Art on Tap: Inside Cori O’Connor’s World

Mixed media artist Cori O'Connor is the focus of Art on Tap’s first episode.

Director Chad Rispalje, producer Jon Hearon, and cinematographer Ryan Kolegas filmed the interview at Go Tavern & Liquors and at Cori’s home studio on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Over 90 minutes, Cori traced her journey from Florida to Chicago, shared deeply personal stories of loss, and introduced some of the distinctive work she has created at Go Tavern. She even drew a couple of patrons into a spontaneous round of “Exquisite Corpse,” capturing the collaborative spirit that runs through her practice.

At her home studio, we filmed several of her larger pieces, including striking assemblages built from materials collected during long walks with her dog, Sprocket—who also makes an appearance in the film. Throughout the day, we were continually struck by the symbolism and emotional force of her work.

We were first introduced to Cori by Go's Ayda Keshtkar, an accomplished artist and passionate supporter of Go's creative commuity. Ayda summarized why our team was so excited to film Cori at Go: Go Tavern supports artists through pretty much encouraging them to have their freedom to express themselves. If you look at our ceilings, it's all a bunch of different artists, some locals, some from out of town that paint and do whatever they want and will put it up. There is no limit to it. And like we've also had artists come help with our events that we have done. Our mural project outside is just a good example of it. My boss Mike and I, we just love art. We're both artists and we both just encourage it all the time.

One of Cori's comments really resonated with our team, "You've got to find your neighborhood bar, man. It's not about drinking. It's about making friends."

For more on Cori's art, visit her website at www.thebestiary.net.

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