A Journey Through
Art and Culture
Through her art, Eleanor invites viewers to connect with the African American experience, sparking conversations and appreciation for culture and history. Her unique artistry showcases deep-rooted stories and traditions that inspire awe and reflection.
Biography
Eleanor H. Coffey was a multimedia artist specializing in wood, metal and textiles. She also has extensive training in drawing, painting, and print-making. Eleanor received a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Art Education from Chicago State University. She obtained a Master of Arts degree in Invention and Creativity with an emphasis on Sculpture from Governors State University.
Eleanor continued her studies through expanded coursework in advance design and sculpture at the Illinois Institute of Technology and weaving, serigraphy, and art therapy at The School
of the Art Institute of Chicago.
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Eleanor’s interest in art was also demonstrated in the classroom where she served as Chairperson of the Art Department at South Shore High School in Chicago, IL.
In this role, she taught Studio Art, helping students understand fundamental art concepts, and Art Advance Placement, a course designed for more experienced students to refine their artistic skills and abilities. As an art educator, Eleanor enjoyed using her talent and expertise to teach, mentor, and promote the next generation of artists.
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A visionary with an affinity for exploring the human condition and the African American experience, Eleanor created a wide and varied body of bold work that ignites the imagination, promotes intellectual curiosity, and celebrates traditions. Her fingers, with flexible dexterity, are able to fashion forms and figures as quickly as her mind dictates the inner imagination of her soul.
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Eleanor’s art has appeared in a number of galleries, museums, and institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry “Black Creativity,” DuSable Museum, Governors State University, Chicago State University, Seaway Bank, and the Illinois Service Federal Savings and Loan Association of Chicago. The City of Chicago Council on Fine Arts commissioned Eleanor to create a sculpture for South Shore Bank and many prominent Chicagoans have
commissioned her to sculpt for their private collection.
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Eleanor has been profiled on ABC 7 Chicago (Channel 7) and The Chicago Defender for her creative ingenuity and brilliantly carved sculptures. She has also been recognized by The Chicago Council on Fine Arts, Phi Delta Kappa, and Chicago Public School.
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Eleanor was a creator, innovator, visionary, and influencer. A limited edition collector’s book of Eleanor’s art is currently being developed.
Education Art Experience
My art experience, acquired at Governors State University, consist of the completion of a comprehensive and diversified art majors program at Chicago State University. In accordance with Chicago State University’s philosophy at the time, I enrolled in and completed the academic and art courses necessary for successful teaching in the Chicago Public School System. As a result of my strict adherence to the art major’s curriculum, I acquired extensive training in drawing, painting, textile designing, print-making and sculpture.
Professional Art Experience
Since graduation, my experiences have been broadened through graduate courses at the Illinois Institute of Technology and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Presently, I am an art educator and Art Department Chairperson at South Shore High School where I have the opportunity and privilege to share my knowledge of art with many young people. In my art classes, youngsters are taught fundamental art concepts and provided with methods and materials designed to implement and encourage exploration of these concepts. In my Studio Art Advance Placement Program, talented young people are encouraged to develop and refine their artistic skills and abilities. It is this class that has both benefited most from my graduate art studies at Governors State University, and gives me opportunities to explore and expand new techniques, processes and media I acquired during that course of study.