As a visual artist, art education is the medium through which I believe I can help others access their creative potential. Over the past few years, I’ve been working as an educator and teaching artist in New York City’s public schools and museums, and have experienced the developing imaginations, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional learning that visual arts classes foster in young people. I have held teaching positions with the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Color Me Mine, Young Rembrandts, the National Museum of American Jewish History, the Jewish Museum, the Rubin Museum, the New York Historical Society, South Asian Youth Action, Community Roots Charter School, Advancing the Communities of Tomorrow, Creative Art Works, and the Center for Educational Innovation.
In these roles, I have found laughter, outpouring love, important conversations with students about their world views, so much color, most of my clothing covered in some combination of paint and glue, like-minded art educators, and many moments of admiration for my students’ skills and thoughtfulness. In the Fall of 2020, I will continue to invest in my growth as an educator with City College’s master’s program in Art Education. Through this work, I hope to engage young people in the personal and socio-political power of creative practice, and to challenge the role that creativity can play in growing and nurturing our communities.