Music, Performing Arts & Creative Writing

I find joy in creating a safe, stimulating environment where students can develop their writing and performing skills as each discovers their own unique and potent voice. Fortifying creative abilities brings students a sense of adventure and achievement, and helps them to experience each other at a deeper level. It builds community.

Public Art and Placemaking

As an experienced community development professional and emerging creative (placemaker and public artist), I seek to curate people inspired spaces. My work results in collaborative and customized concepts (temporary or fixed) for a public space(s).

Letterpress Printer, Design, Typography, Linoleum Blocks

I enjoy teaching kids and I am good at getting them excited about what I do. It is a very hands on and dirty process that invites kids to let go a little bit. Kids are challenged to do something they probably have no experience with and therefore gets them out of their comfort level.

Painting, Bookmaking

I teach the use of collage, painting from still life, from imagination and art history. I specialize in using recycled materials and finding creative uses for everyday objects.

Visual and Literary

I hope to encourage children and adults to more freely explore art. You may not be an artist, but you have something to express to the world…

Fiber Artist

Weaving is my passion and I love sharing it. There is great satisfaction in watching the enthusiasm of each student as their piece evolves. I have worked with people of different ages, ethnicity and abilities.

Mural, illustration & book making

I am a living sponge for color and creativity. My job as a teaching artist is to spread the love of hands-on discovery through my own art and passion for books, learning and the next generation.

Digital Art

We say we value art but do we value all art? I am a digital artist who is a youth at risk, below the poverty line, but with a powerful voice and keen heart for artist development.

Drawing with graphite

I am delighted to have been bringing Art Residencies to students in grades Preschool through Grade 7 in elementary schools in the Buffalo School District, surrounding districts and outstate Minnesota for the last twenty years. I have also taught adults through Community Education classes, as well as private lessons. It is ever renewing and always enriching to see the amazing relationship between art and students of all ages, all abilities, and at all levels of interest.

Music, piano, violin, viola, mandolin, vocal

The rhythm of music is the rhythm of life! Make music, create, and spontaneously improvise, using string instruments, Orff instruments, barn dance, and song. Since 2001, I have taught K-12 in the public schools, including orchestra, band, choir and general music. My favorite projects have been the Composers Club, barn dances, and a bilingual finger puppet musical (Chinese/English).

Watercolor

I bring an enthusiasm for painting and eagerness to share this experience in a fun and rewarding way. I create safe experiences where people can explore watercolor and feel successful. I have a background working with a variety of ages including people with cognitive and physical handicaps, and my skills to adapt painting techniques enable successful participation.

Painting, Watercolor & Acrylics

I specialize in painting in watercolor and acrylic. I teach art foundations, painting and drawing techniques, and welcome integration of the host teacher’s curriculum that can include science, social studies, or math.
Painting provides the opportunity to articulate ideas and express emotions. My goal is to inspire the imagination and enhance student learning with an unforgettable arts experience.

Literary Arts and music

As a published author of more than 30 books for children and adults, I have the experience of having presented to literally thousands of schools across the country. Over the years my goal has remained the same – to bring to every school the best author/artist experience they have ever received.

Visual & Fiber Arts, paper & mixed media, repurposed materials

“Can you use this?” Is music to my ears. I think the curiosity that spawns from the process of artful re-purposing is a spontaneous gift. Look what I made, from that - while my brain was at play.

Clay, Sculpture, Painting, drawing, bookmaking

I never cease to challenge myself with trying to learn different mediums in art. The more I teach and learn from students, the better I understand how the medium works. My goal as a teaching artist is to confront students with certain artistic challenges and have them be able to creatively solve through the process of art making.

Mixed Media, Paper Collage

I have worked with children, youth, adults and seniors of various abilities, nationalities and languages. By providing safe exploration in mixed media with other subjects, students develop comfort with art instead of being scared of it. This expands their understanding thus leading to expression via creating.

Printmaking, Batik, Collage/Assemblage

I blend a variety of mediums, incorporating cultural influences with creativity. I enjoy interdisciplinary approaches. Art can stand alone, or focus benchmarks. I respect students. I’m flexible, adaptable, and accountable.

Dance

Exploring movement and emotion in conjunction with music to guide the attitude of dance. Conveying movement as an extension of the music allows the audience to physically see the music interpreted.

Multi Media Sculpture

I bring excitement and connection with academic concepts and/ or help capture the imagination by exploring new and exciting technologies that are interactive and STEAM (science technology engineering art and math) focused projects.