Nicholas Prokos

1934 - 2015

Teacher and sculptor, Nicholas G. Prokos, a 55 year resident of Highland Park, passed away on August 24th 2015. Mr. Prokos was born May 17, 1934 in Escanaba, Michigan. He was the fourth son of Greek immigrants, George and Koula Prokos. Mr. Prokos was well known in local and regional art communities as an artist, and educator of more than 50 years. In 1961 he secured a position at Highland Park High School. In 1964, he purchased his 1st Street property and opened a ceramics studio. There, he and his wife owned and operated a clay company, produced their own work, and taught. From 1969 to 1992 he taught ceramics at Barat College in Lake Forest where he also served as Chairman of the Art Department. He also taught at Lake Forest College and The Art Institute of Chicago among others. Mr. Prokos' works were exhibited nationally and internationally and are in many permanent collections including those of The Art Institute of Chicago, The Illinois State Museum, and The Springfield Art Association. He shared his numerous talents with family, friends, and students and he inspired many. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Prokos was preceded in death by his son, George, and is survived by his sons, Michael and John, two grandchildren, Nicholas and Chloe, and four brothers, Charles, John, James and Konstantin. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to "The Nicholas Prokos Scholarship Fund" at "The Art Center - Highland Park" 847-432-1888.