Dante DiBartolo & Christine Kozol
Sponsor: D’Arcy Buick GMC
Guitar Location: Joliet Union Station
Guitar Name: “Kick It!”
Design Concept: Our guitar unifies 3 key themes:
- Mayor Terry D’Arcy’s fondness and sponsorship of the Taste of Joliet and its fireworks show.
- Getting kicks on Route 66, one of Joliet’s main tourist attractions.
- 70’s and 80’s aesthetics & car culture. Bold colors, dynamic poses, an iconic rock n roll style that appeals to all ages and screams “READY TO ROCK”!
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Dante DiBartolo Studios
Christine Website: chrystyne.com
Linkedin: Christine Linkedin
Christine Social: Christine Instagram
Dante Bio: I went to Joliet Junior College and received an associate degree in fine art. I learned mostly painting and shortly after graduating I decided to try work as a freelance artist. At first, I found only a few painting jobs and later I started work for a design studio doing sculpture work. It turned out I had a talent for sculpture as well as painting and learned my skills on the job or at home on my own.
I started work in public art in 1992 for an organization called Friends of Community Public Art in Joliet Illinois. I spent the next 20 years or so producing many murals, mosaics, and sculptures in the Joliet area. As I developed my skills, I gained many other clients by word of mouth that would commission me to do artwork for them.
In between projects for FCPA I did commission work for many different companies. I produced sculptures for fiberglass castings, murals for private homes and signs for commercial businesses.
Over the years I developed many new skills and abilities that have helped me find new work opportunities. I learned early on that learning how to find new ways of producing your artwork or
experimenting with new materials and techniques made me a much more flexible artist able to take on any project offered to me. I would always take the opportunity to learn a new skill or use a new material, to always grow and develop as an artist.
I have skills in painting, sculpture, mosaic, graphic design, design and construction of sets and props, as well as mold making and casting in many different materials.
Currently I am excited to be part of a new Art group in Joliet, called the Art Movement Inc. as project manager.
Christine Bio: Christine (Chrissy) Kozol is an art director, photographer, and SAG-Eligible performer who grew up in Joliet. Shortly after graduating from JJC with an AA in Fine Art (2003), she became a member of the avant-garde artist collective Fluxcore, who created elaborate events, gallery shows, and multimedia installations throughout Chicago. Through her involvement with Fluxcore and the Chicago underground music scene, she made life-long connections that laid the groundwork for a successful portfolio career in art, design, and performance.
In 2018 she received a BA in arts management from UMASS Amherst and developed a working knowledge of how to bridge gaps between artists and audiences. Since returning to Joliet in 2020, Christine’s goal is to leverage her experience as an artist, creative professional, and business owner to elevate creative vibrancy in Joliet. She brings a healthy dose of humor and passion to the table and takes pride in creating environments that bring out the best in her subjects and collaborators.
Select credits / clients:
Chicago Tribune, Dell, Disney, Facebook, The Huffington Post, Juxtapoz, P&G, Sesame Street, Refinery 29, Vogue Italia
