Donna Drapeau

How did a goth girl from Wisconsin fall madly in love with art, study it, give herself fully to it and wind up as a Creative Director at Playboy? Dunno. Life, like art, can be mysterious, surprising, unfathomable. But wherever life has chosen to take me, art (painting, photograph–with reckless detours into poetry) has been there to calm me, whisper in my ear and softly stroke my sanity. 

I aim to unravel the quirky human story, seeking to capture the essence of life through a myriad of creations. By observing, listening and examining our moments, my desire is to stimulate the imagination and evoke introspection. My work delves into the ever-changing nature of personal growth, transitions and rebirths while swirling amidst our dynamic, changing world.  

I invite you to dive into my whimsical world, where every brush stroke, lens blink and written word whispers tales of evolution and wonderment. Life's too short not to add a tender pause and a dash of wit to creations!

The School of the Art Institute
of Chicago
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Chicago, IL

Oxford (Headington College) 

now Oxford Brookes University
Oxford University, England

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Painting & Graphic Design
Milwaukee, WI

River North Design District
Gallery Walk
Mobili Möbel
300 W. Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60654
September - October 2024

Dirksen Federal Building
Commissioned Solo Installation
219 S. Dearborn Street, 18th Floor
Chicago, IL
March 2021 - present

Ice House Gallery
Group Show
609 S. Boulevard
Evanston, IL
September - December, 2019

Block 37
Solo Exhibition
108 N. State Street, First Ascent, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL
June - July 2019

One North State Street
Solo Show
One North State Street, Lobby
Chicago, IL
January 2016 - June 2017

Southport Wellness
Group Show
1209 W. Grace Street
Chicago, IL
December 2015 - November 2016

Agora Gallery, NYC
Group Show
Contemporary Perspectives
530 W. 25th Street, First Floor
New York, NY
September 16 - October 6th, 2015

Agora Gallery, NYC
Group Show
Emerging Transformation
530 W. 25th Street, Second Floor
New York, NY
August 25 - September 12, 2015

University of Illinois Chicago
Group Show
Chicago, IL
2014

W Chicago
Group Show
Chicago, IL
2013

Uncommon Ground
Auction - Group Show
Chicago, IL
2013

ArtMail Milwaukee
Solo Digital Mail Show
Milwaukee, WI
2013

University of Illinois Chicago
Group Show
Chicago, IL
2012

Uncommon Ground
Group Show
Chicago, IL
2011

Oculus Gallery
Solo ...