Natalie Osborne received her BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2002. The following year she accepted a position in Brooklyn, New York as a teaching artist for The Leadership Program Inc. where she taught painting in public schools in Brooklyn and in Harlem. While in New York, Natalie exhibited her paintings in group shows at Rush Arts Brooklyn Gallery. In 2009 she joined Aaron Marx in Toronto, ON to assist in the opening of Studio 561, a contemporary art gallery located in downtown Toronto at Bloor and Bathurst. “We literally lived in the gallery.” In 2011, Natalie returned to Chicago to work with the Downtown Arts Association in their effort to turn empty storefronts in the Loop into Pop Up galleries, working under curator Stuart Hall at Gallery 220 (220 S. Wabash Ave.) In 2014 she opened her online store, selling original paintings and prints. “My paintings are about the strength and purpose that illuminates from within every woman.”
What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?
Black history month is everyday for me. Not a day goes by that I do not think about the sacrifice my ancestors made for me, and I know I wouldn't be able to access the many opportunities I seek if they had not paved the way for my success and freedom.
Where Are You Finding Inspiration To Create This Year?
I find inspiration to create on INSTAGRAM. Being able to connect to other artists and designers has opened up a new world of possibilities for me. The ability to share instant feedback and follow each others growth has been very inspirational for me. I create in my in home studio so I find so much inspiration here at home. When the urge to paint hits me, I am able to just go into my studio and get started. That has been a game changer for me.
