Faculty and Staff

Faculty and Staff

At the heart of The Art Center is our exceptional faculty. Our instructors are established, practicing artists, offering classes designed for all levels and ages.  Our staff focuses on exceptional customer service and makes every effort to create a welcoming space for students, visitors, and guests.

 

 

Staff 

James M. Lynch, Executive Director
847.432.1888 ext. 104
Jlynch@theartcenterhp.org

Jacqueline Chilow, Director of Events
847.432.1888 ext. 103
Jchilow@theartcenterhp.org

Sabba S. Elahi, Director of Education
847.432.1888 ext. 102
Selahi@theartcenterhp.org
Caleb Smith, Curator & Marketing Manager
847.432.1888 ext. 106
Csmith@theartcenterhp.org

Rachel Schwimmer, Donor Development Manager
847.432.1888 ext. 105
rschwimmer@theartcenterhp.org

Adam Thatcher, Program Manager
847.432.1888 ext. 108
athatcher@theartcenterhp.org

Lilly Caines, Administrative Assistant
847.432.1888 ext. 101
Lcaines@theartcenterhp.org

Raised on the banks of the great lakes state, Ana is a teaching artist based in Chicago. She graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2005 with a BFA in Ceramic Arts. Teaching with the notion that arts education is pertinent to a child’s development, it is her passion to share art with youth. In addition to teaching at The Art Center Highland Park, Ana also teaches the Glencoe Park District and Creative Clay Things in Chicago.

My painting stories are about female power heroes.  They are a vehicle to bring justice to people with disabilities, people like my son who has autism.  This year The Art Center Highland Park welcomed my original classes  Art Talk – Your Art Conversation Experience and Humor in Art.

In spring 2021 Stellar Presentations of Women’s Caucus for Art featured my Keynote talk about my life as an artist.  Over the last several years I’ve exhibited at TAC and ARC Gallery.

My studio is at the Fine Arts Building, BFA Art Institute of Chicago, MFA University of Chicago.

Multimedia artist, Ashley Samson, joined TAC in the fall of 2020 teaching the youth mosaics. She is an artist, therapist and art therapist who received a masters of art in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2007 and has studied mosaics at the Chicago Mosaic School since 2014.

Azadeh Hussaini is an Iranian-American visual artist and art educator based in Chicago. She holds an MFA in Non-figurative Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and a BFA in Painting from Azad Art University in Tehran. Drawing upon her experiences as an immigrant visual artist, she has synthesized the lessons garnered from her years in Iran with her American encounters, seamlessly integrating them into her artistic expression. She employs various mediums, including installation, drawing, assemblage, and sculpture, to explore her own emotional responses to her experiences.

 

https://azadehhussaini.com

Powered by

Bernadette is an abstract mosaic artist, creative educator, and software administrator living in Park Ridge, IL, with her husband and young son. Her studio is full of vintage fabrics, flea market finds, stained glass from distributors, and ebay. Mosaics offer her a place to meditate on the beauty of the materials she loves to be surrounded by. Bernadette’s work has been exhibited locally, nationally, and are in the collection of various private collections. She has been a faculty member of The Art Center Highland Park for 25 years.

Bud Greene earned his Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College. He is currently a Board member of Chicago Metal Arts Guild. Bud has received awards for painting and custom-designed jewelry.

Carol Austin is a Chicago area artist and psychologist. She double majored in art and psychology at Northwestern University and received an MA and Ph.D in clinical psychology. Carol has art in numerous public collections including: Epcot Center, American Express, and AT&T Marianne Deson, and Van Stratton. She is presently teaching Introduction to Psychology at the college level as well as “Abstract Art” and “Your Brain, Your Art” – cutting edge classes combining two passions: art and psychology.

Carole Pearlman’s lifelong fascination with painting began as a child in a neighborhood art class. The setting was a nearby backyard where painting at a picnic table under a large oak tree was the only agenda for an entire summer. Many art classes later Carole completed a BFA in painting and subsequent advanced degrees in Education and Psychology.

Integrating the disciplines of art, education and psychology Carole developed The Joy of Creativity art program. Through her teaching, research and daily practice she believes that being creative is an essential part of a balanced life. With this in mind Carole’s mixed media paintings reflect a response to life’s experiences and everyday observations; balancing a palette of strong colors and spontaneous movement of lines and shapes. Adding humor adn explosive energy her work is filled with passion adn a commitment to the persuit of play in every painting. Carole’s work is a synthesis of formal training and free expression.

Chantal grew up in France and came to the United States in 1993. She lives now in Deerfield with her three sons and husband. She graduated from Bradley University, earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago. Chantal also teaches art at the Beth El preschool and privately.  Chantal has been the art director for Ramah day camp in wheeling for 8 years. In her free time Chantal is a mosaic artist using glass and ceramic pieces. She is very passionate about using art to inspire children, and to build self-confidence.

Cheryl Steiger is a Chicago area artist and art instructor. Cheryl grew up in Riverwoods, IL. She studied fine art and commercial art at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, IL. In 1979 Cheryl became a freelance illustrator, also doing commission work and producing Audio Visual shows. In addition to her commercial and fine art work Cheryl has been teaching art for the past 30 years at many Chicagoland institutions, including The Art Center Highland Park, the Evanston Art Center,  and Edgebrook Chicago Public School. Cheryl shows her fine art locally and nationally. In the summer of 2007 she participated in Chicago’s ecologically-themed Public Art project, Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planter. Her small globe was on exhibit at the United Nations, NY and the Kennedy Center and her large globe is still being exhibited nationally and internationally.

Throughout her childhood in rural Iowa, Darlys Ewoldt felt compelled to draw and make things from a variety of materials. She was introduced to using metals at Drake University, where she received a bachelor of fine arts degree in 1977. In 1982, she earned a master of fine arts degree from Indiana university. During the ensuing years, Ewoldt has lived and worked in Chicago, illinois.  She has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards. These include three illinois arts council fellowship grants and one finalist award, ford foundation fellowship and project grants, project grants from the george sugarman foundation and the Ruth Chenven Foundation, and a travel grant from the embassy of the united states. In 2006, Ewoldt presented a workshop at an international metals conference in sydney, australia, and was an artist-in-residence at the canberra school of art at the australian national university. She has also conducted workshops on forming metal and patination processes in the United states. Her work has been included in many exhibitions, public and private collections, and publications. In addition to working in her studio, Ewoldt currently teaches at columbia college chicago and the lillstreet art center.

@darlys.ewoldt

Debra has exhibited and shown her work throughout Illinois under the name “DKS Pottery.” She loves to wheel throw pottery, such as mugs, bowls, vases or altered pieces that are both functional and sculptural. “To me, a perfect pot embodies a form that enhances the function as well as surface decoration that conveys an attitude or feeling.”

As well as food-safe tableware in high-fire stoneware and porcelain, Debra has specialized in raku vessels. As part of their Lark Ceramics Book Series, Sterling Publishing Company selected her work to be included in “500 Raku” that was published internationally in 2011.

Hannah (She/Her) is a recent SAIC graduate with a ceramics practice that is interested in glaze chemistry and painting. When she isn’t teaching at Gnarware, she works as an interior designer. (https://www.gnarwareworkshop.com/staff/hannah-hakami)

Powered by

Chicago area based artist, Heather Killian, has evolved from a mural painter to a giant puppet and costume maker. Her evolution from paint to sculpture has allowed her to jump from 2D pieces to 3D pieces that move and interact with the viewer.

These giant pieces of living art allow her to engage the audience in an entirely unique and spectacular way. By breathing life into her costumes and giant puppets, she is able to create a sense of wonder and awe that inspires people.

Ina Greenfield Beierle has been teaching Painting, Drawing and Mixed Media at The Art Center Highland Park since 1988. She received her BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and awarded a Traveling Fellowship, MFA from Northwestern University, where she taught a Drawing class. Awarded: the Purchase prize at Northwestern University, Sandoz Corporation art collection, the Illinois Arts Council Art-In-Education, Paschke Picks, International Selection Woman Made Gallery, Midway Airport competition prize, TAC Arts Inspired Award, and included in many exhibitions. Ina often paints the landscape combined with mixed media, or creates found object sculptures.

Jesus Torres-Medina is a Chicago-based metalsmith, jeweler, and educator with over 18 years of experience working in metal. His practice includes jewelry, hollow forms, vessels, boxes, and small sculpture, with an emphasis on construction, experimentation, and allowing the material and process to guide the finished work. He began his metalsmithing education at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, where he is now an instructor, and has continued his education through workshops and intensive study, including a two-month Spring Concentration at Penland School of Craft.

https://www.instagram.com/jesustorres_medina/

Powered by

Hello! My name is Kajsa Meyer. I graduated from North Park University in May 2020, with a B.A. in Art (K-12 Education, Fine Arts). Currently, I am living out my art teaching dream as a K-8 Art Teacher at Pennoyer Elementary School in Norridge, IL!

As a Colorado native, my personal artwork is inspired much by the outdoors and finding beauty in everything. My primary medium is acrylic, however, I enjoy other mediums as well! As an art educator, my goal is to teach a wide range of skills to my students, as well as inspire them to make art that is meaningful.

Powered by

Lezlie paints whimsical watercolors and mixed media angels at her studio in Lake Forest, IL. Her art is made to bring you a smile and fill you with hope.

Lezlie was born in Evanston, Illinois and grew up in Mount Prospect, IL. She received her BFA in Graphic Design and Painting from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Alongside of creating art, Lezlie teaches individual and group art classes in watercolor and mixed media. She is an art instructor for the Deer Path Art League, The Art Center Highland Park, and College of Lake County.

Alongside of making art Lezlie freelances in illustration and graphic design. She is currently writing and illustrating a series of children’s books.

Lezlie lives in a tiny bungalow in Lake Forest, IL with her husband, and her cat Sunglow. They spend many summer weekends in Door County WI. Lezlie collects beadwork, rubberstamps and handmade quilts.

Linny Coale Freeman is a unique artist and designer of paintings on silk fabrics; woodblock, collagraph and monotype prints; painted silk fashion accessories for women; and public art pieces.  Linny has a BFA in Painting/Printmaking from the Kansas City Art Institute, and a BFA in Graphic Design from Kendall College of Art and Design.  She is on the faculty at The Art Center Highland Park, IL and The Evanston Art Center of Evanston, IL. Her current paintings are on view at Vale Craft Gallery, located in Chicago, IL. Please visit Linny’s website at www.coaledesign.com.

My name is Lourdes McKay Chinivasi, I was born in Argentina were I graduated in Art school with a degree in sculpture. I taught in Buenos Aires for 4 years, then moved to Costa Rica were I dedicated my time to teaching and painting murals for almost 10 years and moved to Florida where I taught art in Boynton Beach to seniors and kids.

 

Powered by

Mary Barnes-Gingrich was born in Chicago and is a resident of Wilmette, Illinois.  Art and music have always played important roles in her life.

          

In 1998 Ms.Gingrich was chosen as one of the artists featured in The Chicago Art Scene, a book published by Ivy Sundell showcasing a diverse group of Chicago artists.  In 2001, her artwork was included in a book titled Celebrating the Wild Places of Door County.  She frequently chooses subjects inspired by nature and music in her paintings and prints. Her work is shown in a variety of venues throughout the year and hangs in collections throughout the United States and in England, Italy, Spain, Japan, Germany as well as the corporate collections of Amoco and Fel-pro.  Mary’s current work may be viewed at Firemouth Pottery and Gallery in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin and The Cedar Rapids Art Museum Store in Iowa.  Her Gallery “on the web” is at MBGingrich.com.

Michael Bridges was born in Alabama in the late 1980s. He grew up playing violin to his pet turtles after school and fishing with his brother on the weekends. He currently resides in Chicago, Illinois where he works as a potter, teacher and chef. He has been featured in a variety of publications from Garden & Gun to Ceramics Monthly.

My work is characterized by a desire to communicate specific personal experiences through the use of symbolic imagery and pattern. Be it skulls on mugs, frogs on coffee pots, alligators on jars or lightning bolts on tumblers, the pots I make ride the line between functional and nonfunctional. I hope that you’ll pick them up and enjoy it every once in a while-I certainly had a good time making them.

@michaelsmugs

Mike Barret Kolasinski is an acclaimed award-winning artist and nationally recognized pastelist. He is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, has achieved Master Circle status with the International Association of Pastel Societies, and a co-founding Board and Master Member of the Chicago Pastel Painters. Having studied Illustration and Design at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, Mike is largely self-taught in his current career of producing fine art paintings called WildScapes. Using the medium of soft pastel to achieve an understanding of the philosophy of nature as a whole and integral entity of ourselves, Mike Barret Kolasinski is a visual activist for nature.

Natalie Steinmetz

Natalie is a Chicago-based ceramicist. She has spent more than a decade working as a studio artist and ceramics instructor. Natalie currently teaches classes at The Art Center Highland Park,  The Takiff Center in Glencoe, and Gnareware Workshop in Chicago. Her work is recognizable for its graphic surface treatments, ranging from the dark and creepy to fanciful floral patterns.

Natalie exhibits nationally and her work can frequently be found at galleries and exhibitions throughout the country.

Natalie has her BFA in Fine Arts from Columbia College Chicago.

Often working alongside with her twin sister, Parto, Pardis shares a profound passion for art, which has fueled her collaborative projects for many years. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degrees with a focus on drawing from the University of Arkansas, United States. Her artwork has been featured in exhibitions across various countries, including Iran, Italy, Albania, Greece, Turkey, and the United States. (https://www.pardisparto.com/bio)

Powered by

Rino Liberatore, a Chicago native, began his career in advertising, receiving local and national acclaim for his creativity for such clients as Chevrolet, the Chicago Cubs, and Loop Radio.

Opening his own film production company in 1995 he directed numerous projects with the most celebrated athletes of our time including Michael Jordan, the 1985 Super Bowl Bears, Harry Caray and others.

Rino was honored for directing an Independent Feature titled  “The Opera Lover”, which aired on Showtime and is now streaming.

His recent film, a Documentary, “Iron Five” chronicles the 1963 Loyola Rambler Basketball Team.  The film aired on WGN-TV and was featured in the Black Harvest Film Festival.

Rino has been faculty at TAC for over a decade and teaches painting, photography classes and Film Camp.

Sage Kugler believes that self-expression through creativity is a valuable skill to develop, and is passionate in inspiring her students through artistic practices. Some of her favorite mediums to work with are watercolors, oil pastels, printmaking, and acrylics. Sage also enjoys exploring with collage techniques using magazines and recycled papers, along with recycled and repurposed clothing.

She graduated from Penn State University with degrees in Art Education and Psychology and is currently working towards her Museum Studies Certification through Northwestern University.

To learn more about Sage, check out her website: https://sagek321.wixsite.com/website

Powered by

Sandie Bacon is a versatile artist , known both for her paintings( oil, acrylic,watercolor) and murals. She got her MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art, and lived in NYC for 12 years following her artist path.

Sandie shows nationally, has one many commissions such as 2 Chicago Tree Projects , paints stage sets for the Citadel theater in Lake Forest, and recently painted an 18′ x 24′ mural for Lake Bluff’s 125th Birthday.

She is a Working Artist for Golden Paints and a Silver Brush educator.

@sandie.bacon

 

Stephanie Brohman is a Metalsmith and Teaching Artist based in Chicago, IL. Stephanie started taking metalsmithing classes when she was 15 at a local art center. After being introduced to Metalsmith Magazine while visiting the SOFA show, she knew there was no turning back. She received her MFA from the University of Iowa with a focus in Metals and Jewlery, a minor in Sculpture and also received a Certificate in Bookbinding and Papermaking, from the UI Center of the Book. She Completed her undergraduate studies earning a BFA at Savannah College of Art and Design with a focus in Metals and Jewelry as well as Fiber Arts.

https://www.stephaniebrohman.com/

Powered by

Suzanne Santos is a jewelry artist and metals instructor based in the Chicago area. She grew up in Ohio’s Steel Valley and worked for a division of U.S. Steel upon college graduation. While metal was always part of her personal history, Suzanne didn’t began exploring the medium’s viability as an art form until 1997. She studied studio arts at the University of Illinois Chicago and has taken a number of metal workshops and classes since that time. Her work has been carried by the National Hellenic Museum and a number of galleries.

Tatijana Jacenkiw was born in Chicago and raised in the Ukrainian neighborhood. Abandoning her love of art in favor of a more practical profession, she attended the Illinois Institute of Technology where she received a degree in architecture.

In 2005 she decided to focus on art. She began honing her skills by painting in the studio of Evanston portrait artist, Gay Riseborough. Subsequently, she took classes with Eleanor Spiess-Ferris and Jason Miklik, as well as attended workshops conducted by nationally recognized pastelists.

Since 2007 she has been  juried and has receiving awards in various national, regional  and international exhibitions and art shows including several solo exhibitions in Illinois and in Wisconsin.

Tatijana is president and a master signature member of the Chicago Pastel Painters, a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, and a member of the Master’s Circle of the International Association of Pastel Societies. She has had her work published and received recognition in the Pastel Journal, the American Artist and the Ukrainian Word, among other publications.

 

Her desire to share the wonders of pastels with other artists and art lovers led to her dedicated involvement with the Chicago Pastel Painters. Since 2013, she has been teaching pastel classes. She currently is an instructor at the Art Center Highland Park.

@studio_tatijana

Terry Luc is an artist, designer, and teacher living in Northbrook. Luc works in a number of different styles including pop art, pop surrealism, and modern cubism. All of his work is characterized by bold imagery and color. At TAC, he teaches primarily portraiture classes, both virtual and in-person. Occasionally he also teaches digital art class such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.

To see Luc’s art go to terryluc.com or follow him on Instagram at terryoluc_art. And always remember, “Put a little art in your life, You’ll feel better.”

I work as a photographer, painter, and mixed media artist. My photography lays the foundation for all of my artwork. As a photographer, I like to find new ways to highlight shapes, patterns, or color often overlooked by others. I favor unusual landscapes and work to provide a new way of looking at our surroundings. I am always composing the next shot in my head. I see the world through my viewfinder. When I photograph, I become one with my environment. I am totally enveloped by the process of seeing and feeling the exact right angle or moment. As each situation offers endless possibilities, I work from a deeply instinctive place within me, letting my intuition guide my camera.

Website