Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Awards
Timeline
Generic
Catherine Lottes

Catherine Lottes

Milwaukee,Wisconsin

Summary

Experienced scenic artist with skills in fine art painting, texture decoration, and large-scale mural creation. Strong background in community-based public art projects and historic building restoration. Proven ability to collaborate with diverse teams and adapt creative solutions to complex problems. Eager to contribute artistic expertise and innovative techniques to a dynamic new team. Resourceful and results-driven professional with a passion for growth and efficiency to meet company needs and increase service value.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Artist / Painter

COST of Wisconsin, Inc
04.2023 - 06.2025
  • Preformed prep work through highly realistic Finish Painted surfaces on a variety of materials, including concrete, urethane foam, fiberglass, etc for a wide variety of venues: Theme Park entertainment rides, underwater aquariums, Zoos, sporting goods stores, landscaping features, Mini Golf courses and more. [Examples include highly realistic 3D rocks and trees, sea creatures and a wide variety of themed concepts and settings]
  • Exhibited high levels of self-motivation when producing specialized custom pieces with minimal supervision under tight deadlines.
  • Painted surfaces using brushes, spray guns, and paint rollers.

Owner / Artist

Lucid Glass Industries
01.1987 - 04.2023
  • Created kiln-fired Artisan Glass products using recycled glass resources.
  • Innovated energy efficient kiln fusing processes to develop recycled glass tiles, diffusion panels, countertops and Public Art installations
  • Worked with high resolution ceramic glaze decals on glass and ceramics for permanent, fade proof Art and custom tile installations
  • Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install Public Art creations.
  • Demonstrated and supported continuous improvement and growth mindset.
  • Developed and implemented effective strategies to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.

Overhire / Scenic Charge Artist

Skylight Music Theatre
10.2015 - 12.2022
  • Painted Scenery and Props for Musical Theater Shows
  • Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
  • Create finished art work for stage decoration, according to specification of Set Designers
  • Create backdrops and painted hardline set pieces, sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as foam, fabrics, wire mesh, various mediums, wood, etc
  • Collaborate with other scenic artists, engineers, mechanics, and technical directors as necessary to build and install creations.

President / Artist

Mirage Backgrounds, Inc
01.1987 - 12.2015
  • Designed and executed original artwork for various private and corporate clients.
  • Managed creative process from concept to completion for various art projects.
  • Created large scale backdrops on canvas and muslin for use in the Advertising Industry using air brushes, HVLP spray guns and artist brushes with acrylic paints.
  • Created commissioned artwork for organizations and private clients.
  • Collaborated with other artists on various art projects and installations.
  • Experimented with variety of styles and techniques to produce unique works of art.
  • Worked with Interior decorators and clients to create professional quality Faux Finishes on walls, furniture and other surfaces
  • Worked with clients to understand desired outcomes and requirements.
  • Coordinated with city officials to initiate public art projects, enhancing community spaces and engaging residents in artistic process.
  • Led collaborative mural projects in community spaces, fostering local engagement and beautifying urban areas.
  • Consulted with clients to discuss commission ideas and style preferences to create mutually agreeable project parameters.
  • Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
  • Selected and purchased materials for art projects.

Education

BFA - Painting & Photography

UW Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

Skills

  • Artistic skills
  • Creative problem solving
  • Fine Art Painting
  • Scenic Painting
  • Faux Finishes
  • Wall painting
  • Textures and surface decoration techniques
  • Large Scale Mural painting
  • Community based Public Art projects
  • Glass working
  • Glass cutting
  • Stained glass work
  • Kiln fired glass processes
  • Architecture & Design applications
  • Mosaic & glass tile industry
  • Specialized restoration work
  • Duplicate & replace unique glass elements
  • Historic buildings
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Paint mixing
  • Visual art creation
  • Superb attention to detail
  • Commission requests
  • Acrylic painting
  • Canvas and muslin
  • Texture painting
  • Wood graining and faux marble
  • Oil painting
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Vendor relationships
  • Photography
  • Material selection
  • Art history knowledge
  • Painted Artisan finishes
  • Complex problem solver
  • Special custom finishes
  • Artistic collaboration
  • Color theory

Accomplishments

  • WI DNR - Recycling Demonstration Grant, 2008-2009
  • Mayor's Design Award, 2014 for Lapham Park Mosaic installation, 'Life's Garden'

Certification

OSHA -10

Awards

  • WI DNR - Recycling and Waste Reduction Demonstration Grant, 2008-2009
  • Mayor's Design Award, 2014, for Lapham Park Mosaic installation, 'Life's Garden'
  • Wi Arts Board Creative Communities Grant - HACM Lapham Park Glass Mosaic, 2010-1011

Timeline

Artist / Painter

COST of Wisconsin, Inc
04.2023 - 06.2025

Overhire / Scenic Charge Artist

Skylight Music Theatre
10.2015 - 12.2022

Owner / Artist

Lucid Glass Industries
01.1987 - 04.2023

President / Artist

Mirage Backgrounds, Inc
01.1987 - 12.2015

BFA - Painting & Photography

UW Milwaukee

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