About
Who I Am
I make to understand materials and processes. I learn through direct experience, testing, and revision. I teach from that experience so students receive clear instruction grounded in practice.
Art Education & Studio Training
My academic journey began primarily centered on drawing and painting, culminating in the attainment of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2-D Studio Art from Eastern Illinois University, where I was awarded a full scholarship specifically for studio art. Building upon this foundation, I pursued advanced coursework in painting and drawing at Lorenzo de' Medici in Florence, Italy, which provided an immersive experience in a culturally rich environment. I then continued to enhance my expertise in these disciplines at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Subsequently, I earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Media from Columbia College Chicago. This graduate program significantly expanded my artistic practice, enabling me to engage with a diverse range of media and methodologies, broadening the scope and depth of my creative expression.
Becoming an Art Educator
My formal experience in teaching commenced with my role as a Teaching Associate and guest lecturer at Columbia College Chicago, while pursuing an MFA. Subsequently, I engaged with diverse age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and families, through various community arts initiatives and educational positions within school settings. My academic and professional background included responsibilities such as classroom assistance, delivering instruction in applied technology, student teaching focused on sculpture and illustration, and substitute teaching assignments. In 2025, I successfully completed a Master of Education degree specializing in Visual Arts Secondary Education at DePaul University. Additionally, I obtained an Illinois Professional Educator License, authorizing me to teach Visual Arts across all grade levels from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This combination of practical experience and formal education has equipped me with a broad and in-depth understanding of visual arts education in diverse learning environments.
What I Bring to the Classroom
My experience in both studio work and construction allows me to teach with a strong emphasis on the practical elements of tools, material behaviour, the sequence of steps, craftsmanship quality, and the necessity of cleanup. Students benefit greatly when their instructor can clearly show each phase of a process, highlight common problem areas, and assist them through revisions—all while helping them stay true to their original concept. This practical method not only improves their acquisition of new skills but also encourages their creative use throughout the learning journey.