Zach Balousek (b. 1988) is a Chicago- based sculptor and musician working across a variety of disciplines to create interactive musical artworks. He received his BFA in ceramics from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and was a resident artist at Terra Incognito in Oak Park, IL. Since working construction and building sets for film his artwork has grown in scale from pedestal works to large outdoor installations. He has been the recipient of multiple juried awards and has exhibited throughout the Midwest.
Artworks
Margie Criner (b. 1968) is a Chicago-based artist, musician, and owner of Itty Bitty Mini Mart. Criner earned a BS in textile design from Michigan State University, East Lansing, and studied woodworking and furniture design with the Bauhaus Apprenticeship Institute in Forest Park, IL, and the Chicago School of Woodworking. Criner’s sculptures with miniature interiors have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the country.
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John T. Upchurch (b. 1968) is a Chicago- based sculptor and musician. Upchurch received his BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute. From 1988–1995, he was a member of the acclaimed band “The Coctails.” In 1994, Upchurch co-founded Fireproof Press, focusing primarily on creative packaging for the music industry. Upchurch joined Columbia College Chicago’s Art and Design Department in 1998, serving in various support, instructional and administrative roles before leaving in 2018.
Artworks
Lucie Van der Elst (b. 1987) is a multidisciplinary artist, miniaturist, illustrator, and musician. Born and raised in France, Van der Elst studied applied arts and product design at École Estienne and École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, where she graduated in 2010. A post-graduation solo backpacking trip through the United States ended up changing her life in unexpected ways. Van der Elst moved to Chicago in 2016 and has exhibited extensively in Europe and the United States.