Gretchen Hasse is a storyteller working in comics, collage, public art, and moving images. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University, and an MFA in Film, Video and New Media from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has exhibited work throughout the city, and her films have screened in Chicago, New York City, Berlin, London, and computer screens everywhere. Gretchen’s work is primarily about resilience. Having lived with rheumatoid arthritis since she was a teenager, she is drawn to stories and images that describe perseverance through pain. She knows that a dark sense of humor, a keen eye for social criticism, and the diligence to work for change are essential tools for survival. Gretchen draws inspiration for all of her work through a strong community engagement. In addition to her creative support for numerous social justice campaigns, she is an active member of AnySquared Projects, an all-volunteer collaborative and artistic network in Logan Square.
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