Retired Mount Prospect teacher transforms herself into artist
Charman Brennan, a retired Mount Prospect teacher who taught math in the St. Raymond de Penafort School's gifted program for almost 30 years, has found a new creative outlet in retirement.
Brennan is now spending her time creating fun, geometric folk art. Examples of her work are currently on display at Le Peep Restaurant, 10 E. Northwest Hwy., in downtown Mount Prospect.
"While driving to my childhood home in Columbus, Ohio, I was inspired by quilt patterns that were painted on barns," said Brennan.
Her unique patterns are done on ΒΌ-inch plywood panels with water-based paint.
When Michael Martin, owner of Le Peep, heard about the paintings, he offered to display them in his restaurant and even helped to place them on the walls.
"Her past students can now come into the restaurant and grade their former math teacher," Martin chuckled.
"They are not perfect, and that's why I call them folk art," Brennan added.
Brennan and her husband, John, have lived in Mount Prospect since 1975. They have two grown children, one of whom is Ian Brennan, one of the creators of the television show "Glee," based on his experiences singing in the show choir at Prospect High School.