About
Russel Copenharve was born in 1951 and joined the Arts of Life in 2012. He is a prolific maker, constantly challenging himself to test his skills and try something new. Since joining the studio, Copenharve’s body of work has grown diverse with explorations in style and subject matter.
“Every month, I am doing something different. I am an artist. That’s my dream come true.”
Throughout his differing explorations, Copenharve’s art is unified by an energetic color palette of saturated shades of pink, orange, purple and green. These colors are visual extensions of the artist’s gusto and enthusiasm for his craft.
“I like the different colors—light and dark. I like it because of the dark shadow. It sticks out nice. I use acrylic paint and chalk pastels.”
Copenharve is a highly-involved member in the Arts of Life community. In addition to attending and participating in studio art fairs and festivals, he is a co-teacher in the studio’s Teaching Artist in Residency program as well as singer for Van Go Go. His artwork has been featured on studio merchandise, including the 2016 calendar.
Selected Exhibits
Cultivation
OPEN Gallery, Glenview, IL - 2018
A is for Artist
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Chicago, IL - 2017
Permanent Collection
The Waisman Foundation, Madison, WI - 2017
