Jillian Gryzlak is a maker of things. She builds costumes, works with ceramics and textiles, makes props and puppets for theater, and designs immersive installations. Working with a multitude of materials, Jillian’s process is often one of discovery and intuition.
Jillian brings this same process of discovery with her to the classroom when working with youth. Along with Urban Gateways, Jillian has taught with Redmoon’s Neighborhood Arts Program, Chicago Arts in Partnership in Education, Shanti, and After School Matters. Jillian is the Props Artisan at Loyola University’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts and has worked in many theaters across Chicago including Redmoon, The Gift Theatre, Cabinet of Curiosity, Adventure Stage Chicago, Elgin Community College, and Theo Ubique.
Jillian has been leading visual arts programming with Urban Gateways since 2009 teaching both in-school and after-school residencies. She has also led many professional developments for arts teachers looking at choice-based learning and non-arts teachers with a focus in arts integration and collaboration.
Work
Sample Images
Artist Information
Languages Spoken
- English
Years with Urban Gateways
- 15
Areas of Expertise
- Visual Arts
Learning Environments
- Virtual
- Hybrid
- In-Person