303-916-7308
PRINTWORK
digital & ceramic art education
The Denver Academy Arts and Media Team was looking for someone with professional experience to develop a digital art program where students could learn 21st century technology and visual communication skills. I developed a curriculum that encompassed graphic art, photography and desktop publishing that resulted in many students going on to schools like SAIC, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
Every spring I was able to emerge from the digital art studio and put my expertise to work in the DA Ceramic Studio as well.
"Kathleen is a passionate educator, creative problem-solver, and talented artist. She brings a unique combination of skills from the world of design and art, as well as a strong understanding and practice of pedagogy, curriculum design, and the craft of teaching."
- Philippe Ernewein, Program Director, Denver Academy
Student Work
Essential Questions: DA Digital Art Curriculum
How do artists and designers shape your world?
What is visual culture?
Where do you see art and design in your life?
Why are art and design essential elements of society?
When do art and design happen?
How do art and design affect your life?
What effects do art and design have on consumers and communities?
Personal Pedagogy
A successful learning community is built on healthy student/teacher relationships, meaningful curriculum, and effective communications. As an energetic professional with expert technical skills, I ensured that my students had life-changing experiences. Through the study and practice of creative processes, they developed an understanding of visual language and how it speaks in many different ways.
Kerry Freedman, Laura Chapman, and LouAnne Johnson are three of the most important educational theorists who contributed to the formation of my teaching philosophy.
A leader in the arena of visual culture, Kerry Freedman recognizes that art education “responds to contemporary student interests and identities” which makes it an invaluable resource for visual communication and personal expression.
Laura Chapman focuses on the importance of arts advocacy. I consistently promoted the value of communication design by creating a strong presence in the educational community. I supported other teachers by designing and producing marketing materials for theater events, extracurricular, and fundraising activities. I produced student art shows that were key to marketing the Department of Arts and Media, the development of students self-efficacy, and increasing enrollment.
LouAnne Johnson believes that every student can be successful, and I share her unwavering optimistic attitude. In many cases, my classroom was the first place that students saw an increase in their academic and social success.
Practically speaking, my classroom ran smoothly by having well-established daily routines, clear behavioral expectations, and open communication. Learning the elements and principles of art and design gave students the tools they needed to create technically successful compositions. Carefully planned units that taught critical thinking inspired students to formulate their own ideas and produce meaningful artwork.
The impact of learning a creative process went far beyond the classroom; students were able to affect genuine change in their own lives. Ultimately, my goal was to increase student’s self-efficacy, develop their understanding of art and design, and have them experience the positive impact that outstanding communication design can have on their community.