From the Art Classroom to the Big Leagues
Former Cordovan Art School student Katie Bogan recently made national news for a chalk drawing she created for the World Series on a sidewalk plaza in downtown Milwaukee. Katie’s masterpiece, a chalk portrait of Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, measured about 9 x 10 feet. The portrait became a popular attraction for crowds of baseball fans excited about the Brewers’ chances of eventually winning the World Series. Major League Baseball (MLB), Chourio, and news outlets picked up on her story. https://wtmj.com/news/entertainment/2026/10/25/jackson-chourio-chalk-mural-milwaukee-katie-bogan https://news.we-energies.com/we-energies-employee-chalks-up-a-masterpiece-for-milwaukees-world-series-run/
Katie’s artistic journey began long before her recent Milwaukee recognition. She started art classes with Cordovan Art School at age 7 and continued developing her talents in our studio throughout her high school years. She participated in the Round Rock, Texas Chalk Walk for over 10 years, continuing to participate even when she was in Colorado for college. Her passion for creating realistic chalk portraits took off in 2018 when she recreated the iconic “Afghan Girl” at the Round Rock event.
Katie enjoys the process of chalk art as almost meditative. She enjoys the performance aspect of creating art in public, where people can watch, interact, and experience the artwork as it develops. Katie also embraces the temporary quality of a chalk drawing that is at the mercy of the next rainstorm. She believes there is something special about appreciating a creation in the moment, knowing it won’t be there forever. Her story teaches us that joy of art isn’t just in the finished product. It’s in the process of observing, creating, experimenting, and sharing.
Katie’s talent and continuing participation in art are especially impressive because art isn’t her full-time profession. She works full-time as an environmental scientist in Milwaukee. Her story demonstrates that a lifetime of learning stays with you. Creativity and artistic expression can flourish alongside an entirely different career. She is a wonderful reminder that you don’t have to become a professional artist to enjoy the lifelong rewards of developing your artistic abilities. Katie’s advice to others? Make time for the things you love and keep “creating more than you consume”.
Congratulations, Katie! We can’t wait to see what you create next!
