Artist Statement
Most of us are taught at a young age to take medicine when we don’t feel well. Stomach ache, headache, sore throat, fever, even the imaginary boo boo is given a pill to cure. As we age we begin to reach for pills due to other ailments, or what may be deemed as an ailment: weight, concentration, emotional stability, beauty, etc. In these teachings we have created habits. Habits that we don’t even realize that we have become accustomed to. So, while you may be taking only one pill a day for the occasional headache, or a 30 day treatment, customizing yourself to reach for the bottle, open it, insert into the mouth, and swallow is an instinct that you have now developed for life.
Work Experience
Education
2022 - Pres. MFA Candidate | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
2021 - 22 Post Bachelor | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond,VA
2021 Raising and Shaping Metal Vessels | Instructor Adam Whitney
Penland School of Craft | Penland,NC
2019 The Body: Exploration of Materials | Instructor Jina Seo
Penland School of Craft | Penland,NC
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2004 - 19 Bachelors Fine Arts | Wayne State University | Detroit, MI
Fine Arts Major
Textile Design Minor
Jewelry/Metal Fabrication, Fibers Concentrations
Group Exhibitions
2024 Bring on the Gems | SNAG Online Exhibition
2023 Coming into Contact |The Anderson Gallery | Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
2023 Truth or Dare | Adorn Axis | NYCJW |New York City, NY
2023 Brushes with Cancer | Henry Ford Cancer Hospital | Detroit, MI (Invited)
2023 What if we hugged at the JCPenney? | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
2023 Tiny Shiny Sale & Exhibition | Dransfield Jewelers |Richmond, VA
2023 (Kin)dred Ties: Reflections from MFA students |DePillars Gallery | VCU, Richmond, VA,
2023 Brushes with Cancer | Wayne State University | Detroit, MI (Invited)
2022 Signs, Signals, + Symbols | Baltimore Jewelry Center | Baltimore, MD
2022 Here & Now | Adorn Axis |NYCJW | New York City, NY
2022 Cu Spoon | The Hawthrone | Virginia Commonwealth University |Richmond, VA
2022 SYCK | DePillars Gallery | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
2022 Battle of the Rings | Danaca Design Studio | Seattle, WA
2021 Voltage: The Power of Contemporary Jewelry | SNAG Online Exhibition
2020 Gravity of Gratitude: Members Exhibition | Alliance for the Arts | Ft. Myers, FL
2020 #Postmarked Online Exhibition | Crafting the Future/Penland School of Crafts |Penland, NC
2020 Worldwide Juried Online Art Show | Anton Art Center | Mt.Clemens, MI
2020 Fresh Looks 2020 | Eastern Michigan University |Ypsilanti, MI
2019 Fuse | Art Department Gallery |Wayne State University | Detroit, MI
2007 Representation vs. Reality |Old Main Gallery | Wayne State University |Detroit, MI
2007 Undergrad Student Exhibition | Art Department Gallery |Wayne State University |Detroit, MI
2006 Undergrad Student Exhibition | Art Department Gallery |Wayne State University |Detroit, MI
2005 Undergrad Student Exhibition |Art Department Gallery | Wayne State University |Detroit, MI
Publications
2023 Truth or Dare Exhibition Catalogue | Adorn Axis | NYCW, New York City, NY
2023 Studio | Issue Fall 2023 | VCUarts
2022 Here & Now Exhibition Catalogue | Adorn Axis | NYCW, New York City, NY
2019 Like a Girl | Issue 05 | Tyler Elise - https://issuu.com/tylerelise/docs/like_a_girl_05_
Public Commissions
2019 Gold leafing Installation, James Lee Byars|Back in Detroit, Elaine L Jacob Gallery, Detroit, MI
Curatorial Projects
2024 So Fresh + So Clean Online Student Exhibition | Ethical Metalsmith Students | Richmond, VA
2023 So Fresh + So Clean Online Student Exhibition | Ethical Metalsmith Students |Richmond, VA
2022 Cu Spoon | The Hawthrone | Virginia Commonwealth University |Richmond, VA
2022 SYCK | DePillars Gallery | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
2019 Fuse | Art Department Gallery | Wayne State University | Detroit, MI
Presentations, Artist Talks, Workshops
2023 Presentation “So Fresh + So Clean 2023 ”|Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference | Chicago, IL
2023 Artist Talk “Pecha Kucha 2022” |Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
2023 Artist Talk “Graduate School ”|Oakland University | Auburn Hills, MI
2022 Artist Talk “Pecha Kucha 2022” |Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
2022 Artist Talk “Graduate School ”|Oakland University | Auburn Hills, MI
Awards
2024 VCUarts Graduate Travel Grant |ECU Symposium| VCU, Richmond VA
2023 - 24 Graduate Teaching Assistantship|Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
2023 Summer Research Grant |Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference |VCU, Richmond, VA
2023 VCUarts Graduate Travel Grant |ECU Symposium| VCU, Richmond VA
2022 VCUarts Graduate Travel Grant |New York Jewelry Week, ($500), VCU, Richmond VA
2022 - 23 Graduate Student Association Award | Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
2019 Dean’s List | James Pearson Duffy Art and Art History Department, Detroit, MI
2006 Desalle Challenge Scholarship | James Pearson Duffy Art and Art History Department, Detroit, MI
2005 Desalle Challenge Scholarship | James Pearson Duffy Art and Art History Department, Detroit, MI
2004 - 06 Dean’s List| James Pearson Duffy Art and Art History Department, Detroit, MI
Professional Services
Committee
2019 Undergraduate Representative | Department Chair Search Committee
James Pearson Duffy Art and Art History Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Review and discuss candidate information with the faculty committee. Interview
potential candidates. Dinner/Tours with potential candidates.
2018 -19 Undergraduate Representative | Student Appeal Board
James Pearson Duffy Art and Art History Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Charged with hearing appeals involving academic and disciplinary matters from students for the department.
Educational Leadership
2022 - Pres. Co-Chair| VCU Chapter Ethical Metalsmiths
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Coordinate jurors and communication efforts, curate online exhibitions, and develop
marketing material for the So Fresh + So Clean Exhibitions. Plan and execute student
events within the Craft/Materials Studies Department, specifically in the Metal Studio,
on campus.
2019 - 20 Peer Mentor | Gallery Learning Community
Art Department Gallery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Maintain social media and communication. Create workshops for students and the
community to attend. Mentor gallery staff with gallery standards and exhibition
practice.
2019 - 20 Future Student Mentor
James Pearson Duffy Art and Art History Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Assist Academic Advisor in recruitment for the department. Perform department tours.
Attend lectures as an undergraduate department representative. Provide information
about the department and personal experience to potential/future students.
Educational Programming
2022 Studio Assistant | Small Scale Casting with C. JAMES MEYERS
Pocosin Arts School of Fine Crafts | Columbia, NC
Supporting instructor in class setup, aiding students in bringing their ideas to fruition, and
ensuring the smooth operation of studio equipment while monitoring safety protocols.
2021 Designer & Builder | Stations and Exhibitions Committee
Arts & Scraps, Detroit, MI
Work with the Stations Leader to design and develop an interactive station for art fairs and
classrooms. Organized materials list and build out plans. Constructed stations from start
to finish with a committee.
2019 Lead Workshop Instructor | Mobile Arts Workshop
Art Department Gallery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Instruct project to recreational center participants from ages 6 -16 years old. Organize
supplies and prep for daily visits to every site with the Gallery Manager. Set up/tear down
at Detroit Recreational sites throughout the city.
2019 Workshop Creator/Instructor | Are You Obsessed With Dots? Well, We Are!
James Pearson Duffy Art and Art History Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Designed and executed an interactive art workshop for 4th graders, involving research on
the chosen artist and subject matter. Managed the procurement and organization of
necessary supplies for the workshop. Coordinated logistics, including securing a suitable
location, day, and time in collaboration with the university and elementary school.
Delivered instructional sessions and hands-on experiences to both students and attending
parents.
2018 Volunteer | Mobile Arts Workshop
Art Department Gallery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Assisting in the setup and teardown of recreational sites across Detroit. Collaborating
with the Director and Gallery Manager to facilitate projects for participants aged 6 to 16 at
recreation centers.
Professional Experience
2022 - Pres. Graduate Teaching Assistant
Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
Collaborated with faculty to enhance course delivery through active assistance.
Designed and executed instructional demonstrations to facilitate effective learning.
Guided students in the implementation of project ideas, fostering practical skill development.
Enforced stringent safety measures for studio equipment to ensure a secure learning
environment. Maintained the aesthetic and operational standards of the workshop, tools, and
equipment. Regularly communicated with staff to address and report issues related to faulty
equipment and tools.
2021 - Pres. Studio Jewelry Assistant
Austin Titus Studio | Richmond, VA
Crafting custom jewelry pieces and production-style items. Overseeing studio operations
and equipment maintenance. Conducting training sessions for new employees in production tasks.
Handling administrative responsibilities, publications, and marketing materials.
2018 - 21 Substitute Teacher
EduStaff, Macomb/Oakland District Higher Education
Long Term Sub/Avondale High School | Sept 2020 - May 2021
Create lesson plans for Drawing/Painting, Digital Photography, Functional Art,
and AP 2D Design. Grading and providing feedback to students. Maintaining
communication with administration, faculty, students, and guardians. Remote
teaching, Zoom, Google Classroom
Higher Education Substitute
Execute lesson plans provided and monitor tests/exams. Maintain communication with administration
and faculty. Co-Teach with Special Education faculty.
2019 - 20 Assistant Preparator
Art Department Gallery/Elaine L. Jacob Gallery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Supporting the Director of Galleries and Gallery Manager in various tasks. Managing artwork
from students, faculty, and artists at the local, regional, and national levels, including
unpacking/packing and condition reports. Handling the installation and de-installation of
exhibitions. Conducting research and compiling information on artists for each exhibition, as
well as archiving exhibition materials. Generating labels, and name tags, and assisting in the
creation of marketing materials. Contributing to special events such as conferences, visiting
artist lectures, and workshops. Collaborating on the development of online exhibitions and
gallery websites.
2018 -19 Gallery Assistant
Art Department Gallery/Elaine L. Jacob Gallery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Prep galleries for installation of artwork. Repair gallery walls through spackling nail holes, sanding,
and painting. Monitor galleries, and assist visitors with current exhibition information, receptions,
and special events. Maintain gallery appearance and standards.
2004 - 05 Shop Technician | Metal Studio
James Pearson Duffy Art and Art History Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Maintain shop appearance, tools, and equipment. Order supplies for the shop. Maintain communication
with the professor about faulty equipment/tools. Facilitate/oversee classes for graduate students
when needed.
2004 - 05 Assistant Preparator | Undergraduate Exhibition
Jewelry/ Metal Fabrication Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Organize entries for Jewelry/Metals courses. Head comity to jury artwork entries. Assist in
creating custom displays for the exhibition. Install Jewelry/Metal Fabrication displays and
handle student artwork.
2005 Assistant Preparator | Proximity, The Sensory, and Displacement
Exhibition Elaine L Jacob Gallery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Assist the Head of the Department in creating custom-designed displays for artwork for the
entire exhibition. Managing artwork artists at the local, regional, and national levels, including
unpacking/packing and condition reports. Handling the installation and de-installation of
the exhibition.
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