Middle School Art: ChicaGogh! in Chicago

Meet Becky Cortez, professional Artist-In-Residence hired by school disctricts in the Chicago area. She works with junior high students to create permanent mosaic art installations; walking them through the entire process from concept to grouting and polishing.

Becky Cortez of Fish BaitStudio Inc. La Grange, IL with sons Kip and Carlos.

Much like the WPA movement of the 1930s under President Roosevelt, these projects are designed to bring large scale works of art into Chicago area schools and to inspire young people both in their daily school lives, and in the consideration of careers in the art world.


This mural is titled: "ChicaGogh! Chicago, meet Van Gogh." Approximately 100 8th graders worked on this one over a period of 4 months this spring semester.


Closeup of McCormick Center

Becky says: "As you can see the modwalls Lush tile in hues of blues and greens was perfect to create our Van Gogh Starry Night sky! The kids were amazed when they touched the tile and looked through the edges! It trimmed easily too!"



Of course Becky's installation crew makes it all happen before the grouting can occur. Her husband, Rick, and their sons Kipp and Carlos are the muscle to get these beauties up on the wall and ready for the students to finish. The boys are earning their college tuition as they help their parents with the projects.


We think Becky and her team are really something special and we're so happy that they're using some of our products in their amazing works of art.

For More Information on Becky and her FishBait Studios, email: bequis4@sbcglobal.net