New AIR: Jess Riva Cooper

Jess Riva Cooper, Lillstreet’s new Ceramics Artist-in-Residence, is settling into her studio. Perhaps you have seen her sketching or working on figurative slabs.

A native of Toronto, Jess first visited Chicago during her post-baccalaureate in 2005 to see SOFA. During her visit she came to Lillstreet for a workshop with Matt Metz and Linda Sikora. Like many of us, Jess experienced something like love at first sight.

Jess returns to Lillstreet as Artist-in-Residence this winter with a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a BFA in ceramics and a minor in art history from Nova Scotia College if Art and Design. Along with her active studio practice and exhibition record, she has two years of teaching experience at the college level from her time at Sheridan College School of Craft and Design in Ontario, and seven years teaching at the elementary and high school level.

In Mid-March Jess will be lecturing and creating an installation at Brandies University, just outside Boston. Her residence both at Brandies and here at Lillstreet will integrate the concepts of Yiddish folktales of Golem and Dybbuk spirits through a female lens. The installation will be a culmination of the ceramic work Jess is creating this winter at Lillstreet and panoramic, layered drawings.

Starting Monday, January 31st Jess will be presenting a 30 minute overview of her recent work and influences during each class period. We hope everyone – students and studio members alike- will take this opportunity to become acquainted with Jess and get a behind the scenes look at her work. See you there…

Monday, January 31: 12:30pm – Hand B, 2:30pm – Hand B, 7:30pm – Kids Room

Wednesday, February 2: 2:30pm – Hand B, 7:30pm - Kids Room

Saturday, February 5: 12:30pm –Hand B

Sunday, February 6: 10:30am – Hand B, 3pm - Hand B, 6pm – Kids Room

Tuesday, February 8: 11am – Hand B, 2:30 – Hand B, 7:30 – Kids Room

Thursday, February 10: 11am – Hand B, 7:30pm – Kids Room