Visual Arts
I have been teaching middle and high school students for 10 years in Brooklyn and The Bronx and it is one of my greatest joys. This school year will be my 4th at MS915 (formerly MS8).
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, I began life as an artist in the 10th grade when my art teacher noticed my talent for drawing and offered something vital: the school art room, a space where I could create and was most happy. After graduating high school, I moved to NYC to attend art college and quickly began my career in the fashion industry as a menswear designer. I traveled the world exploring new trends and learning all aspects of the fashion business, however, I knew this wasn’t the last stop on my career path. After much thought and consideration, I began my journey in art education.
I hold an MA and M.Ed in Art and Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BFA from The Fashion Institute of Technology. I am also a cooperating teacher with Teachers College, Columbia University and other colleges and universities where I support and mentor pre-service art teachers.
My philosophy for teaching art is grounded in exploration with art making materials, learning new techniques, and seeing the world around us. I support students in being individuals as artists and teach them that making “good” art holds many points of view. My students learn the importance of thoughtfully crafting their work, planning their pictures, 3D building, composition and design, mixing and blending colors, observational (figure and still life) drawing, and working from their imaginations. Students will also learn about important artists and art periods along the way which helps to inform their repertoire, provides inspiration, and helps to develop their artistic curiosities.
I have two children in college, Annabel and Jonah (an MS8 alum) along with-two cats and one huge dog. I spend all of my free time at my art studio in Great Barrington, MA where I make art, teach summer classes, and have gallery space.
September 2021