JEAN CATE
Chicago, ILBrand
Jean Cate (b. 1990, Pasadena, CA) is a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur based in Chicago. She earned her BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, specializing in painting, drawing, and ceramics, with further studies in papermaking, philosophy, and performance at Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency.
Cate’s work revolves around the theme of atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the ever-changing and dramatic forces of nature, using watercolor, pastel, ink, and salt on raw birch wood panels. She is drawn to how visual metaphors mirror the experience of life and consciousness.
She has taught at institutions including the Driehaus Museum and Ghost Ranch. Cate has been featured in a solo exhibition at VSG Contemporary (2025) and has attracted commercial recognition through a licensing deal with Crate & Barrel.
As the owner of Martha Mae Art Supplies & Beautiful Things and The Center of Order and Experimentation, collaboration and community is at the heart of all of her ventures.
