Longtime Highland Park Teacher and Sculptor Passes Away

The following obituary was submitted to Patch.

Teacher and sculptor, Nicholas G. Prokos, of 1698 1st Street, a 55-year resident of Highland Park, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2015 at Highland Park Hospital. Mr. Prokos was born May 17, 1934 in Escanaba, Michigan. He was the fourth son of Greek immigrants, George and Koula Prokos.

“Prok”, as he was nicknamed, was well known in local and regional art communities as an artist, teacher and professor. His son, John, remarks “Dad couldn’t walk more than a block in Highland Park before being greeted by a former student or friend”. He had a major and lasting impact on many throughout his teaching career. His many former students continued to visit their beloved mentor through the years at his home and studio in Highland Park, some traveling from as far away as Japan.

Mr. Prokos taught ceramics for over 35 years. He received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and his M.A. from Wayne State University. As a young man, in 1961, he received his Illinois State Teaching Certificate and secured a position with the Highland Park School District, teaching at Highland Park H.S. In 1963 he opened the studio, Ravinia Stoneware Studio, on Roger Williams Ave. In 1964, he purchased the 1st Street property and at that location, re-opened the ceramics studio with his wife, awarded book illustrator, Jean Cassels. There, they owned and operated a clay company, created and produced their own work, and taught. Prok would occasionally host other notable potters such as Paul Soldner and Peter Volkous.

In 1969 he began teaching at Barat College in Lake Forest where he earned tenured status and served as Chairman of the Art Department. He was a ceramics professor at Barat for 23 years. He also taught at Lake Forest College, The Art Institute of Chicago, Mundelein College, Eastern Michigan University, and St. Cloud State College.

Mr. Prokos’ works were exhibited nationally and internationally and are in the permanent collections of The Art Institute of Chicago, The Illinois State Museum, Kenosha Art Museum, Springfield Art Association, Wayne State University, South Bend Art Association, and the International Minerals & Chemicals Co.

Mr. Prokos put his artistic talent to work by serving his community. In 1985, he received the Community Service Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association for outstanding contributions for the advancement of parks and recreation in the state of Illinois. He also served from 1997 through 2005 on the Highland Park Design Review Commission where he reviewed plans for commercial development throughout Highland Park and helped revise the City’s Sign Code.

He was passionate about building and flying model airplanes. Additionally, he was a talented golfer and a long time member at Sunset Valley Golf Course. 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 (Mindy) and John (Saraswoti), two grandchildren, Nicholas and Chloe, and four brothers, Charles, John, James and Konstantin.

Plans for a memorial service have not been finalized. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to “The Nicholas Prokos Scholarship Fund” at The Art Center - Highland Park.

Donations may be sent to:

The Art Center-Highland Park

1957 Sheridan Road

Highland Park, IL 60035

847-432-1888

Donations can also be made by credit card or paypal online at www.theartcenterhp.org