CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
MFA in Painting 2000 – GPS 3.91
Summa Cum Laude, Bernard Vinick International Scholar Award
Paier College of Art, Hamden, CT
BFA in Illustration 1986 – GPS 3.49
Magna Cum Laude, Awards of Distinction
CERTIFICATIONS | ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK

2024: Coursework: XR Design Fellowship, XR Bootcamp (virtual and augmented reality curricula)
2023: Coursework: XR Design Fellowship, XR Bootcamp (virtual and augmented reality curricula)
2022: Coursework: SCF Microsoft Power Platform (Power Platform, Power BI)
2018: Certification: AutoCAD 360, LinkedIn Learning, Orlando, FL
2014: Certification: AP Studio Art, College Board Association, Taft School, Watertown, CT
2014: Training: Final Cut Pro X, Apple, West Hartford, CT
2008: Training: Artists & Technology, Manchester Community College, Manchester, CT
2008: Master Training: Five Days of Fire, Cone 10 Firing Workshop, Canton Clay Works, Canton, CT
1999: Coursework: Spanish, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
1988: Coursework: Graphic Design, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT
1987: Certifications McGraw Hill: MS Project, MS Excel
PORTFOLIO, PROFILE AND AWARDS
Award: Arts Hall of Fame, Manchester Art Association, Manchester, CT
BOD:   State President Business and Professional Women, State of Connecticut
Honor:  Young Careerist, State of Connecticut
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Visual Artist, Illustrator, Graphic Designer and Creative Project Manager with deep knowledge of end-to-end immersive game and virtual reality studio development, coupled with expertise in teaching traditional 2D and 3D art, and digital art production and art processes. Highly detailed, strategic, and risk-averse with a focus on communication, integrity, customized solutions, and ensuring objectives.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
3D Prototyping Software: Figma and Bezi
XR: Metaverse, Amazon Web Services (AWS), ArborXR
Project Management Software: MS Project, Asana, Slack, Bug Box
Professional Photography for Game Capture; Maya Software Operations
Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro
Google Suite, Apple Suite, Microsoft Office
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Quest 2 Headsets Operation, Training and Testing
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
Art Educator
IXL Learning, Wyzant, Sarasota, FL
Art Tutor
Provide one-on-one art tutoring virtually and in person for over 100 students
Specialize in painting, drawing, digital art, anatomy, concept art, etc.
Teach students with Autism or different learning abilities or preferences on various art techniques, methods, and processes
Writes weekly individualize assessments and assigned practice goals for each student
Certified in AP Art assisting students with portfolio development, digital and traditional
Responsible for communicating with parents and providing comprehensive feedback and documentation regarding student progress

Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
Co-Teacher | Teacher Assistant
Assistant to Cat Balco, Associate Professor Painting and Drawing in dynamic painting and drawing art studio environments, developed, and presented curricular demos, facilitated student communications using Blackboard Campus System.
Substitute Teacher courses include Thinking & Drawing, Drawing from Life, and Perspective.

Developing Artist Institute, LLC, Manchester, CT
Director, Art Curriculum, Lead Art Teacher
Founded a successful private art education school and hired and trained a staff of five art educators
Developed customized education plans for individual students prior to enrolling in coursework. Prepared written assessments in Drawing, Painting and Ceramics including comprehensive plans for portfolio development for over 200 students
Designed and implemented an inclusive, differentiated 2D and 3D art curricula and instructed classes and camps throughout the year
Promotional Innovations - Stamford, CT
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.
Police Activities League, CT
Mural Art Program Designer and Teacher
Developed an Urban Mural Program concept through completion including event planning for the grand opening attended by all the student artists, police, elected officials and families. 

North Green Country Day School, Woodbury, CT
Pre-school Art Teacher | Program Designer
Developed Preschool Art Program, purchased materials, and taught 3–4-year-olds


Technical and Creative Project Management
Sun Sea Originals, LLC and Kelly Art Studios, LLC
Creative Project Manager | Lead Artist
Professional digital illustrator and 2D Visual Designer with expertise in corporate and product concepts
Provide 2D art, written content, illustration, scope, storyboard, UI, and UX design
Managed and oversaw development, pipelines, and launch of digital products
Lead Artist and mentor, illustrator, scene painter, muralist, and photographer
Clients: Virtical (Virtual Reality) Studio, ARCOS, Atheneum Books, Penguin, Teaching K-8 Magazine, CIGNA
The McGraw-Hill Companies, New Media Division, CT
Project Manager and 2D Artist
Managed development of multi-million-dollar interactive simulation-based reading, science, and math EdTech products for state adoption
Introduced new process for company-wide change request procedures for risk management resulting in over $300,000 surplus toward each project budget
Led teams through candid feedback, lessons learned, and responsive innovation sessions
Collaborated with 80+ experts in multiple time zones; managed offshore developers and verified deliverables
Responsible for digital concept, design, illustration, and product development in collaboration with Instructional Designers and Engineers
Assisted with the launch of engaging, interactive educational software for grades K-12
Outsourced Art Lead to art vendors and communicated project demands and requirements to vendors
Left Brain Games, Inc., Torrington, CT
Creative Technologist
Innovated and pivoted between multiple B2B products as primary technical artist within a fast-moving, rapidly evolving agile startup
Assisted in the launch of direct-to-consumer interactive mobile games
Branded products, designed marketing materials, and developed corporate website utilizing WordPress platform
Created art assets, user interface, and wireframes, and wrote product stories
Performed cross-platform testing, reported bugs, and collaborated with engineers
Clients: Mattel, DARPA, Virigames, PBS, Kid Awesome, EyeTech, and Ripley Entertainment
Additional Experience
Davidoff & Partners Advertising Agency, Westport, CT
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.
Beyond Van Gogh, Sarasota, FL
Crew Member

Greeted and engaged customers entering The Immersive Experience by Outback Presents, Nashville TN (Sarasota, FL) secured and engaged ticketed guests within 30,000 feet of gallery space. Utilized 2-way radio and Slack to ensure smooth event operations, communication with staff, maintenance, and safety of visitors.
Volunteer for Non-Profit Organizations
Film Director and HD Camera Operator 
Live capture and streaming of performances and events in addition to experience working within production studio environments, use of post production editing software programs and apps. Training volunteers in use of computers, remote cameras, creative process, technical procedures and stage setup (design). 
Picture This of Westport, CT
 
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
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITS
2022: Winter Wonderland, Sarasota Art, Sarasota, FL
2021: Small Art Big Impact, Lina Rincon Gallery, Sarasota, FL
2021: Into the Blues, Lina Rincon Gallery, Sarasota, FL (3rd Place Ribbon Photography)
2021: Here Comes the Sun, Sarasota Art Center, Sarasota, FL
2021: Onward and Upward, Sarasota Art Center, Sarasota, FL
2020: The Big Show, National, Sarasota Art Center, Sarasota, FL
2018: Healing Nature, National, Cape Code Museum of Art, MA (Juror: Mark Adams)
2018: Member Exhibit, Provincetown Art Museum, MA (Juror: Randi Hopkins)
2014: Invitational, Autumn Light Gallery, Avon, CT (Curator: Christopher Hayes)
2012: Invitational, Norfolk Artisan Guild, Norfolk, CT (Curator: Kathy Williams)
2011: Future Tense, International, David Borawski Projects (Curator: David Borawski)
2011: WordArt 2011, Gallery on the Green, Canton, CT (Curator: Ken Green)
2008: Ceramics Invitational, Canton Clay Works, Canton, CT (Curator: Tim Scull)
2007: Sacred Spaces, Clare Gallery, Hartford, CT (Curator: Nancy Wynn)
2002: Invitational, Walter Wickiser Gallery, NY, NY (Curator: Walter Wickiser)
2002: Invitational, Pensacola Museum of Art, Pensacola, FL (National Endowment for the Arts)
2001: Invitational, Visual Arts Center Northwest Florida, PC, FL (Catalogue)
2000: Abstraction International, Period Gallery, Lincoln, NE
2000: International Visual Literacy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA (Catalogue)
1997: Connecticut Women Artists, New Britain Museum/American Art, New Britain, CT
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITS
2021: Sun, Sea & Sarasota, Zero Empty Spaces, Sarasota, FL
2013: The Art of Local Lakes, West End Store, Barkhamsted, CT
2013: Paradise Near and Far, Norfolk Artisan Guild, Norfolk, CT
2012: Art Inspired by Life, Kelly Art Studios Gallery, Burlington, CT
2003: Fluid Static, Charter Oak Cultural Center, Hartford, CT
2001: Aqua Terra, Blue Circle Gallery, Middletown, CT
1999: Flow, Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, CT
1998: Water Rising, University of Connecticut, West Hartford, CT
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                                       

SABBATICAL AND INTERNATIONAL PAINTING    
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


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