Ruth C. Esserman

She has been a major contributor to secondary curriculum innovation, an adjunct professor at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago , teacher/chairperson at Highland Park High School Fine Arts Department, instructor at Columbia College Master's Program in Interdisciplinary Arts, Western State College, and SAIC Young Artists' Program in Colorado. She had served as President of Illinois Art Education Association, NAEA Board of Directors, member of Illinois Arts Council Advisory Panel, and juror for the Presidential Gold Medalist in Visual Art. She was also an Artist in Residence for Sybil Shearer Dance Company (1967-1970).

Ruth designed and assisted in building her summer art studio, a sculpture house built of local recycled materials in Crested Butte, Colorado, featured on Denver Educational TV and HGTV Extreme Homes. She has been an exhibiting professional member of the Chicago Arts Club since 1964. Her work has been exhibited in numerous national and international juried shows.

Ruth was born May 21, 1927 to Abraham and Etta Cerkel in Chicago, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her siblings Mitchel Cerkel and Jerome Cerkel. She attended University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she received her Bachelor (Phi Beta Kappa) and Master degrees. She attended The Art Institute of Chicago, as well as completing course work in various university programs. Ruth met and married her husband Norman Esserman in 1947(D 1978). She is survived by their children Sander Esserman (Robin) and Dale Martellino (Paul); grandchildren Rachel Greenberg ( Craig), Celia Sher (Marc), Mark Esserman (Ledina) and Sarah Esserman; great-grandchildren Daniel and Benjamin Greenberg, and Nathaniel and Charles Sher. She was adored by her niece Judy Cerkel, many cousins, and her “friends like family”.

There will be a Celebration of Life in the late Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ruth Esserman Scholarship Fund at Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035 or to your favorite charity.