Medium: Ceramics
Booth #: Coming soon.
Childhood:
Grew up on dairy farm in northern Wisconsin. Contacted polio at 14 months, rehab at Sister Kenny Institute and 8 orthopedic operations allowed walking at the age of 16 without leg braces and crutches, return of post-polio syndrome necessitated return to the use of canes for stability.
Education:
High school valedictorian; BFA, MFA (honors) from the University of Chicago, studying ceramics with Ruth Duckworth
Teaching:
Antioch University, St. Xavier’s University, The School of Art Institute of Chicago (retired 2015)
Professional Achievements:
International Exhibitions: Japan (Mino), Taiwan (Yeigei), Italy, France, Finland, Mexico, Canada
National Exhibitions: NCECA Biennial, Awards (Best of Show): River to River, Central Time Zone,
San Angelo, Topeka National, Materials Hard and Soft, It’s Only Clay.
Business Development:
Oak Park Pottery, ArtWorks in Oak Park (now Terra Incognitio) offering classes, working artist’s studios, residencies and gallery.
Studio Tours: Developed Holiday Lights Tour (Oak Park), Twenty Dirty Hands (Galena)
Art Fairs: Best of Show awards (ceramics): St. Louis, Plaza, Uptown, Art on the Square (Madison), Laumier, Brookside (Kansas City), Marion, College Park, 57th (Chicago), Appleton and Cambridge.
Gallery Representation: Lill Street (Chicago), Akar (Iowa City), Grand Hand (Mpls), Red Star (Kansas City), Abel Contemporary (Stoughton), Higher Fire (Madison), Vale’s Fine Craft (Chicago) and Terra Incognitio
Summation:
Delores Fortuna grew up on a northern Wisconsin diary farm, overcame the paralysis of polio, attended the University of Chicago, BFA, MFA studying with Ruth Duckworth; taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago retiring 2015. Her work has been exhibited both internationally and nationally winning numerous awards.