 60,000 readers quarterly, championing local artists and encouraging cultural engagement in Seattle. He is a key figure in connecting CAF with the broader community.

Portrait of Tenaya Sims

Tenaya Sims

Artist Operations Manager (Seattle Prize)

Award-winning artist (ARC Salon Best in Show '16) with experience as teacher, gallery artist, and industry artist (Activision, Eidos). Studied classically (Watts Atelier, Aristides apprenticeship) and founded Georgetown Atelier (now part of Gage). Manages the Seattle Prize fellowship.

Portrait of Amanda Manitach

Amanda Manitach

Editor, PublicDisplay.ART

Seattle-based multidisciplinary artist, writer, and curator. Her work explores themes of female psychology and physicality. Formerly visual arts editor at City Arts Magazine, she brings extensive editorial and curatorial experience to PDA.

Exploring Rehumanism

( Back to Our Guiding Philosophy )

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News & Updates

April 16, 2025

HQ Showcase Development Underway

Planning is actively progressing for activating our HQ space in the Poll Building as a premier venue for Seattle art. We look forward to sharing details on opportunities for artists, galleries, and collectors soon!

April 16, 2025

Seattle Atelier Program Update

Exciting developments continue at the Seattle Atelier in the Occidental Fine Art Center as we prepare to welcome our inaugural fellows this fall. Summer pilot programs are currently helping refine our unique approach to artistic ideation and mentorship.