Kasey Grealis (They/Them)
Kasey Grealis is an interdisciplinary artist from Chicago, Illinois.
Kasey received their BFA from Florida State University in 2017 where they focused in printmaking and book arts. From 2016-2017, Kasey worked as a preservation assistant at Florida State University’s Rare Books Library and as an intern and assistant at Small Craft Advisory Press where they contributed to artist’s books like VVVVV, A Guide to Florida, and Flashpoint. Kasey then went on to receive their MFA in Book Arts at The University of Alabama in 2021, producing works like Endless, We Know the Struggle, and I Hope This Finds You.
After grad school Kasey took up permanent residence in Chicago, IL where they found work teaching at after school art programs, The Chicago Weaving School, Lillstreet Art Center, and The Chicago Botanic Gardens.
Today Kasey’s personal work revolves around the wider world of fiber arts incorporating weaving, papermaking, sewing, and printmaking techniques, hoping to find the common ground between their many interests.
Artist’s Statement
As a non-binary, autistic artist, the spaces I occupy are often “in between” or in a state of juxtaposition. Conceptually and physically my work also seems to occupy those spaces while exploring thoughts on memory, loneliness, and communication through the use of light and texture.
I am often fascinated by the relationship between light and shadow. The interplay between them creates a depth that reveals the intricate details in the texture of my work. Shadow gives body to the ethereal, intangible qualities of light and without both texture remains unseen, its subtle variations and complexities obscured nothingness. This delicate balance represents my relationship with the world; my differences seem illuminated by the lack of difference around me and I often feel as though my true essence is lurking somewhere out of sight and difficult to grasp.
I often express my intention through dark or monochromatic tones, organic imagery, linework, transparency, and contrasting materials. Handmade paper, translucent fabrics, and light fixtures also come together to create a unique interplay of textures and visuals.
My use of delicate handmade paper and subtle fibers add a tactile element that invites thoughtful exploration, while light not only enhances the pieces visually but also influences the essence of the work. I appreciate the use of direct lighting which forces the surface on which the pieces lay to become part of the work as the shadows cast upon them act as an additional medium.
The interaction between these materials encourages the viewer to examine the more subtle and intangible aspects of my work and to question the focus of the piece: shadow or object?
Curriculum Vitae
Education
2021 MFA, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2017 BFA magna cum laude, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Supplemental Coursework
2025Rings Rings Rings, taught by Lillian Frazier, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL
2019 Trade Style Finishing (gold tooling), taught by Brien Beidler, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2019 Paste Paper, taught by Madeleine Durham, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2019 Hamilton Wood Type Broadsides, taught by Jim Moran, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2013 Still Life Oil Painting, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Teaching and Work Experience
2024-present Instructor at Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL
Textiles and Book/Print departments
Created and taught custom classes and workshops for book binding, printmaking, and sewing
2025 Suminagashi Workshop at Baker Demonstration School, Wilmette, IL
2022-2024 Studio Manager at The Chicago Weaving School, Chicago, IL
Handled daily operations of studio space
Assisted with education of students and troubleshooting of equipment
Oversaw student scheduling and inventory management
Arranged shows and curated The Way Back gallery space
Managed and developed social media content
2022 Teaching Assistant for By Discovery, Chicago, IL
Oversaw preparation of daily activities
Implemented creative solutions to accommodate disabled students
Worked with lead instructor to ensure project goals were met
Assisted with tutorial program development for individual students
2021 Assisted in the creation of a socially distant gallery show, Sarah Scarr, Kasey Grealis, Christina Lilly, Warp and Fold, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Constructed a galley space in a large basement using drop cloths and clamp lights
Created a website that facilitated a gallery experience with 3D modeling and photography
2020-2021 Taught at the undergraduate level, Intro to Book Arts, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Created a hybrid syllabus for distance learning
Lectured a class of 12 on the history of papermaking, printmaking, and book binding
Demonstrated hand papermaking techniques, non adhesive binding structures, letterpress printing, and “low tech” printing techniques
2020 Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Paper Making, taught by Kyle Holland, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2019 Taught as guest artist, Ethiopian-Style Binding, Sarah Scarr, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2019 Taught as guest artist, Modern and Contemporary Book Binding, Jillian Sico, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2019 Teaching Assistant, The Long Stitch: Form, Function, Experimentation, taught by Sarah Bryant, Wells College, Aurora, NY
2019 Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Book Binding, taught by Anna Embree, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2017 Assistant, CBAA Annual Meeting, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Created informational brochure for attendees
Designed pamphlet for the meeting schedule
2016 Assistant, Small Craft Advisory Press, Tallahassee, FL
Worked on Artist’s Books such as VVVVV, WPA A Guide to Florida, and Flashpoint
Maintained presses and workspace
2016 Preservation Assistant, Special Collections Library, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fl
Created custom enclosures for books in need of repair
Awards
2018-2020 Graduate Teaching Assistantship, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2017 Small Craft Advisory Press Art Award, Tallahassee, FL
2014 Honorable Mention in Sculpture, Group Show, Polk-State College, Winter Haven, FL
Solo Exhibitions
2023 Rigid Converations, The Way Back, The Chicago Weaving School, Chicago, IL
Group Exhibitions
2023 Fuzz, Purple Window Gallery, Mana Contemporary, Chicago, IL
2023 Craftwork/Artwork, Skokie Public Library, Chicago, IL
2021 MFA Warp and Fold(Thesis Exhibition), Virtual Exhibition, warpandfold.com
2017 BFA Thesis Exhibition, Museum of Fine Art, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
2016 BFA Babies, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
2014 Group Exhibition, Polk-State College, Winter Haven, FL
Commissions
2019 Binding Repair, Memoirs of My Life by John Charles Fremont, Julie Fox, Orlando, FL
2019 Logo Design, Best in Brass, logo for brass quartet, Orlando, Fl
2018 Graphic design for book cover, The Spin Cycle, Jessica Bott, Orlando, FL