Norman Teague facts for kids

Norman Teague (born in 1968) is an American artist, designer, and teacher. He is known for making furniture and other art. He uses his designs to help people and communities. Teague helped start a design studio called blkHaUs Studios. Later, he created his own company, Norman Teague Design Studios. He also teaches industrial design at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Who is Norman Teague?

Norman Teague is a special kind of artist. He is a social practice artist. This means his art often involves working with people and communities. His goal is to make a positive difference in the world through his designs. He creates furniture, sculptures, and art installations.

Growing Up and Learning

Norman Teague grew up in Chicago. He lived in a neighborhood called Bronzeville on the city's South Side. He is African American.

When he was younger, Teague first wanted to be an architect. He started his studies at Harold Washington College. Then he went to Columbia College Chicago. There, he discovered a love for working with wood. This led him to change his focus to industrial design. He earned his bachelor's degree in product design in 2014. After that, he got a master's degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2016.

Designing for Change

In 2016, Norman Teague co-founded blkHaUs Studios in Chicago. He started this studio with another designer, Fo Wilson. Their work focused on making public spaces in Chicago more welcoming. They wanted these spaces to be better for everyone.

In 2019, Teague started his own company, Norman Teague Design Studios. His work aims to use design to "empower brown and black communities." This means he wants to help these communities feel stronger and more in control. He does this by creating designs that meet their needs and celebrate their culture.

Teague is very well known for his furniture. Some of his pieces are even in famous museums. You can find his work at The Art Institute of Chicago. His furniture is also at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Besides furniture, he has created performance art and sculptures. He has worked with other famous artists like Theaster Gates. He also helped with the Barack Obama Presidential Center. His designs were shown at the 2021 Chicago Architecture Biennial.