Nikki Romain is a Midwest girl with a southern twist, having been raised in Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas. Since Nikki moved around a lot while growing up, she developed fierce social skills and a love for arts, culture, and community as natural as breathing. Nikki has an extensive background in the arts as an actor, singer, writer, and voice over artist that has allowed her to perform on stages in Italy, Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, and Miami.

Using arts and culture as a vehicle, Nikki’s personal mission in life is to empower the lives of women and youth by working tirelessly to give them a voice and creating safe spaces to thrive and reach their full potential. This mission ultimately resulted in the creation of Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc-ART Inc .  The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2017 by she and her husband, is an innovative Arts and Culture Center designed to inspire and empower the community through arts, education, and culture.

Outside of work, Nikki serves on the HOI United Way Board of Directors, the Peoria Joint Commission on Racial Justice & Equity, the IL Arts Alliance’s Arts Leadership Council, and several other philanthropic committees. She is also the Vice President of the Greater Peoria Illinois Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Incorporated and Arts Facet chair of the Central Illinois (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is married to her soul mate and best friend, Jonathon Romain, and proud mother to the lovely Kennedy Alexandra Romain.

Jonathon Romain is a graduate of Bradley University and a nationally known artist who has owned an art gallery for over twenty years. His art has been seen on television, in magazines, and museums. In addition to his artistic accomplishments he is a true visionary and prolific speaker. Jonathon has shared his journey with thousands of young people across the country from prisons to some of the most prestigious colleges in the world, and now with ART Inc, he is able to have a sustained impact in their lives.

To say that art has consumed his life would be an understatement. He spends his days creating whether it be painting, building or teaching. More importantly, he gives back. Through his art he has helped to raise thousands of dollars for non-profits and other organizations including his own.

His artwork is as eclectic as his life has been. He enjoys experimenting with different mediums and techniques. It is not strange for him to be working on a portrait commission while simultaneously creating an abstract painting.

His greatest passion and personal mission is to help develop young talent.

If not traveling across the country Romain can be found nearly everyday at the Romain Arts and Culture Center in Peoria, IL.

Jonathon is also a member of Peoria’s Public Arts Advisory and serves on the PCCEO Board of Directors.