Sonja Henderson received her B.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she studied painting and drawing; she recevied her M.F.A. from the University of California at Berkeley where she concentrated on sculpture and installation. While at Berkeley, she taught undergraduate students, developed curricula, and led a community-based arts and education summer program for at-risk youth. She has also taught and developed classes on media literacy and the effect of consumerism on culture, race, gender, and youth. Sonja has taught at her own sculpture studio, led numerous residencies, and acted as lead artist for many large-scale mural projects in Chicago Public Schools, for private contracts, and abroad. In addition, Sonja’s work has received honors including the International Sculpture Award for outstanding student achievement in contemporary sculpture, the African American Achievement Award and the Eisner Prize, awarded as the highest honor for creativity. Sonja recently completed a large-scale carved brick monument to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Chicago Public Art Group.
Examples of Sonja’s Urban Gateways programs:
Self Portraits/Self Acceptance
Going Green at Greeley with a Bright and Art-Filled Community Garden
UG Teaching Artist Showcases Student Work at Gallery 37
