ABOUT THE FOUNDER She holds a B.A. degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb IL., and a B.F.A. degree from the International Academy of Merchandise and Design, in Chicago Il. Born and raised in Chicago, Elaine is a product of the Public School system and understands the importance of integrating art into the curriculum in communities where children may not otherwise be exposed to it. Most recently Elaine collaborated with John Pitman Weber on a magnificent community based public art installation entitled Reaching Back Moving Forward, Lest we Forget The Song of 47 th Street. Leading a team composed of artists, local high school youth and community resident volunteers , they worked together to create a bricolauge mural comprised of over 2000 sq ft of undulating tile mosaic, mirror, painted patterns, poetry and historical images specially fused to ceramic tiles. The finished artwork which documents the history of the community, perfectly illustrates her power to marry highly innovative technical expertise with artistic sensitivity. In 2007, with the art teacher and over 140 students, Elaine created one of the largest indoor mosaics in a Chicago Public School. “Equipped for the Cause” is a 400 sq ft broken tile mosaic mural that spans the entire cafeteria wall at Mose Vines Preparatory Academy. Critical to the success of complex projects such as this one is her 10 years of experience and her unwavering commitment to excellence. Carolyn Elaine’s exquisite mosaic installations can be found all over the city of Chicago. In 2006, she was awarded her first commission under the City of Chicago 1% Program for the Arts for the 7th District Police Station in the Englewood Community. Elaine collaborated with Nina Smoot-Cain, to design “We Adorn Our Community with Our Cloth of Ancestral Wisdom”. The artwork, which she fabricated in flat opalescent glass mosaic, was installed directly to the vertical surface of the lobby’s granite counter. In recent years, Elaine has made a new commitment to her studio mosaics, creating artworks that are imbued with rich, vibrant hues and textures. She creates soulful and wonderfully lyrical images, modeling the features of figures and natural forms using fragments of tile. Her pieces are deeply personal and are infused with intricately detailed patterns and color combinations that carry the ethos of her African American Culture. Elaine’s work has been acquired by collectors both locally and nationally, including; Bishop Author Brazier, Apostolic Church of God (Chgo), Pastor John Hannah, New Life Covenant Church (Chgo), Patric McCoy (Pres., Diasporal Rhythyms), Joan Dameron Crisler, Vanessa Monroe, Esq., Dennis Alexander, Stuart McClean (StuArt McClean Gallery, GA.), Mr. & Mrs. Haugabook (TN), and many others. Each piece is original in design, element and grace. When viewing her studio work, the spectator should feel “courted” in some way and realize that they are being asked to focus not only on the finished artwork, but on the personality of the artist as well. To view more of Carolyn Elaine’s work visit www.studioelainemosaic.com.
“Carolyn truly brings an amazing gift to her work with youth – the combination of her love of young people and her love of artistic expression. Youth are given an opportunity to participate in the creation of a major piece of public art – a source of tremendous pride that they can share with others and know will be valued for many years to come. It is something important and permanent in a world that for them too often feels cheap and transient.” Sheila M. Merry
“I do not feel that you will find anyone more talented, better qualified or sincerely committed to achieving the goals of educating, unifying, inspiring and healing through art.” Joan Dameron Crisler
“Elaine fully engaged students in the creative process from start to finish. She had high expectations and students learned the value of integrity and strong work ethic. They worked many hours through spring break and on weekends to complete the mural – learning and realizing their potential were at the heart of this project.” Patricia A. Woodson |
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FENGER ALUMNI
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Carolyn Elaine has emerged as an important community mosaicist. Collaborating with community groups, schools, talented artists and dedicated arts professionals, each with unique and visionary ideas, pushes her to continue heightening her creativity and inventiveness. It is her energy and dedication that is responsible for the ongoing reputation of excellence that she has become known for. 
