b. 1964
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
MFA in Painting 2000
Summa Cum Laude, Bernard Vinick International Scholar Award
Paier College of Art, Hamden, CT
BFA in Illustration 1986
Magna Cum Laude, Awards of Distinction
CERTIFICATES | ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK
2018 AutoCAD 260 Certification, LinkedIn Learning, Orlando, FL
2014 AP Studio Art Certification, College Board Association Taft School, Watertown, CT
2014 Final Cut Pro X (one-on-one training), Apple, West Hartford, CT
2008 Artists & Technology, Manchester Community College, Manchester, CT
2008 Five Days of Fire, Cone 10 Firing Workshop, Canton Clay Works, Canton, CT
1999 Spanish, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
1988 Graphic Design, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT
1987 MS Project, MS Excel, New Horizons, Bloomfield, CT
1981 Center of Creative Youth (CCY) Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sun Sea Originals, LLC (FL) and Kelly Art Studios, LLC (CT)
2015 - Present
Lead Artist| Designer | Creative Project Manager | Art Teacher
Nationally exhibited painter, illustrator, muralist, photographer, ceramicist, and motivational speaker. Provides technical as well as aesthetic expertise in the development of immersive products. Teaches drawing painting anatomy concept and character development as well as portfolio prep to students throughout the USA. Publications feature my writing, illustration and photography.
Sun Sea Originals, LLC (FL) and Kelly Art Studios, LLC (CT)
2015 - Present
Lead Artist| Designer | Creative Project Manager | Art Teacher
Nationally exhibited painter, illustrator, muralist, photographer, ceramicist, and motivational speaker. Provides technical as well as aesthetic expertise in the development of immersive products. Teaches drawing painting anatomy concept and character development as well as portfolio prep to students throughout the USA. Publications feature my writing, illustration and photography.
Clients: Virtical, Atheneum, Penguin, Holiday House, Teaching K-8 Magazine, CIGNA
Left Brain Games, Inc., Torrington, CT
2014 - 2015
Creative Technologist (Part time)
https://www.lbgdev.biz/industry.php
Responsible as primary technical artist within a fast moving, rapidly evolving startup designing and launching interactive mobile games. Branded products led brainstorming sessions. Designed marketing materials. Created art assets, user interface, and wireframes. Wrote product stories. Performed cross-platform testing. Collaborated with engineers. Advised on UX.
Clients: DARPA, PBSKids, Kid Awesome, EyeTech Digital Systems, Ripley, and Mattel Corp
2014 - 2015
Creative Technologist (Part time)
https://www.lbgdev.biz/industry.php
Responsible as primary technical artist within a fast moving, rapidly evolving startup designing and launching interactive mobile games. Branded products led brainstorming sessions. Designed marketing materials. Created art assets, user interface, and wireframes. Wrote product stories. Performed cross-platform testing. Collaborated with engineers. Advised on UX.
Clients: DARPA, PBSKids, Kid Awesome, EyeTech Digital Systems, Ripley, and Mattel Corp
Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
2013 - 2014
Co Teacher, Higher Education
2013 - 2014
Co Teacher, Higher Education
Collaboratively taught painting and drawing in the art studio alongside Cat Balco, Associate Professor Painting and Drawing. Also, developed demos, facilitated student communications using Blackboard. Substitute Teacher on-call for courses in Thinking and Drawing, Drawing from Life, and Perspective.
Canton Clay Works, Canton, CT
2009
Intern Ceramic Studio
2009
Intern Ceramic Studio
Responsible for the processes that keep a fine craft, educational, and production pottery studio running smoothly. Fired kilns, installed ceramic exhibitions, mentored students, mixed glazes and launched a photo gallery to demystify the craft and processes of Salt and Wood firings and encourage students to advance into it.
Lutz Children’s Museum, Manchester, CT
2005
Program Consultant
2005
Program Consultant
Launched ongoing Youth Gallery Program inside the Children’s Museum
Presented “Jackson Pollock” a family art making event for 120+ attendees.
Presented “Jackson Pollock” a family art making event for 120+ attendees.
Police Activities League (PAL), Manchester, CT
2002
Artist | Teacher | Producer
2002
Artist | Teacher | Producer
Proposed and facilitated an Urban Youth Mural Project. Mentored youth in planning, painting, photography, and a community-based unveiling and reception.
Developing Artist Institute, LLC - Manchester, CT
2001 – 2006
Founder | Director | Employer | Art Teacher
2001 – 2006
Founder | Director | Employer | Art Teacher
Founded a successful, private, art school. Developed curricula and taught year-round, all-ages, art classes, including drawing, painting and ceramics, youth and teen camps, and adult figure drawing. Maintained a 4,000 sq. ft. building in the Historic District. Hired, trained, and supervised teachers, and staff. Managed an onsite art store and art library. Taught 2D & 3D studio art and workshops. Fired kilns. Promoted and Installed monthly art exhibits free to the public. Presented and hosted conferences on creativity and community partnerships. Our portfolio students were accepted by their top choice art colleges throughout the USA.
Clients: Lutz Children’s Museum, Manchester Historical Society, Manchester Public School, Bolton Public Schools
The McGraw-Hill Companies, New Media Division
1991 - 2001
Project Manager (1996-2001)
Managed high-cost interactive simulation-based reading, science, and math products for state adoption. Served as a product manager and key holder with deep knowledge of product requirements, cross functional processes, and pipelines. Spearheaded stakeholder communication through targeted and concise written and verbal communication. Highly detailed, strategic and risk averse project tracking of budgets, client, and product objectives. Led teams through candid feedback, lessons learned, and responsive innovation. Collaborated with 80+ experts in multiple time zones with expertise in ID, art, animation, translation, AV, engineering, documentation, UX, permissions, legal, and QA. Managed offshore developers and verified deliverables.
2D Artist, Illustrator, Lead Outsource Artist (1991 – 1996)
Responsible for digital concept, design, illustration, and product development in collaboration with Instructional Designers and Engineers in the launch of engaging, interactive educational software for grades K-12. Outsource Art Lead to art vendors. Established aesthetic standards across product lines. Reviewed and critiqued art, tracked art into software and verified products were on brand. Signed invoices for 2D and 3D outsource artists.
1991 - 2001
Project Manager (1996-2001)
Managed high-cost interactive simulation-based reading, science, and math products for state adoption. Served as a product manager and key holder with deep knowledge of product requirements, cross functional processes, and pipelines. Spearheaded stakeholder communication through targeted and concise written and verbal communication. Highly detailed, strategic and risk averse project tracking of budgets, client, and product objectives. Led teams through candid feedback, lessons learned, and responsive innovation. Collaborated with 80+ experts in multiple time zones with expertise in ID, art, animation, translation, AV, engineering, documentation, UX, permissions, legal, and QA. Managed offshore developers and verified deliverables.
2D Artist, Illustrator, Lead Outsource Artist (1991 – 1996)
Responsible for digital concept, design, illustration, and product development in collaboration with Instructional Designers and Engineers in the launch of engaging, interactive educational software for grades K-12. Outsource Art Lead to art vendors. Established aesthetic standards across product lines. Reviewed and critiqued art, tracked art into software and verified products were on brand. Signed invoices for 2D and 3D outsource artists.
North Green Country Day School, Woodbury, CT
1990
Pre-school Art Teacher | Program Designer
1990
Pre-school Art Teacher | Program Designer
Developed Preschool Art Program, purchased materials, and taught 3–4-year-olds.
Promotional Innovations - Stamford, CT
1989 - 1991
Adobe Trainer | Apple Trainer | Studio Manager
1989 - 1991
Adobe Trainer | Apple Trainer | Studio Manager
Managed a fast-paced promotional art studio. Trained Art Directors in methods and practice of digital design, Apple hardware and software: Adobe Suite (Photoshop) and Quarkxpress.
Davidoff & Partners Advertising Agency, Westport, CT
1988 - 1989
Graphic Designer, Darkroom Technician
1988 - 1989
Graphic Designer, Darkroom Technician
Responsible for high quality paste up and mechanicals for advertising accounts including Dominos Pizza, Haagen Daz, Metro Mobile and Alvin Ailey Dance. Maintained and operated darkroom and photostat equipment.
Picture This of Westport, CT
1987 – 1988
Custom Picture Framer
1987 – 1988
Custom Picture Framer
Responsible for custom design and sales of professional picture framing solutions.
Deep knowledge of art aesthetics, color theory, design, handling of originals and collectables, and professional use of framing equipment including electric saws, matt cutters and laminators. Proficient in the fabrication of framing solutions for 2D and 3D fine art and fine craft with a track record for 100% on time and on specification design objectives. Exhibit design and installation.
Deep knowledge of art aesthetics, color theory, design, handling of originals and collectables, and professional use of framing equipment including electric saws, matt cutters and laminators. Proficient in the fabrication of framing solutions for 2D and 3D fine art and fine craft with a track record for 100% on time and on specification design objectives. Exhibit design and installation.
GROUP EXHIBITS
2021 Small Art Big Impact
Lina Rincon Gallery, Sarasota, FL
2021 Small Art Big Impact
Lina Rincon Gallery, Sarasota, FL
2021 Into the Blues, 3rd Place Ribbon Photography
Lina Rincon Gallery, Sarasota, FL
Lina Rincon Gallery, Sarasota, FL
2021 Here comes the Sun, Juror, Savannah Magnolia
Sarasota Art Center, Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Art Center, Sarasota, FL
2021 Onward and Upward
Sarasota Art Center, Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Art Center, Sarasota, FL
2020 The Big Show, National
Sarasota Art Center, Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Art Center, Sarasota, FL
2018 Healing Nature, National | Juror, Mark Adams
Cape Cod Museum of Art, MA
2018 Member Exhibit | Juror, Randi Hopkins
Provincetown Art Museum, MA
Cape Cod Museum of Art, MA
2018 Member Exhibit | Juror, Randi Hopkins
Provincetown Art Museum, MA
2014 Invitational | Curator, Christopher Hayes
Autumn Light Gallery, Avon, CT
2012 Invitational | Curator, Kathy Williams
Norfolk Artisan Guild, Norfolk, CT
Autumn Light Gallery, Avon, CT
2012 Invitational | Curator, Kathy Williams
Norfolk Artisan Guild, Norfolk, CT
2011 Future Tense, International | Curator, David Borawski
David Borawski Projects
David Borawski Projects
2011 WordArt 2011 | Curator, Ken Green
Gallery on the Green, Canton, CT
Gallery on the Green, Canton, CT
2008 Ceramics Invitational | Curator, Tim Scull
Canton Clay Works, Canton, CT
Canton Clay Works, Canton, CT
2007 Sacred Spaces | Curator, Nancy Wynn
Clare Gallery, Hartford, CT
Clare Gallery, Hartford, CT
2002 Invitational | Curator, Walter Wickiser
Walter Wickiser Gallery, NYC
Walter Wickiser Gallery, NYC
2002 Invitational | NEA
Pensacola Museum of Art, Pensacola, FL
Pensacola Museum of Art, Pensacola, FL
2001 Invitational | Catalogue
Visual Arts Center Northwest Florida, PC, FL
Visual Arts Center Northwest Florida, PC, FL
2000 Abstraction International
Period Gallery, Lincoln, NE
Period Gallery, Lincoln, NE
2000 International | Catalogue
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
1997 Connecticut Women Artists
New Britain Museum/American Art, New Britain, CT
New Britain Museum/American Art, New Britain, CT
SOLO EXHIBITS
2021 Sun, Sea & Sarasota
Zero Empty Spaces, Sarasota, FL
Zero Empty Spaces, Sarasota, FL
2013 The Art of Local Lakes
West End Store, Barkhamsted, CT
West End Store, Barkhamsted, CT
2013 Paradise Near and Far
Norfolk Artisan Guild, Norfolk, CT
Norfolk Artisan Guild, Norfolk, CT
2012 Art Inspired by Life
Kelly Art Studios Gallery, Burlington, CT
Kelly Art Studios Gallery, Burlington, CT
2003 Fluid Static
Charter Oak Cultural Center, Hartford, CT
Charter Oak Cultural Center, Hartford, CT
2001 Aqua Terra
Blue Circle Gallery, Middletown, CT
Blue Circle Gallery, Middletown, CT
1999 Flow
Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, CT
Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, CT
1998 Water Rising
University of Connecticut, West Hartford, CT
University of Connecticut, West Hartford, CT
COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS
2010 Foto365
Artposse, CT & FL Members: Aric Attas, Kathleen Kelly, David Borawski, Nancy Wynn
Artposse, CT & FL Members: Aric Attas, Kathleen Kelly, David Borawski, Nancy Wynn
2004 Who Do You Love
Conceptual art and portrait project and public exhibit at Buckland Court, South Windsor, CT
Conceptual art and portrait project and public exhibit at Buckland Court, South Windsor, CT
2003 Flow - Art Documentary
As Director published an art documentary about my art process and thesis exhibition.
Matthew Stonewell, Musician. William Bradford, videographer. Aric Attas, Photography.
As Director published an art documentary about my art process and thesis exhibition.
Matthew Stonewell, Musician. William Bradford, videographer. Aric Attas, Photography.
VOLUNTEER | HONORS | AWARDS
2021-22 HD Camera Operator
Grace Community, Lakewood Ranch, FL
Grace Community, Lakewood Ranch, FL
2014 Volunteer, Northwest CT Arts Council
2013 HD Camera Operator and Film Director
New Media Technology, VCBC, Avon, CT
New Media Technology, VCBC, Avon, CT
2013 Haiti Art Camp | Curriculum Advisor | Volunteer Trainer
VCBC, Avon, CT
VCBC, Avon, CT
2013 Youth Art and Adult Art Juror
Harwinton Fair, Harwinton, CT
Harwinton Fair, Harwinton, CT
2009 Ceramics, First Place Award
Manchester Art Association, South Windsor, CT
Manchester Art Association, South Windsor, CT
2009 Hall of Fame Inductee
Manchester Arts Commission, City of Manchester, CT
Manchester Arts Commission, City of Manchester, CT
2005 Art Education Committee | Board Member
Artwell Gallery, Torrington, CT
Artwell Gallery, Torrington, CT
2005 Art Advisor to the Exec. Director
Lutz Children’s Museum, Manchester, CT
Lutz Children’s Museum, Manchester, CT
2004 Exhibits | Curatorial Committee Member
Huntington House Museum, Winsor, CT
Huntington House Museum, Winsor, CT
2003 The Loom Room | Commission
Manchester Historical Society, Manchester, CT
Manchester Historical Society, Manchester, CT
2003 Board Member
Manchester Arts Commission (MAC), Manchester, CT
Manchester Arts Commission (MAC), Manchester, CT
2001 President, Manchester Art Association (MAA), Manchester, CT
1996 State President, Vice President, CT Chapter Business and Professional Women
LECTURES | WORKSHOPS
2014 Seeing Color in Shadows, Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, CT
2012 Brushwork for Potter’s, Slip and Glazes, Kelly Art Studios, New Hartford, CT
2012 Art Inspired by Life, Kelly Art Studios, Burlington, CT
2007 The Self-Portrait, Connecticut Association of Schools, University of Hartford, CT
2006 An Artist with Autism, Manchester Art Association, Manchester, CT
2005 Who Do You Love, Village at Buckland Court, South Windsor, CT
2004 Fluid Static, Charter Oak Cultural Center, Hartford, CT
2004 The Art of Islam, ceramic tile workshop, Manchester High School, Manchester, CT
2000 The Art and Culture of Spain, Business and Professional Women of Connecticut
2000 Flow, Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
1998 Water Rising | Higher Ed Critique, University of Connecticut, West Hartford, CT
1989 - 1995 Young Authors and Illustrators, Motivational Tour, Connecticut Public Schools, CT
PUBLISHING EXPERIENCE
2009 Silk Fist Songs, Cover Photo, Antrim House Books, Marilyn Johnson, Poet
2003 - 2005 Art Methods, Featured Columnist, ArtFX Magazine, CT
1992 Board Game of Children’s Literature, Illustrator, Teaching K-8 Magazine, CT
1991 One Ghost Too Many, YA Book Illustrator, Penguin Books, NYC
1990 Sister’s Long Ago, YA Book Illustrator, Penguin Books, NYC
1989 Literary Classics, Book Illustrator, Chelsea House Publishing, New Haven, CT
1988 Babies! Book Photographer, Holiday House Publishing, NY
1988 River Friends, Author and Illustrator, Atheneum Children’s Books, NY
ORGANIZATIONS
Art Center Sarasota
College Art Association (CAA)
Art and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County
Wadsworth Atheneum
National Oil and Acrylic Painters
Northwest CT Arts Council
Plein-air Painters of Florida
National Association Women Artists
Light Chasers, Sarasota, FL
College Art Association (CAA)
Art and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County
Wadsworth Atheneum
National Oil and Acrylic Painters
Northwest CT Arts Council
Plein-air Painters of Florida
National Association Women Artists
Light Chasers, Sarasota, FL
JUROR
2006 Manchester Arts Commission
2004 Paier College of Art
2004 Paier College of Art
PAINTING EXCURSIONS
Hawaii 2013 The Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai
Italy 2001 Rome, Florence, and Venice
Spain and Portugal 1998 Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Lisbon
Ireland 1998 Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Cork