Chicago, Illinois
Jun 22, 1950 – Feb 16, 2019 (Age 68)
Artist and agitator Mary Ellen Croteau was best known for making work with bottle caps and other non-recycled plastic waste in an effort to demonstrate the huge amounts of trash we are consuming and sending into the environment. As a radical feminist and a crusader for social, environmental, and economic justice, she fearlessly addressed the absurdities of social norms through her work and life.
Mary Ellen died at age 68 on February 16, 2019. Born on June 22, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Catherine M. Croteau and the late Thomas A. Croteau, Mary Ellen graduated from Elizabeth Seton high school in 1968, from University of Illinois at Chicago in 1990, and she achieved a Master's Degree in Fine Arts from Rutgers University in 1998. Mary Ellen was the beloved partner of Steve Bild. She is survived by her sons, Vincent Gant and Paul Gant; daughter, Rachael Bild; brothers, Phillip, James, Thomas, Robert, and Guy; sisters, Suzanne, Therese, Juliette, and Catherine; and grandchild, Pierre Gant. The family invites donations in Mary Ellen's name to Planned Parenthood, the Nature Conservancy, Democracy Now!, or the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Friends and family are invited to attend her memorial service on Sunday, May 12 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park, Chicago.
I can still hear your voice in your works.
Thank you for still hearing me.
Therese Croteau
February 17, 2023 | Chicago, IL | Family
I have just discovered your artwork and have never known you in life, but am appreciative for the mark you left behind with your beautiful portrait made of bottle caps. I am inspired to make art following in your footsteps.
Tergel Pure
May 14, 2020 | San Francisco, CA | Acquaintance
I'm sorry to have not known about Mary Ellen's passing until today. I am so grateful to have known her, and to have witnessed her fearlessness. She continues to inspire me in art and life, even though I'll never have her guts. Hugs to all her loved ones.
Sue Sommers
June 23, 2019 | Pinedale, WY | Friend
how did she die
leilani green
May 20, 2019 | Hereford, AK | Classmate
I have only just found out about this and want to send my sincerest condolences to Mary Ellen's loved ones. Mary Ellen made the art work which is on the cover of my book 'The Last Taboo: Women and Body Hair' (Manchester University Press, 2006 and paperback 2011) and also sold me at a friend's price the original art work itself - 'Hair Book'. It was a pleasure to work with Mary Ellen and her art work will live on also as the book cover, a great example of her feminist critique and originality.
Karin Lesnik-Oberstein
May 17, 2019 | READING, UK | Coworker
Mary Ellen, thank you for inspiring me, early on, to think of art in a different way. You were a model for the rest of us: how to imbue our art with our politics.
Elizabeth Martens
May 13, 2019 | Chicago, IL | Acquaintance
I am always going to thinknof Mary Ellen whenever I see art I like, and whenever I see art to which I object! She has certainly shaped how I view art- the effort and the imagery being consciously created. Even if I can't support the subject matter, I can usually admire the work in it. She was sostrongly opinionated, passionate and headstrong! I have said if ever in a fight, I hope Mary Ellen is on my side! She was happy to take my 3 yo teins on a nature hikewhile camping... they still...
Ellen Muth
April 27, 2019 | Brownsburg, IN | Family
Thank you for bringing an essential body of art on this planet, Dear Mary Ellen. Your art works, your activism and your networking around the globe will keep your spirit alive. I remember the time we could share, carry you in my heart and will keep your spirit alive. My sincere condolences go to your family and all friends.
Kim Dotty Hachmann
March 20, 2019 | Berlin (Germany) | Friend
I'm so sorry to hear that Mary Croteau has passed away. Her art work is incredible - her color sensibility and depth of the visual and mental impact she can create. Sort of make you gasp with recognition. Love of earth.I never met her but I think her work is important and should be everywhere in the world.
christine federhart
March 08, 2019 | Seattle, WA
