CPS Lives select Denise Waite and Chang-Ching “Casper” Su as 2024 EXPO Chicago Artists

EXPO Chicago Main Photo

Chicago, IL – [2/14/2024]

CPS Lives is pleased to announce the inclusion of two talented artists, Denise Waite and Chang-Ching “Casper” Su, in the upcoming EXPO Chicago 2024. The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art, renowned for featuring leading international galleries, will host its eleventh edition at Navy Pier from April 11 to 14, 2024.

Denise Waite, an accomplished visual artist and writer, is a CPS graduate, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Art with honors from Williams College. She recently received her Master of Fine Arts in Art from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. Waite’s primary focus in art is portraiture using pastels and acrylic paint. Expressing her gratitude for being selected for EXPO Chicago, Waite said, “It means being able to share the stories of CPS students with a larger audience, showing the impact of a CPS education and conveying the personalities and faces behind the institution.”

Chang-Ching “Casper” Su, an interdisciplinary artist, holds a BA in Political Science from National Taiwan University and is currently an MFA candidate at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Su emphasizes the personal and professional significance of being chosen for EXPO Chicago, stating, “This recognition feels like a welcoming embrace from the city, affirming my decision to make Chicago my new home.” He sees the potential of art as a medium of inclusion, bridging gaps between different cultures and communities. Describing the selection as a significant milestone, Su notes, “The platform offered by EXPO Chicago is unparalleled, providing me with exposure to a broader audience and the art community at a time when building networks and establishing roots are crucial for my career.”

As CPS Lives artists in residence, both Waite and Su have been profoundly impacted by their experiences. Reflecting on her residency at Lincoln Park High School, Waite said, “Participating in CPS Lives has helped me appreciate how meaningful and impactful teaching is and solidified my desire to become an educator.”

Su’s residency at Haines Elementary School allowed him to connect with students, educators, and community members, providing insights into the everyday realities and unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. Describing the impact of the residency, Su stated, “Working alongside children has opened my eyes anew to the nature of creativity that adults often lose touch with. Their imaginative perspectives and fearless approach to expression inspired me to explore beyond conventional boundaries and to incorporate a sense of spontaneity and authenticity into my work.”

CPS Lives  is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization that pairs Chicago artists, designers, creatives, thinkers, makers, and educators with a Chicago Public School during the academic year to collaborate on a project, sharing the unique and individual story of each Chicago Public School. Each residency is made an accessible digital archive of history for students, families, community members, educators, administrators, policymakers, and the general public through the CPS Lives website.

EXPO CHICAGO has a rich history as a platform for contemporary art and culture, attracting 170 leading international exhibitors in its 2023 edition. The exposition aims to engage Chicago’s contemporary art community and collector base while drawing upon the city’s cultural history.

EXPO CHICAGO will host the eleventh edition of the in-person exposition on April 11–14, 2024 at Navy Pier. Over the next several months, EXPO CHICAGO will be actively working with global partners and Chicago’s renowned hospitality community to prepare for next year. Subsequent dates for EXPO CHICAGO are scheduled for April 24–27, 2025 and April 16–19, 2026.

Learn more about EXPO Chicago here— https://www.expochicago.com/

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