By Judy Carmack Bross
Krista Wortendyke, Cecil McDonald Jr., Suzette Bross, Sandee McDonald
Community leaders with a passion for arts and education were the first to preview recently the expanded mission and learn the new name of the non-profit Artists in Public Schools (formerly CPS Lives) at a cocktail party at the chic 21c Museum Hotel known for its support of contemporary artists.
Current and alumni artists of Artists in Public Schools
Artist and philanthropist Suzette Bross Bulley who founded the organization and serves as its Executive Director, told us about the rebranding:
Executive Director Suzette Bulley introduces the new name Artists in Public Schools
“After six years we want to bring our mission—‘Chicago artists sharing stories of Chicago Public Schools’—to life as we expand our visibility and impact through expansive experiences in the nation’s fourth largest school district. As Artists in Public Schools we remain committed to our foundational mission of creating residency programs for local artists to work with students to tell their stories of Chicago Public Schools. At the same time, we are growing the number of schools and students we impact, providing public art exhibitions, and creating new partnerships to increase our impact.”
Founder and Executive Director Suzette Bross with panel members Cecil McDonald Jr., Nora Daley and Rocio Tovar
One of the evening’s highlights was an inspiring panel discussion with Nora Daley, Chair of the Illinois Arts Council, Principal Rocio Tovar of Namaste Charter School, and CPS Lives alumni artist Cecil McDonald. The stories shared by Rocio and Cecil vividly illustrated how our artist residencies have made a difference in public school environments. “Together, we explored how our model brings artists and students together to create meaningful, culturally relevant art that benefits students, schools, and artists alike — a true “win-win-win” for our community,” Bulley said.
Rocio Tovar, Nora Daley, Cecil McDonald Jr., with work on screen by McDonald
Stephanie Rosania, Jennifer Armetta, Suzette Bross, Claire Rice
Cheri Hubbard, Stephanie Rosania, Jennifer Armetta, Katrin Schnabl
CPS Lives has impacted the lives of 51,000 Chicago Public School students in 86 schools and 61 neighborhoods across socioeconomic backgrounds, partnering with over 80 local professional artists over six years with a unique and innovative approach to providing artists in residency programs in Chicago Public Schools integrating art into student experiences. Its unique model of embedding was inspired by the founder’s vision to counter negative narratives about public education with positive stories created through the arts. Artists learn about each school’s culture from its students and educators, informing their resulting artwork, be it painting, photography, writing, sculpture or other mediums. Final artworks are shared in exhibitions across the city.
Cecil McDonald Jr., Matt Siber, Doug Fogelson
Miriam Owens, Nora Daley, Francia Harrington
Kenneth Fox, Sandee McDonald, Emily Walton
Rocio Tovar, Nora Daley, Cecil McDonald Jr
Bulley told us:
“We offer CPS schools unique opportunities for differentiation and recognition, with principals able to highlight their professionally guided, culturally rooted projects that capture each school’s identities and showcase student talent. Our initiatives connect schools with diverse artists and enhance visibility among key influencers and supporters.
“We support local emerging and established artists through paid residencies, empowering artists to curate community-driven arts experiences and projects tailored to each school—rejecting pre-packaged curriculum in favor of deeply personal, relevant art experiences. Artists gain exposure through exhibits at local galleries and events like The Design Museum of Chicago, EXPO CHICAGO, and Heaven Gallery, cementing their presence in Chicago’s arts scene.
Students gain confidence, discover their talents, and contribute to public art that celebrates their communities. Through Artists in Public Schools, they collaborate with professional artists, gaining exposure to exhibitions and experiencing the value of self-expression. Additionally, the program provides students with showcase-worthy work and valuable experiences that enhance their opportunities for private scholarships and selective high school admissions.
Among the new initiatives are adding ten new schools and paid artist residences each year, expanding to Chicago’s public spaces for more viewing access, and creating new corporate and arts partnerships. “With increased funding, the program could be implemented in additional cities,” Bulley said.
Lynn Renee Persin, Jaclyn Silverman, Marzena Abrahamik, Krista Wortendyke
Deirdre Colgan Jones, Jessica Shapiro
Note from Artists in Public Schools: WGNTV joined us at one of our partner schools Namaste Elementary in McKinley Park and interviewed our founder Suzette Bross, the Principal of Namaste, Rocio Tovar, the Artists in Public Schools artist who is working with them, Haerim Lee, and some of the students she is collaborating with. While the interview was taking place students were working on a large mural in one of the hallways of the school that Haerim is leading with them. They discussed the positive impact of having a local artist at their school.
The news coverage will go live the first week of January and air 3 times during the week and 1-2 times during the weekend.
Photos by Lynn Renee Photography.
For more information about Artists in Public Schools, visit: cpslives.org
