Chalk Board Mural to Woo Illinois Lottery

We were hired last week by a Chicago Ad Agency to "Welcome" the Illinois Lottery Account on their chalkboard walls. We created a tunnel of Lottery Balls in the entryway, and a partnership mural outside the conference room. Thanks to studio artists Tracee Badway, Nikki Bank and Rachel Hawkins for all their hard work.

Cuban-Miami Style Mural

I was hired by Critical Mass Advertising Agency to create a colorful Cuban-Miami style mural on the chalkboard walls in their office suite lobby. The mural was to welcome their potential client, The City of Miami Tourism Office. The agency’s Senior Vice President and Creative Director had their portraits featured in the mural. Thanks to Tracee and Nikki for their help.

NAP Grant Workshop Reception 2

The second set of classes I taught as part of my Neighborhood Arts Program (NAP) grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events took place at Mary H. Catherwood Senior Apartments. I had an enthusiastic group of women, many of whom were returning students. Our culminating exhibition was on the top floor, and we were surrounded by sunlight and a beautiful view of the city. Looking at their framed pieces displayed throughout the room, I was thrilled to see how much my students' had grown and developed as artists. Thanks to studio intern Nikki for assisting with the class.

Posing with some students

Grandma's Dimestore Photobooth Collection

Three generations are captured in this large-scale whimsical painting commissioned by the grandmother (second from the left). Working from actual photobooth strips, I captured the client's spouse, children, and grandchildren expressing their inner silliness. If I did my job well, you may recognize some of the faces.

"Nature Nurture" at Greenbelt Forest Preserve

On Sunday, October 2, my re-furbished Cool Globe "Nature Nurture: Raise Future Environmentalists" was part of the Greenbelt Cultural Center Grand Opening Celebration, in the Greenbelt Forest Preserve at 1215 Green Bay Rd in North Chicago. Lake County built a stunning new "green" facility. The giant banquet hall has a beautiful wall of windows looking out into the forest, and a "living wall" which you have to see to appreciate. My globe is permanently showcased out in front of the building .
Check out this article on the opening, and make sure to scroll through the pictures: http://newssun.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/index.html?story=7908440

Ravenswood Art Walk: Open Studio and Participative Watercolor Demos

I opened up my studio to the public as part of the Ravenswood Art Walk (RAW) and Chicago Artists Month (CAM), and offered several hands-on interactive watercolor demos for any visitors eager to try their hands at watercolor. The demos were inspired by the workshops I teach for North Side seniors living in public housing through a Neighborhood Arts Program (NAP) Grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

Pictured below: A couple working on their paintings during a “Strokes” workshop. After learning about and practicing different brush strokes, they worked on paintings that incorporated a variety of strokes. They left pleased with their completed, matted paintings. I enjoyed working with these enthusiastic artists.

NAP Grant Workshop Reception

I received a generous Neighborhood Arts Program (NAP) grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to teach two six-week watercolor classes to low-income seniors living in public housing as a follow-up to the workshop I offered last year (also supported by a NAP grant). The first set of classes took place at CHA Hattie Callner Senior Apartments. Thanks to intern Nikki for assisting me with the class.

The class culminated in an exhibition in which the six artists' work was framed and displayed. I had a lot of fun working with the elder artists, many of whom had never taken an art class before, and was warmed to see how proudly they showed off their work at the reception. We were delighted when Congressman Mike Quigley stopped by to support the exhibition.

A Student with the City of Chicago Cultural Grants Coordinator Meg

A Student with Congressman Quigley

My Class