Whether leading art workshops, assisting with college art classes, or tutoring young artists, I’ve had the privilege of sharing the creative process with people from all walks of life. I’ve conducted hands-on workshops during my artist residency, for clubs, and even with groups of over 100 students. From casual paint-alongs to structured art classes, I aim to empower others through creativity and demonstrate how art can be a source of expression and personal growth.
Commitment to Connecting Creativity
Art Program Development at Helping Hand
As the Art Supervisor at Helping Hand, I developed a hands-on art curriculum for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I ran the art program, created lesson plans, adapted art history for our setting, and taught techniques tailored to each client’s abilities and interests. Working with the advancement team, I planned events to showcase our clients’ work, and each piece became a testament to their growth and expression. This experience deepened my belief in art’s power to connect people, build confidence, and enrich lives.
Backpacking Across Europe
Backpacking through Europe, I had the chance to immerse myself in each city’s unique art and culture, from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence to the streets of Bologna, Italy. Seeing iconic masterpieces up close and exploring galleries and neighborhoods I had only ever read about was vibrant and inspiring. I got to feel how art and daily life blend in each place. Meeting people from different corners of the world and hearing about their lives and what they cared about gave me a wealth of insight into how vast and complex our world is, yet how much we’re all connected by our values and need for community.
Sailing the Coast of Portugal
While abroad, I was looking for an adventure that would challenge me. I became a captain’s primary support on a sailboat journey from Porto to Lisbon. I learned the ins and outs of sailing a 34-foot sailboat, managing steering shifts, and raising and lowering the sails. With no prior experience, sailing tested my focus and adaptability as we navigated the changing winds and waves. The daily rhythm of life on the sea, surrounded by marine wildlife and breathtaking coastlines, brought a new perspective. This journey taught me the importance of independence and collaboration; it showed me how powerful yet ethereal nature, the ocean, and life can be.
