2017 Ph.D., Art & Design Education Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Dissertation title: Theories impacting art foundations course descriptions in the United States. Chair: Dr. Richard Siegesmund Committee Members: Dr. Kryssi Staikidis, Dr. Elizabeth Wilkins
1996 MAT, Masters in Art Teaching, Visual Arts University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
1995 BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS HELD
7/19-current: Graduate Instructor, Masters of Art in Art Education. Arts Standards Manager, Proctor, The Art of Education University
8/17- 5/19: Faculty, Visual Arts Education and Art Foundations Coordinator, Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI
8/13-5/16: Instructor of Record, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
8/13-5/16: Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
1/15-9/15: Faculty, Art Appreciation, Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, IL
10/09-1/15: Associate Professor, Art Foundations & Illustration & Design, Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, IL
4/04-10/06: Art Foundations Instructor-Full-time, California Design College, Los Angeles, CA
TEACHING
7/19-current: The Art of Education University | Graduate Art Education Courses Regularly Taught
Creativity in Crisis
Choice-Based Art Education
Designing Your Art Curriculum
Managing the Art Room
Reaching all Artists through Differentiation
Instructional Strategies for Art Teachers
Studio: Painting, Acrylic and Tempera
Studio: Ceramics
08/17-5/19: Central Michigan University | Courses Regularly Taught ART119: Design Foundations This visual art foundations course focuses on applying the elements and principles of design to visual art. In this course, 3 components; concept, skill, and compositional strategies, are incorporated into each project driven by thematic ideas. Students conduct individual research into concept in all projects to incorporate meaning and student interests into coursework allowing for variation to visual outcomes.
ART343: Art Education for Elementary School (K-4) This methods course is the elementary requirement for pre-service K-12 art teachers, including a 30-hour clinical experience. Students engage in reflection, lesson plan writing, understanding state and national standards, and learning how to identify and teach students according their developmental stage.
ART344: Middle School Methods in K-12 Art Education This methods course is required for all pre-service K-12 art teachers. Curriculum prepares students with an understanding of the middle school student through developmental theory and contemporary art education philosophies. Lesson planning and exploration of materials for the middle school student is explored. This course also prepares students for program advocacy through exhibition strategies. Students locate a local exhibition space and curate an exhibition of their work to learn the impact and importance of properly installing and curating student work. In addition, this course ensures students continue to model artistic practice by continuing to foster their own art making and exhibition knowledge.
ART345: Elementary School Art Education This is a required course for all elementary education majors, focused on how to use visual art to enhance and engage learning in the elementary school classroom. Students learn to create lessons based in visual art, while tying material in to multiple core subjects at the elementary school level. Students also teach at the local after school program to gain experience teaching through visual art.
ART346: Secondary Art Education This methods course is the secondary education requirement for pre-service K-12 art teachers, including a 30-hour clinical experience. Students apply the National Visual Arts Standards (NVAS) to curriculum development and lesson planning, while exploring multiple art and design education contemporary teaching methodologies and philosophies.
8/13-5/16: Northern Illinois University | Courses Taught and Assistantships ARTE 200: Studio Foundations for Art and Design Educators Developed freshman and sophomore students for entrance into Art & Design Education BFA program through the creation of portfolio quality artwork and introduction to K-12 teaching dispositions. Fostered the development of portfolios combining skillful technical execution with thematic content, connected to historical traditions, social and environmental issues, contemporary art, and popular culture.
ARTE 342: Introduction to Art Education: Content and Clinical Experience at the Elementary Level Assisted in teaching an overview of the philosophical foundations embedded within the history of art education. Facilitated the incorporation of teaching standards into lesson plan construction, planning, and application in the clinical experience for elementary students at a local private school.
ARTE 463: Modern and Postmodern Art in Education Assisted in facilitating this course that emphasizes varying ways of defining and applying aesthetics and critical theory to instructional practice. Fostered dialogue and discussion in constructing practical application of alternative aesthetic definitions to art & design education content. Provided feedback for developing teaching and presentation skills.
1/15-9/15: Moraine Valley Community College | Courses Taught ARTE 110: Art Appreciation Taught this required humanities course. Fostered an environment conducive to historical and contemporary art appreciation, while adhering to departmental course assessments and humanities outcomes in this required course. Effectively used blackboard for course content, dialogue, reflection, PowerPoint lectures, and instructional materials.
10/09-1/15: Illinois Institute of Art | Courses Taught ART096 Freshman Portfolio Taught this course required of all freshman art majors upon entering college. Assisted students with acclimating to college life, the city of Chicago, time-management, stress-management, and life skills to enhance their freshman experiences.
ART100 Design Fundamentals Taught this foundations course focused on applying the elements and principles of design to visual communications. Incorporated individual research and development of concept in all projects to incorporate meaning and student interests into coursework allowing for variation to visual outcomes.
ART102 Observational Drawing Taught this foundations course focused on drawing from life using traditional materials and mixed-media. Line, gesture, shape, form, chiarascuro were explored in still-life and figure drawing subject matter using a variety of drawing materials.
ART110 Color Theory Developed and taught this fundamental course providing an introduction to the principles of color and an exploration of color theory as it relates to visual design decision-making. Students investigated traditional color schemes and properties and their relationship to composition in making appropriate design decisions using acylic, gouasche, watercolor, ink, color pencil, and digital tools. Students investigated cultural differences in the symbolic use of color in advertising and other forms of visual communication.
ILD110 Fundamentals of Painting Developed and taught this course for Illustration & Design majors, emphasizing conceptual and thematic development of individual narratives through multiple paint mediums. Environmental, economic, and social concerns informed studio projects. Wrote and developed Illustration & Design BFA Program.
4/04-10/06: California Design College | Courses Taught Color Theory Developed and taught this fundamental course as the first studio artist hire in this new college. Introduced the principles of color and an exploration of color theory as it relates to visual design decision-making. Students investigated traditional color schemes and properties and their relationship to composition in making appropriate design decisions using acrylic paint, and explored cultural and psychological influences of color in art and visual culture.
Fundamentals of Design Taught this foundations course focused on applying the elements and principles of design to visual communications. Incorporated individual research and development of concept in all projects to incorporate meaning and student interests into coursework allowing for variation to visual outcomes
Related Experience
9/15-10/16: Advisor, the American Academy of Art, Chicago, IL Interviewed art students for admission into this non-profit, private applied arts institution. Advised students on their goals, challenges and expectations in choosing degree programs, and reviewed art portfolios to help students and families decide on the best program of study for each student.
11/06-10/09: Academic Director of Foundations, Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago & Branches Oversaw curriculum, faculty training, department schedule and educational quality of curriculum for the Foundations Art Department at this college offering BFA degrees in the applied design fields. Ensured assessment, accreditation compliance and served on committees to foster the growth of the college and assurance of mission standards and yearly strategic plan. Developed and enhanced teaching methodology through leading faculty training in all manner of classroom, student behavioral and instructional design and delivery to maintain high standards for outcomes and learning-centered pedagogy, driven by assessment. Focused on implementing thematic and multi-faceted approaches to teaching traditional courses. Led scheduling, faculty development, professional development initiatives, faculty reviews, budget and support.
1997-2000: Art Teacher, Collingswood Public Schools, Collingswood, NJ Planned and administered art lessons daily to students in grades 7-12, and in four elementary schools in this public-school district.
RESEARCH
Publications Art Foundations Curriculum in Higher Education. In The International Encyclopedia of Art and Design Education, Vol. 2: Curricular Aspects of Art & Design Education. (2019). Wiley-Blackwell, in association with the National Society of Art and Design (NSEAD), Editor in Chief: Richard Hickman
Publications in progress Practicing democratic pedagogy: Modeling authenticity for artists and teachers Merging identities and breaking boundaries from artist to teacher to researcher to artist-teacher-researcher Rethinking influences on art foundations courses.
Presentations
3/19: From Theory to Practice: A Transformed Approach to Foundations, (Accepted) Paper presentation, for Foundations of Art Theory and Education (FATE). National bi-annual convention: Columbus, OH
3/19: Generating Meaning in Foundations Curriculum, (Accepted) Paper presentation, for Foundations of Art Theory and Education (FATE). National bi-annual convention: Columbus, OH
3/16: Marilyn Zurmuehlen Working Papers Session. Nominated presentation for NAEA-National annual convention: Chicago, IL
3/16: Theories Impacting Higher Education Art Foundations Curriculum. Art Education Research Institute (AERI): Naperville, IL
3/15: Curriculum Collaboration: Art Foundations and High School Art Education. Session chair and presenter for Foundations of Art Theory and Education (FATE). National bi-annual convention: Indianapolis, IN
3/15: Art Foundations in a Digital Age: Challenges and Solutions. Session co-chair for FATE: National bi-annual convention: Indianapolis, IN
3/14: Collaboration: High School Art and College Art Foundations: What connects us? Lead Presenter with NIU Professors Kerry Freedman and Richard Siegesmund. NAEA-High School Committee. National annual convention: San Diego, CA
4/13: Artist and Teacher: Integration through Creativity. Presentation for FATE: National bi-annual convention: Savannah, GA
3/11:Creative Identity: Balancing Artist and Teacher Presentation for NAEA-Lifelong Learning Committee. National annual convention: Seattle, WA
3/11: Design and Audience: Student Critique of Innovative Design Strategies Presentation for NAEA-Design Committee. National annual convention: Seattle, WA
8/09: Assessment Strategies, Developing Rubrics. Presentation of Assessment Strategies in Foundations, Developing Rubrics: Art Institute of Colorado, Denver
6/09: Teaching-Artists in Higher Education-Preparation and Identity Presentation of Pilot Research Study. Circle PhD International Conference: Roehampton University, London
SERVICE
DEPARTMENTAL SERVICE
8/18- current: Visual Arts Education Coordinator-Central Michigan University I promote and organize all aspects of the Art Education Bachelor of Science program and teach all methods courses and courses for general education elementary majors. I order and organize all supplies, advise students on course work, and assist students in building a portfolio of work that demonstrates lesson planning, art education research, and unit development through the lens of Choice-Based, Big Idea, Interdisciplinary, and Postmodern Art Education. Students create an online portfolio that demonstrates their teaching philosophies, provides lesson plan examples, demonstrates developing classroom management strategies, includes student work samples, and students own studio art processes and products. I also collaborate on university wide assessment of the Art Education program as it relates to Michigan and teacher education standards of practice. This role includes participating in InTASC and CAEP accreditation procedures for program compliance.
8/18-current: Foundations Coordinator-Central Michigan University Through sharing ideas, projects, and priorities in studio foundations, I coordinate with foundations faculty to ensure students are exposed to the fundamental principles and elements of art, through the lens of conceptual development. Projects focus equally on concept, skill, and visual qualities, to enhance students understanding of effective visual communication of ideas through art making. This contemporary method is derived from my dissertation study which demonstrated the importance of conceptual development at the foundations level for artists, designers, and pre-service art educators taking foundations courses. Through meetings and idea sharing, I assist faculty in meeting these goals, and provide the department with committee minutes and suggestions from for practice.
2006-2009: Foundations Workshop Series-Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago Created and implemented monthly Foundations Workshop Series for to enhance student experimentation with various studio art materials not included in their majors. Workshops included printmaking, oil painting, sculpture, and a variety of painting and drawing workshops. Series also included various studio faculty member’s presentations of personal artwork and philosophic perspectives.
2006-2008: Academic Assessment-Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago Successfully led the foundations department in a multi-year assessment program for regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), gaining 10-year accreditation approval. Implemented assessment program at 3 additional foundations departments at branch campuses.
SERVICE TO THE COLLEGE
11/06-12/07: Gallery Committee Chair and Co-curator-Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago Oversaw scheduling, curating, installing, and promoting school gallery as the chair of gallery committee. Created promotional materials and posters to advertise shows.
2007: Curator-Annual Show-Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago Curated art for annual showcase of student artwork at the Harris Theatre in Chicago, IL
2009: Program Research-Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago Researched and wrote program and curriculum requirements according to Illinois State Board of Education regulations for the initial state approval of a new Illustration and Design BFA program.
2011-2013: Chair of Freshman Enhancement Committee-Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago
Committee designed to assess student satisfaction of the environment of campus during their first year in college. Led a multi-semester survey study and content analysis to gain an understanding of student’s perspectives on academic, advising, and financial services, which led to strategies of helping at-risk students.
2013: Faculty Development Mentoring Program Chair-Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago Led the development of a faculty mentoring program designed to help new faculty assimilate to the college and foster collegiality amongst various art departments.
2013: Faculty Development Series Organizer-Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago Organized and oversaw Faculty Development Series of workshops led by faculty for faculty for more a more collaborative campus environment.
2009-2015: Art Club Advisor-Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago Started this student club on campus, overseeing student shows, workshops, events, and fund-raisers.
UNIVERSITY SERVICE
8/18- current: Honors Capstone Advisor-Central Michigan University Towards the completion of their coursework, students at the honors level must complete a Capstone research project as advised by a faculty member of their choice. I was honored to be asked by an Art Education major to oversee the development of a research project that focuses on the impact of technology on cognitive development. Through a visual art prompt created by the student, participants answer questions related to the impact of technology in their daily lives. Results will follow research guidelines to demonstrate participant responses by performing a content analysis illustrated using descriptive statistics. Honors student will present this research at the annual research symposium on CMU’s campus.
SERVICE TO THE FIELD
8/18-current: Student Chapter Advisor, Michigan Art Education Association-Central Michigan University I advise students in my local student chapter of the state art education association. Promote attendance at annual conferences, assist students in fundraising, creating workshops, and participating in campus wide and community service through the visual arts.
2018: To PhD Students from PhD students for PhD students I co-coordinated an NAEA Roundtable for current doctoral candidates and newly finished doctoral students in Art + Design Education from across the country to create a mentoring group dedicated to support each other throughout the process. Group will continue to work together to support each other and look for opportunities to publish and present on the multiple situations often occurring during the doctoral process.
2015-2016: Administrative Assistant-First Annual Art Education Research Symposium (AERI) Organized and sent all correspondence to participants, assisted with registration, ensured event space was secured, arranged travel and accommodation information for visiting scholars, and kept participants informed throughout the year leading up to the first annual symposium in March of 2016.
4/13: Session co-chair for Context, Narrative and Expression: Elements and Principles for a Contemporary Practice Foundations of Art Theory and Education (FATE). National bi-annual convention: Peer reviewed session. Evaluated submissions to this session and chose participants, Savannah, GA
6/12: Scribe and participant, Think Tank 7, Manifestos and Manifestations: Foundations Now Integrative Teaching International, Organization dedicated to the pursuit of contemporary curricular strategies in art foundations. Chicago, IL
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
8/18-current: PEAK after school Art Program Coordinator, Mt. Pleasant, MI As a service to the community of Mt Pleasant, as well as a practical experience of teaching alternate subject matter through art making at the elementary level, I coordinate elementary education majors to teach lessons to students in grades K-8 at this after school program. Students gain a direct understanding of the impact and learning that occurs when subjects are infused with arts practice. As a result, students participating learn the importance of interdisciplinary learning and STEAM in the general elementary school classroom. As the coordinator of this program, I schedule and supervise roughly 80 students per semester in their PEAK program experiences.
1/15-7/15: Site Visitor and Grant Reviewer, Ingenuity, Inc. Ingenuity partners with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to ensure Art Education is offered in all schools, by awarding grants to art teachers and community arts partners. By visiting each CPS site and reviewing grant outcomes, I assisted in ensuring awarded funds were appropriately allocated to student art programs.
EXHIBITION RECORD
9/18-10/18: Faculty Exhibition-Central Michigan University Art Gallery
12/14-1/15: Two Person Exhibition, Alyson Pouls & Father Schweittzer-Ellen Firme Gallery, Beverly Shores, IN-Juried exhibition
11/14: Independent Craft Show, Randolph Street Market-Chicago, IL, Juried participant
11/14: People’s Choice Award Winner-National Arts Program Healing Arts Exhibit, Bolingbrook, IL
10/13: Chicago Society of Illustrators, Group Exhibition-Rotofugi Gallery, Chicago, IL
10/13-12/13: The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Faculty Show, Group Exhibition-Gallery 350, Chicago, IL
10/12-12/12: The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Faculty Show, Group Exhibition-Gallery 350, Chicago, IL
10/11-12/11: The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Faculty Show, Group Exhibition-Gallery 350, Chicago, IL
10/10-12/10: The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Faculty Show, Group Exhibition-Gallery 350, Chicago, IL
12/08-4/09: Featured Artist-Red June, Chicago, IL
11/08-1/09: Art Education Exhibition-Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
4/08-5/08: The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Faculty Show, Group Exhibition-Gallery 350, Chicago, IL
10/07-11/07: “Critical Mass” Group Exhibition-Gallery 350, Chicago, IL
1/07-2/07: Gallery Committee Exhibition-Gallery 350, Chicago, IL
4/06-6/06: “Artifice” Group Exhibition-ADM Art Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
3/04-5/04: Staff Art Exhibition-Art Institute of California-LA, Santa Monica, CA
3/01-4/01: “Wel-Fed” Group Exhibition-Wel Fed Artist Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
10/00-2/01: “Welcome” Group Exhibition-Wel Fed Artist Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
2016: Graduate Teaching Assistant Award Recipient-Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
2011: Annual Award for Excellence in Freshman Teaching-The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago
2008: Leadership Nominee-Academic Affairs, The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago
2005: Outstanding Instructor Award-California Design College, Los Angeles, CA
1996: Sylvia Wexler Award for Academic Excellence Masters of Art Teaching Program-The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
2009-current: NAEA: National Art Education Association 2012-current: FATE: Foundations in Art: Theory and Education 2017-current: MAEA: Michigan Art Education Association
CERTIFICATIONS
1996-current: K-12 Art, Standard Certificate, NJ 2017-current:Substitute Certificate, IL