Team Work

In 2017 Artists in Public Schools (formerly CPS Lives) was created by Chicago-based artist/photographer Suzette Bross, who wished to integrate artists and cultural producers into Chicago Public Schools (CPS,) through paid artists residencies. For CPS, the residencies amounted to zero-to-low cost, ensuring accessible collaboration among the artists, students, and school communities.

Art means everything to Artists in Public Schools (AiPS,) and through the years, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has been transforming public school environments into vibrant hubs of creativity. Established and emerging artists have been connecting with CPS students and faculty, creating genuine art experiences. The fascinating stories of students and public schools have been on view, as AiPS has been exhibiting them at multiple venues including local community spaces, gallery shows, and internationally renowned art fairs. Bross has noted that “Art can tell stories and change narratives”. (Quoted from AiPS website https://artistsinpublicschools.org).

This coming Thursday (10/22/26,) from 6-10pm, AiPS will be hosting the 2026 Annual Gala at the Chicago Arts Club. Sponsorships, tickets, auction bids, and donations are going to fund the AiPS artist residencies, student workshops, public art installations, show the accomplishments of the talented artists, students, and more. The celebration is going to include inspiring remarks by artist and Class of 2021 AiPS resident Dorian Sylvain, Suzette Bross, and more. Special musical performance of “Guitars Over Guns” is going to be led by 2026 honoree Andre ‘Add-2’ Daniels. Please join the wonderful festivities, and for more information go to https://artistsinpublicschools.org/news_event/art-means-something-annual-gala-october-22-2026

Chicago-based artist Dorian Sylvain (b. 1960) is an AiPS class of 2021 artist in residence. Sylvain has been leading students in several different schools. At John L. Marsh Elemenatary School, Sylvain has created with the students a “Fruit and Vegetable” project, resulting in four plywood panels, hanging on a wall, celebrating the rainbow of colors found in fruits and vegetables. The project has taught, through art, the values of cooking and eating fresh produce. Sylvain has expressed to AiPS that “My personal favorite piece is the watermelon slice, the student began with a layer of dark green, then a thin layer of light green and finally beautiful pinks and reds, which included black seeds for detail.” (Quoted from https://artistsinpublicschools.org/artist/dorian-sylvain)

Dorian Sylvain designs and paints with brilliant colors and innovative textures that rise from the African diaspora. Sylvain identifies cultural foundations, and her stunning large-scale murals are historically meaningful as well as references of contemporary trends. Sylvain curates and organizes Public Arts projects, where she works with children, artists, and communities. She focuses on shared experiences, and through collaborations allows access to art that reinforces future generations of artists and cultural guardians. Sylvain partners with organizations that include the South Side Community Art Center, Hyde Park Art Center, National Museum of Mexican Art, DuSable Museum, Chicago Park District, and the Field Museum. Sylvain often works with with her three sons, Kahari, Kari, and Katon, producing beautiful intergenerational art in Chicago.

In 2022, Sylvain collaborated with her son Kari Blak, and created two murals painted for Whole Foods on Chicago Ave (close to State Street). The murals focused on Chicago’s downtown architecture and employed classical Victorian references that were collaged together. The amazing blend of grays, earth tones, bright colors, and bold shapes, highlighted structural designs. Viewers could see the murals at the Whole Foods store, in the back of the staircase rising upward from the ground floor, and on the wall next to the elevators. Recently, for the Obama Presidental Center, Dorian Sylvain (in collaboration with artist Sam Kirk,) created a mural entitled “Pass it Forward,” located on two floors of the Main Court space in Home Court. The vibrant work celebrates the cultural legacies of Chicago’s South Side (where Sylvain was raised,) honoring the neighborhoods that shaped the Obama family. The mural was all about team work!

Chicago-based Raspy Rivera is a current residency artist at AiPS. Born in Puerto Rico in 1989, the nickname “Raspy,” comes from her distinctive voice. Raspy draws and paints abstract faces that encourage viewers to embrace authenticity and celebrate imperfections. Her unique and powerful work reflects resilience and shared humanity. Raspy finds inspiration in Spanish artists Pablo Picass and Joan Miró, as well as historical Taino symbols.

Last year Raspy Rivera created three works for the interior of West Loop’s Latin inspired steakhouse “Trino”. One of her works (in collaboration with artist CoCo Schramel,) was a 60 x 14 feet, vibrant, colorful, acrylic mural, located in the dining room. “Trino” steakhouse noted on Instagram that “We are honored to have the work of @raspyrivera inside Trino…a world of color and warmth where every meal feels like a celebration.”. The second work that Raspy Rivera created for “Trino” steakhouse was a breathtaking triptych employing acrylic on wood. The third work, created in collaboration with artist CoCo Schramel, was a ceiling mural above the bar. Dinner at “Trino” was meaningful and delectable.