Hi, Iām Jessica.
I live in Grand Junction with my husband, seven year old son and five year old daughter. As a family we enjoy skiing, mountain biking, camping, going to galleries and museums, seeing live music and eating yummy food. We enjoy indulging in what nature and culture has to offer.
I am an artist and art educator. As an artist I enjoy working with all types of mediums, but I am a jeweler at heart. Currently my jewelry consists of beadwork. I am inspired by indigenous beadwork from all over the world. I make fringe earrings, patches for hats and working on broaches. As an art educator, I believe that everyone is an artist. I enjoy working with people of all ages to bring their inner artist out and teach through the fine art. I believe art sparks creativty, self exploration and perspective. The power of art gives people a voice who can not find the words to express themselves, offers a safe place where there are no wrong answers or mistakes, and presents beauty to our world. Art is dynamic, powerful and uniquly individual
I attended Northern Arizona University and recieved a:
- Bachelors of Fine Arts with an emphasis in jewelry and metalsmithing
- Bachelor of Science of Education with an emphasis in Art Edication, certified K-12.
Some experiences that have shaped my teaching are:
Taught visual art at a public Elementary School in Flagstaff to 650 students each week
Developed a specialized art curriculum for students with Autism
2008-2016 Member of the Arizona and National Art Education Association
2015 awarded Arizona Art Educator of the Year
2015 awarded Outstanding Elementary Art Educator in Arizona
2016 Nominee for the Flagstaff, AZ Viola Awards, the Art Education category
2013-2016 I was an active board memeber of the Arizona Art Education Association
These experiences strengthened my skills as a human and an educator. Being involved in the Flagstaff comminuty and Arizona Art Education Assocation gave me opportunities to present at conferences, teach art educators a variety of skills, such as lesson planning, innovative projects, art critiques and connect with a unique crowd of artists. I also had the privilege of working with educators from around the country.
I look forward to inspiring you and creating with you!