When Noah first joined the studio, he brought with him strong creative sensibilities and an independently developed commitment to visual art. Over the past few years, Noah has produced an extensive and dynamic body of work reflecting an avid interest in distinct categories of subject matter – corporate logos, imagery appropriated from advertisements or illustrations, […]
Born in 1999, Noel Herrera joined Arts of Life’s Chicago Studio in 2021. Herrera’s amusing marker drawings are direct extensions of his everyday life and interests – playful tributes to favorite foods, restaurants, tv shows, toys, etc. For him, art-making and the process of quickly generating new ideas is instinctual – in the studio he
The Arts of Life is like a new family. They give me the opportunity to expand my artwork. Art makes me feel good because your mind is free from other things. Your mind is focused. It keeps me out of trouble. I like to share my artwork with other coworkers and get ideas from them
Linda was born in 1953, and has maintained a strong connection to her family throughout her life. After having worked at Arts of Life for 16 years, Linda moved to Minnesota in December of 2018 to be closer to her family. While working at Arts of Life she developed a rich practice as a mixed
Marianne Wehr passed away in 2021 – she attended the Chicago Studio from 2008 – 2016. “I make art because I like to draw. It’s nice to draw and paint sometimes. It makes me feel better and is so good. My art is so beautiful. I’m inspired by my seat-mate Ridley, she comes up with
I used to draw in preschool and kindergarten and I loved it. I like to do art because it’s fun. Art makes me happy. I’m good at painting. I put paint on, smooth it out, then take it off. I like to paint hands, animals, suns, I paint myself. Because it’s fun! My house, holiday
Benjamin was born in 1982 in Brooklyn and moved to Chicago as young boy. Ben is proficient with keeping track of the studio calendar and on top of all important dates. On top of his personal practice, Ben leads the studio’s circle critique programming called Art Talk and is an active member of volunteer led
Daniel is no longer at Arts of Life Art is a fun thing to do. It makes me feel comfortable. I like to do the Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, presidents, dinosaurs, animals, Power Rangers & entertainers like Michael Jackson. I also paint NFL football players, baseball players, & NBA basketball players too. These
Frances was born in 1948 in Chicago and spent time in New Orleans, Louisiana throughout her childhood. Before coming to the Arts of Life she worked at a bank. Frances has previously worked collaboratively with Allison Wade, a Chicago community artist. She has also collaborated with outside organizations through the 20 Neighborhoods Project, including WomanMade
Jean Wilson was born in Chicago in 1958 and has been a member of the Chicago Studio since 2007. Drawn to beasts both real and fictional – ranging from wolves and wildcats to bats and birds of prey to werewolves and three-headed hellhounds – Wilson is most inspired by the feared and respected nature of
This program is partially funded by support from the following organizations (Full Community Partners list here):
