StoryArtist's Personal Journey and Children's Book CreationJune 26, 2026

Council celebrates local artist Jamie Schumacher's community contributions

The Bloomington City Council held a "Notable Neighbor" recognition event on September 11 to highlight Jamie Schumacher Kalakaru-Mava, a local artist, author, and community leader who has shaped Bloomington's cultural landscape through her work in public art, children's literature, and strategic planning.

Meeting date: Sep 11, 2024
Published Jun 26, 2026

Schumacher shared her journey as a multifaceted creative professional who has called Bloomington home. Her career began in Southern California, where she practiced makeup artistry before moving to Minnesota and opening an art gallery. She has since become known in Bloomington for her work as an illustrator and author.

Schumacher's most recent project is a children's book titled "Half World Away," which she both wrote and illustrated. The book was inspired by a gap she noticed in children's literature—the lack of diverse stories representing Sri Lanka, her father's home country. The project received support through a Loft fellowship, a competitive arts grant program.

Beyond her individual creative work, Schumacher has become deeply embedded in Bloomington's civic life. She serves on the Creative Placemaking Commission, a city body focused on using art and culture to strengthen communities. She also volunteered for Bloomington's First Pride Festival, where she created a mural now displayed at City Hall. Additionally, Schumacher contributed to the core planning team for Bloomington's updated long-term strategic plan, helping shape the city's vision for the future.

Throughout her remarks, Schumacher emphasized the importance of community connection and ensuring that local art and culture reflect the values and identities of Bloomington's residents. Her work demonstrates how individual artists can contribute to broader civic goals around cultural vitality and inclusive community planning. The council's recognition of Schumacher underscores the city's commitment to celebrating residents who strengthen Bloomington through creative and civic engagement.

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Bloomington's updated long-term strategic plan for the cityPlan

A comprehensive strategic plan for which the speaker served on the core planning team.

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  • Community Engagement and Creative Placemaking in Bloomington

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