Loretta Day

Loretta's Arts on Chicago Project »

Loretta Day, an illustrator, designer and painter is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. Day studied Fine Arts at Norfolk State University in the late 70’s – early 80’s. Soon after college Day relocated to the Twin Cities to pursue an art career, in addition to completing a Commercial Arts Program.

Between the years 1988 and 1998, the artist became involved in various afterschool and parks programs throughout the metro area teaching or assisting in art to children and young adults, while displaying solo exhibitions throughout the metro area including Pillsbury House “Women of Color,” Augsburg College, Honeywell and 3M.

In the year 2000, Day took on the direction to freelance her art for sales and exhibition, which she continues to do today. Day’s fine art experiences include float design which landed her a 1st Place Prize in Float Designer for the Rondo Parade in 1997. In 2007 Day joined a local artist group TAWU (The Art Within Us), and became coordinator of the group in 2010. As a member of TAWU, Day has had the opportunity to display her work in various group exhibition throughout the Twin Cities including The Soap Factory (Soul on Ice), Obsidian Arts (55407, Holiday Portrait Show and Artists Who Cook), Minneapolis Foundation, UROC, Emerge, Hennepin Gallery, North Side Art Flow, General Mills and the  Bascilica of St. Mary. Day was also commissioned to work on The Lee Family Project where she designed the image for a metal sculpture.

Artist Statement

I find this project very exciting…to be able to connect with other artists and organizations in an effort to enhance our communities. The “arts” is an excellent vehicle for such a task. I have found that art has the power to heal and stir emotions. It can be used to communicate and bring people together. I also believe it open doors to people who have been seeking a challenge or an opportunity to engage in the arts or just the having the opportunity for people to just enjoy what they see. The “arts” will definitely bring the community together because a community divided is no community at all.



  • Stephanie Morris, Rakhi Bisen, Barbara Ann Thomas, Sabreen Hasan Loretta Day and Christopher Aaron Deanes; photo by Stephanie Morris

    Stephanie Morris, Rakhi Bisen, Barbara Ann Thomas, Sabreen Hasan Loretta Day and Christopher Aaron Deanes; photo by Stephanie Morris