Cheryl Derricotte has spent her career making art that asks people to slow down, ponder and pay attention to the world around them. A glass artist influenced by themes of home, memory, history, race and place, Derricotte is the inaugural Visiting Artist in Residence at USF through the new Ann Getty Institute for Art and Design.
Derricotte describes herself simply: “I am a visual artist, and my primary medium is glass. I’m originally from Washington, D.C., and I moved to the Bay Area about 15 years ago.” Before becoming an artist full time, Derricotte mostly worked in nonprofits, getting degrees in urban affairs and city planning that led to work in community development and anti-poverty work, which shaped her creative lens. “I describe myself usually as a contemporary political artist. I consider it more social commentary than social action.”
Her path to using glass started unexpectedly. While completing her certificate in ceramics and sculpture, a new studio offering glass classes opened nearby. “I arrogantly thought, ‘oh well, if I can throw a clay bowl, I certainly can make a glass bowl.’ And that glass bowl kicked my rear end.” The challenge pulled her in and the studio cofounder took note, sending her to North Carolina to learn from renowned glass artist Therman Statom.
Themes like home, place, history, race, equity and memory reappear across Derricotte’s work. Growing up in Washington, D.C. during its “Chocolate City” era influenced her perspective deeply. “There was always a sense that anything was possible. I understand that a lot of Black people don’t grow up as a majority person in the U.S., but I did.” Her studies in urban affairs and nonprofit work continue to influence her art because of her interests in equity and contemporary social concerns. Her love of history also drives her. “Americans have very short memories, and I try to put historical imagery or text into contemporary dialogues that we’re having through the art.”
Her residency at USF began through a competitive application process. “The new Ann Getty Institute for Art and Design actually put out a call, an application process for artists to apply for residency. You had to send your CV, your portfolio, and some writing. I applied for the role and was really excited when I got the call saying that I would have an interview.” Out of nearly 130 applicants, she was one of only three artists selected. There is currently a call out for the next artist in residence for the Spring 2026 semester.
Now at the midpoint of her residency, Derricotte says it’s been a meaningful experience. “So far, it’s been great. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with students.” She’s guest lectured in art, design and architecture classes, and is scheduled to speak in an African American history class. Because the program is new, she and staff have shaped it together, allowing for a more interdisciplinary approach. “They hoped the new Ann Getty Institute would be interdisciplinary, and I think we found a way to make that happen.”
Derricotte has enjoyed showing students what a sustainable creative life can look like. She challenges the myth of the isolated artist and emphasizes the value of day jobs. “I hope students see what it means to be a working artist. Part of the way you put together a healthy art career is a combination of creative work.” For her, the skills she learned in nonprofit work, her degrees, and facilities management all feed into her art practice. “Those are skills my day job gave me that helped me run my art studio.”
Currently, Derricotte is completing a public art installation in Muncie, Indiana, and is preparing for a show at re.riddle Gallery in SF’s Minnesota Street Projects, scheduled for late February 2026. She also plans to finish her long-term glass research project on James and Sally Hemings, the enslaved half-siblings of Thomas Jefferson’s wife, in 2026.
Her main project during her residency is 36 Trees, a series with one artwork for each of San Francisco’s 36 neighborhoods, each including a tree as a way to think about place and environment. “I want us to have a better relationship with our environment, and I think that can start by being aware of trees in our immediate environment.” She hopes students who see her work will take a pause in their routines. “If people slow down once or twice and go, hmm, I’m walking by a nice looking tree, that would make me really happy.”
As her residency, which ends Dec. 10, winds down, Derricotte hopes to keep building connections and expanding the presence of art across multiple disciplines at USF. If her eight weeks here are any indicator, her impact may last long after her time on campus ends.
Cheryl Derricotte “36 Trees” free exhibition Tuesday December 2, 5-7 p.m. in McLaren 252.
