About the store
With more than 27 years of experience teaching Visual Arts at the high school level, including 20 years teaching AP Studio Art, I have dedicated my career to fostering creativity, artistic growth, and meaningful learning experiences for students. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in Drawing, Painting, and Design, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Drawing and Painting. In addition to teaching, I am also a full-time working artist, which allows me to bring current artistic practices, professional experience, and real-world perspectives directly into the classroom.
Throughout my career, I have served in a variety of educational leadership roles and have led numerous artist-driven, hands-on workshops designed to inspire both students and fellow educators. I am also the Executive Director and Co-Creator of ArtConnectED, a teacher-led nonprofit organization committed to advancing visual arts education for young people. Through exhibitions, educational programming, and scholarship opportunities, ArtConnectED celebrates student artistic achievement, promotes innovation and mastery in learning, and helps connect students with post-secondary opportunities in the arts.
In addition to my classroom teaching, I regularly present on a wide range of art education topics and facilitate hands-on workshops for art educators at both state and national conferences. These experiences have allowed me to collaborate with educators across the country while continuing to advocate for innovative, student-centered approaches to visual arts education.
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Drawing on Mylar: Light from Dark
Drawing on Mylar: Light from Dark is a high-impact advanced drawing lesson that introduces students to the rich possibilities of subtractive and additive drawing on frosted Mylar. Using Conte crayon, blending tools, and erasers, students transform a mid-value translucent surface into highly dimensional observational drawings through layered value development and intentional mark-making. This lesson deepens understanding of contrast, form modeling, and expressive surface manipulation while offeri
10th - 12th
Visual Arts
Myth, Folklore and Legend Collide: Multi-Layer Shadow Box Project
Create a fictional narrative based on a Myth, Folklore and Legend Mashup, using a shadow box with multiple layers of illustrated cut paper. The final piece should use depth ( 4 layers minimum), contrast, and composition to build an immersive environment.
10th - 12th
Visual Arts
All Decked Out: Skate Deck Designs
Students will transform a skate deck into a powerful work of visual storytelling that reflects identity, place, culture, or concept. Choosing from a range of prompts, including personal narrative, symbolic abstraction, environmental transformation, pop culture remix, or experimental design, students will develop an original composition that communicates a clear idea through imagery. Emphasis will be placed on strong design choices using the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, with attentio
11th - 12th
Visual Arts
Creatures Gone Wild
Design a creature that combines organic anatomy with mechanical or abstract structures, has intentionally distorted and exaggerated proportions, is a fictional creature built entirely through layered lines.
10th - 12th
Visual Arts
SHELLED! An Introduction to Printmaking
Students will be introduced too and learn about the linocut printmaking process. Students will learn specific techniques associated with Linocut, how to develop and complete the process necessary to produce a series of finished prints. (*Included: Lesson, Handout Links, Visuals and Student Examples)
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
The Painted Collage
In this lesson, students will explore abstraction and composition by making layered, wall-hung painted collages using acrylic paint, spray paint, found papers, and painted packaging. Emphasis is on color, patterns, rhythm, edge, surface texture, and playful experimentation rather than representational imagery.
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
Creative Gel Plate Printmaking: Explore, Experiment, Express!
Printmaking with Gel Plates are a fun, quick way to introduce your beginning art students to printmaking without a large, expensive press. In this lesson, students will work to create 2 sets of abstract, triptych designs based on ORGANIC and GEOMETRIC shapes. The designs will focus on....
9th - 11th
Visual Arts
Tell Your Story…A Personal Narrative Inspired by the Artist SWOON.
Students will work to tell their own personal story/narrative through visual imagery. Students will direct their focus on a subject that’s had a profound effect on their life. Students will....
11th - 12th
Visual Arts
THE HOT SLICE - A PIZZA BOX DESIGN CHALLENGE
This Design Challenge will provide an engaging opportunity for your students to explore concepts and formulate creative solutions. Students, your job is simple. You’ve been assigned to create some sort of creative, decorative, theatrical or not, artistic, remarkable, and/or thought provoking piece of artwork using paint, markers, collage, mixed media and using the pizza box as the support/surface. You can cut it, glue it, paint it, glaze it, papier mâché it, glitter it, tear it, burn it, tear i
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
Too Cool For Tools - Large Scale, Mixed Media Drawing Lesson
The objective of this lesson is to familiarize your students with a variety of mixed media materials and techniques, implement their knowledge of Art Elements and Design Principles and reinforce direct observational skills. Lesson includes step by step directions, visuals, technique worksheet, supply list and finished works gallery.
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
MONSTER MASH-UP
Step into a world where imagination where anything is possible. In Monster Mashup, students will invent and illustrate entirely original fantasy creatures, beings that have never existed (and probably never should). By combining unexpected animal parts, abstract forms, symbolic elements, and wild storytelling ideas, students will “summon” their own unique monsters out of thin air. This challenge pushes creativity into overdrive. From cute and strange to eerie and epic, every mashup becomes a fu
10th - 12th
Visual Arts
DISCARDED - Reverse Value Tools in Charcoal
The objective of this assignment is to familiarize students with using charcoal and techniques associated with reverse values. Students will implement knowledge of Art Elements, mainly VALUE, Design Principles, composition, and reinforce direct observational skills.
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
Doodle Art Design Project
Using the idea of the DOODLE ART method, students will work to create a composition based off of the PROMPT “A Monster & Robot Battle Royal”. Focus is on the incorporation of Art Elements & Design Principles. Great lesson for foundation level (beginning) art students.
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
Make the Ordinary, Extraordinary! Shell Based Abstractions Utilizing Oil Pastel
Make the ordinary, extraordinary! Students will work to develop an interesting drawing centered around the Principles of Design that works to create a dynamic composition using shells and a piece of cloth/ribbon to generate the overall design. Students will use oil pastels and a variety of mark-making techniques to finish....
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
The BIC Pen Challenge
Welcome to the BIC Pen Challenge!!!! This is a great opening of the school year challenge for your students. Students will all be handed a BIC pen and asked to develop a portrait or self-portrait that explores composition, view-point, mood, light and shadow. However, there is one catch! Students must....
11th - 12th
Visual Arts
Bizarre-O-World
Bizarre-O-World is an illustrative project where students will work to develop creative solutions derived from the most unlikely union. Students will generate ideas through a combination of a NOUN and a DESCRIPTOR. The goal will be to encourage imagination and explore various art materials and techniques.
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
Creative Characters Inspired By Natural Objects
Students will take part in an illustration exercise in creativity and character design. Character illustrations are works of art that focus on a single Character to define not only the look of the Character, but the disposition and nature as well. When creating a Character illustration, the artist must take into account the Character's personality. How do artists make Characters interesting?
10th - 12th
Visual Arts
A BAD SWEET TOOTH
Students will work to create an imaginative world inspired by our inner most desire for sweet treats. This world will incorporate strange, bizarre creatures taking on a mundane task....
10th - 12th
Visual Arts
The 4-Panel/Mini Comic
A comic strip is defined as: a sequence of drawings, either in color or black and white, relating a comedic incident, an adventure or mystery story, etc. Each student will receive 3 different color Post It Notes. Students will be tasked with the challenge of developing three specific.....
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
Experimental Drawing (w/ Marina Gonzalez Eme)
To create a unique, original composition inspired by the works of Spanish Artist Marina Gonzalez Eme. Students' artwork will incorporate the use of the figure, face, facial features, and various limbs. Artworks will also incorporate the use of ......
9th - 12th
Visual Arts
Showing 1-20 of 39 results
About the store
Experience
With more than 27 years of experience teaching Visual Arts at the high school level, including 20 years teaching AP Studio Art, I have dedicated my career to fostering creativity, artistic growth, and meaningful learning experiences for students. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in Drawing, Painting, and Design, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Drawing and Painting. In addition to teaching, I am also a full-time working artist, which allows me to bring current artistic practices, professional experience, and real-world perspectives directly into the classroom.
Throughout my career, I have served in a variety of educational leadership roles and have led numerous artist-driven, hands-on workshops designed to inspire both students and fellow educators. I am also the Executive Director and Co-Creator of ArtConnectED, a teacher-led nonprofit organization committed to advancing visual arts education for young people. Through exhibitions, educational programming, and scholarship opportunities, ArtConnectED celebrates student artistic achievement, promotes innovation and mastery in learning, and helps connect students with post-secondary opportunities in the arts.
In addition to my classroom teaching, I regularly present on a wide range of art education topics and facilitate hands-on workshops for art educators at both state and national conferences. These experiences have allowed me to collaborate with educators across the country while continuing to advocate for innovative, student-centered approaches to visual arts education.
Teaching style
I would describe my teaching style as student-centered. My approach to education is grounded in the belief that learning should be fun, so I work tirelessly to develop engaging, meaningful lessons and create a classroom environment that students genuinely want to be a part of. So far, that approach has paid dividends for both my students and myself. Watching students become invested, confident, and excited about learning is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. For me, the saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” truly rings true.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Being named the 2016–17 Illinois Art Education Association Teacher of the Year was an incredible honor, but one of my proudest “Shining Teacher Moments” has been co-creating the nonprofit organization, ArtConnectED, for visual art students across Illinois. What began as a passion project has grown into a transformative organization for Visual Arts education. Now entering our 13th year, ArtConnectED continues to advocate for the arts, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of visual art students and art educators throughout Illinois.
My own education history
I hold a Master of Arts in Painting and Drawing as well as a Bachelor of Arts in 2D Studio Art. My academic training provided a strong foundation in both traditional and contemporary studio practices, with an emphasis on developing a personal artistic voice. In addition to my formal education, I am a practicing artist, which continues to inform and deepen my understanding of process, materials, and creative inquiry.
Additional biographical information
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE:
Savannah College of Art and Design, Summer Art Educator Forum, Savannah, GA 2024
Teacher Toolbox, School of the Art Institute Chicago, Chicago, IL 2023
Teacher Toolbox, School of the Art Institute Chicago, Chicago, IL 2022
Illinois Art Educator of the Year 2017
Mid-West Region Art Educator of the Year (NAEA) 2017
Selected to attend Savannah College of Art Design; Design Educator Retreat, 2016
Purchase Award, Beverly Art Center, 2016
Received (IAEA) Illinois Art Education Association Educator Grant, 2013
Received (IAEA) Illinois Art Education Association Educator Grant 2011
Selected to “Educators Artlab” at Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO 2011
Jurors Award; Purchase, “6th Annual Self-Portrait Show”, 33 Collective Gallery, Chicago, IL 2010
Chosen by Prismacolor for “Inspirational Teacher” feature on web site w/ NW art students 2010
Selected to “TICA” (Teacher Institute for Contemporary Art) by The Art Institute of Chicago 2009
Ecolab Grant Recipient 2005
2nd Place, Moraine Valley Community College Community Exhibit, Palos Park, IL 2004
3rd Place, All Student Art Show, Governors State University, Park Forest, IL 2003
Ecolab Grant Recipient 2003
Related Experiences
Teacher Toolbox Workshop Presenter, School of the Art Institute Chicago, Chicago, IL 2024
Workshop Presenter, National Art Education Association Conference; San Antonio, TX 2023
Workshop Presenter, National Art Education Association Conference; New York, NY 2021
Workshop Presenter, Illinois Art Education Association Conference; Bloomington, IL 2021
Savannah College of Art and Design Summer Art Educator Forum, Savannah, GA 2019
Art Educator Workshop, CCAD (Columbus College of Art and Design); Columbus, OH 2018
Attended College of Creative Studies Art Educator Retreat, Detroit, MI 2018
Workshop Presenter, Illinois Art Education Association Conference; St. Charles, IL 2017
Workshop Presenter, National Art Education Association Conference; New York, NY 2016
Savannah College of Art and Design, Summer Art Educator Forum, Savannah, GA 2016
Artist Workshop with Jesse Reno, True Measure Gallery, Portland, OR 2015
Art Educator Workshop, MCAD (Minneapolis College of Art and Design); Minneapolis, MN 2015
Workshop Presenter, Illinois Art Education Association Conference; Lisle, IL 2014
Jesse Reno Painting Workshop, Pacific Northwest Art School, Whidbey Island, WA 2014
Workshop Presenter, Illinois Art Education Association Conference; Lisle, IL 2013
Educator Essentials Conference, Savannah College of Art and Design; Savannah, GA 2013
Co-Creator & Director, The Illinois High School Regional Art Exhibition, Chicago, IL 2013
Art Instructor, The Art Center; Highland Park, IL 2012
Art Educator Workshop, MCAD (Minneapolis College of Art and Design); Minneapolis, MN 2012
Educators Artlab, Kansas City Art Institute; Kansas City, MO 2011
Workshop Presenter at Illinois Art Education Association Conference; Bloomington, IL 2011
AP Studio Art Workshop, Columbia College; Chicago, IL 2011
Art Forum, Savannah College of Art and Design; Savannah, GA 2011
Mid West Region AP Studio Art Workshop, Triton College; Chicago, IL 2011
Creativity in the Classroom, Adobe Photoshop Basics, Illinois Institute of Art; Schaumburg, IL 2011
AP Studio Art Workshop, Columbia College; Chicago, IL 2009
Workshop Presenter at Illinois Art Education Association Conference; Lisle, IL 2010
Workshop Presenter at Eastern Illinois University “Media & Methods” Conference; Charleston, IL 2010
“TICA” (Teacher Institute for Contemporary Art), The Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago, IL 2009
Workshop Presenter at Eastern Illinois University “Media & Methods” Conference; Charleston, IL 2006
AP Studio Art Workshop, The Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago, IL
EXHIBITION & AWARDS
Teacher As Artists, Group Show, ARTSPACE Chicago, Chicago, IL 2024
8th Annual Art Educator Show, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL 2024
Teacher As Artists, Group Show, ARTSPACE Chicago, Chicago, IL 2023
7th Annual Art Educator Show, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL 2022
One Of A Kind Show, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL 2022
The Other Art Fair, Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 2022
6th Annual Art Educator Show, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL 2021
5th Annual Art Educator Show, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL 2019
Personal Art Exhibition, Hinsdale, IL 2019
4th Annual Art Educator Show, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL 2018
3rd Annual Art Educator Show, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL 2017
2nd Annual Art Educator Show, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL 2016
39th Annual Beverly Arts Center Competition, Beverly Art Center, Chicago, IL 2015
Teacher As Artists, Group Show, Skokie Public Library Gallery, Skokie, IL 2015
1st Annual Art Educator Show, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL 2015
Zhou B. Art Center, Volossum Gallery, 3rd Floor Gallery, Chicago, IL 2015
10th and Final Self-Portrait Show (Curators Choice), 33 Collective Gallery, Chicago, IL 2015
Identity Interpreted and Assumed: Self Portrait, Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights, IL 2014
Teacher As Artists, Group Show, Skokie Public Library Gallery, Skokie, IL 2014
8th Annual Self-Portrait Show, 33 Collective Gallery, Chicago, IL 2013
High School Art Teacher Show, Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago IL 2013
MAD World, Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights, IL 2013
New Works on Paper, Solo Show, Delicious Café, Chicago, IL 2012
Teacher As Artists, Group Show, Skokie Public Library Gallery, Skokie, IL 2012
7th Annual Self-Portrait Show, 33 Collective Gallery, Chicago, IL 2012
Community Exhibit, Moraine Valley Community College, Jack Olson Gallery, Palos Park, IL 2012
Turn It On It’s Side, NIU Group Show, Norris Cultural Center, St. Charles, IL 2012
High School Art Teacher Show, Illinois Institute of Art; Schaumburg, IL 2011
Phobia’s, Solo Show, The Baxter Room, Morton Grove Library, Morton Grove, IL 2011
Teacher As Artists, Group Show, Skokie Public Library Gallery, Skokie, IL 2011
6th Annual Self-Portrait Show, 33 Collective Gallery, Chicago, IL 2010
A Whole New Mind, Governors State University E-Gallery, Park Forest, IL 2010
Image, Attitude, Impression, Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights, IL 2010
High School Art Teacher Show, Illinois Institute of Art; Schaumburg, IL 2011
Twisted, Solo Show, Gallery Uno Chicago, Chicago, IL http://www.artexhibitionlink.com/zilewiczcatalog.htm 2008
The Group Show, Gallery 33 ½, Chicago, IL 2006
Wonders, Solo Show, Tall Grass Gallery, Park Forest, IL 2005
Twisted, Graduate Exhibition, Governors State University E-Gallery, Park Forest, IL 2005
Moraine Valley Community College Community Exhibit, Jack Olson Gallery, Palos Park, IL 2004
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