I have often taught college level and graduate courses that involve professional development strategies supporting the student’s ability to use their creative practice in the workforce. I support the artist to be self-sufficient and that means helping them find the tools to engage the public, provide context, and to find ways to continue to make work after graduation.
Artist are trained to critique their own works as well as the work of others. I find that visual learners process information in a unique way and when asked to periodically step outside of their projects, they gain immense perspective. This type of questioning is helpful in any field, and in my view it is the role of the contemporary artist. When working with children, I use this same methodology.
I have developed education models for all ages and demographics whether in traditional school setting, art institutions, community forums or universities. Many of the education programs that I’ve built have a major focus on outreach that enables people to make connections to visual work using other areas of study to facilitate. Often this involves the use of guest lectures to provide alternative context, hands-on learning projects, and other methods that help to illuminate the role of the artist as a critical thinker.
Withitgirl - Development of online WIG Art Club - 2020-2021 -
California College of the Arts- MFA Course and MFA Advisor - Course Title: Make Things Happen - students investigated the audience’s experience at several Bay Area institutions and events. They worked together to create their own large scale program and were encouraged to use community resources, professional skills, and ideas found in their individual practice. Creative problem solving and professional development.
Wild Child Free School - Director of South Bay nomadic outdoor school that uses the forest as the classroom. Educational Programs exploring wilderness knowledge and individual social and emotional growth.
University of San Francisco – Guest Curator for STEAM exhibition. Lecturer for the Museum Studies Program & Special Workshop introducing NY Collectors and Consultants.
Still Life Cycling Program - Education Program Development - Experiential education program for teenage girls in Iceland. Creative projects focus on art, science, global awareness, photo-journalism and film. Trips include endurance activities like backpacking, swimming, cycling and dance.
Manresa Gallery - Educational Programming for Interfaith Concepts - ( Lectures, Dinners and Programs )
Portland State – Guest Lecturer for Graduate Program in Social Practice
Triple Base Gallery - Co-Owner & Director – The Triple Base Dinner Lecture Series was created to educate the local community and provide contextual support to the installation artist’s project. Special guests were invited to speak about ideas that supported the gallery work and local chefs created meals that were inspired by their visit to Triple Base.
Colorado Mountain College – Ceramic and Sculpture Instructor- Adult Education Programming
Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver – Education in Denver Public schools under the leadership of Patty Ortiz. I helped to facilitate the Contemporary Laboratory Program in which contemporary Colorado artists were supported as they taught in Denver Public Schools. Working artists would share their artistic practice and use of materials with public school students. Our project allowed youth to gain insight to the rigor and skill found in contemporary art practice of professionals. During my time at the Museum, I also supported educational tours of the private Dikeou Collection.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts – Educational Program Development for Artist Collectives in the United States and Canada.
Zen Clay - Clay classes for children and teens.
Pie Ranch - Environmental Education and Sustainability - Chef Education Program for Bay Area Teens and Adults
Learning Tree- Atelierista in a Reggio Emilia enrichment program. Lead teacher with emphasis on dramatic play and art-centered activities involving exploration, science discovery, language and math development.
Art Students League of Denver – Art Educator for Clay and Sculpture
Museum of Craft and Folk Art – Educational Sculpture Workshops
Monarts School of the Arts – Art Instructor for drawing and mixed-media classes - Ages 4-10
Habitot Children's Museum – Art Education - curriculum consisted of developmentally appropriate art activities that used recycled materials with the focus primarily on process. Projects included hands-on learning programs combining sculpture with literary works, art and science, as well as cooking and exploration.
Mission High School – Chef Educator
WV Monongalia County School District – Art Enrichment Educator
Visiting Lectures, Presentations, and Workshops
2015 Berkeley Art Center (Presentation)
2015 University of San Francisco, Museum Studies Program (Lecture)
2014 University of San Francisco, Art Department and Thatcher Gallery (Science and Art Presentation)
2013 San Francisco, Gravel and Gold, “Life Pies” (Workshop)
2012 Portland State, Oregon, “Open Engagement” (Lecture)
2012 Portland State, Oregon, “Personal Mission Statements” (Workshop)
2012 Chico State University, California, “Making Things Happen” (Lecture)
2010 California College of the Arts, “ProfessionalDevelopment” (Lecture)
2010 Tribeca, New York, “Yielding California” (Workshop)
2009 California College of the Arts, “Pop up Exhibitions” (Lecture)
2008 The Banff Center, Canada, “Reverse Pedagogy” (Workshop)
2007 University of Regina, Canada, “Open Engagement” (Workshop