Artist Skills

Drawing, drafting, sculpture in several mediums (incl. ceramics, metal, foam, fiberglass, resin, glass, wax and wood), painting (watercolor, acrylic and oil), general construction techniques (incl. concrete, wood and steel framing, plumbing, and electrical wiring), adaptive problem-solver with creative solutions to complex problems, teacher and natural mentor, strong ability to work with teams to accomplish aggressive goals

Major Works

Agape; 7 feet 6 inch tall ceramics class project and NASAT display, Arlington, TX — 2014

Materials: Ceramics, metal and wood

  • This sculpture was created as a project for Ceramics class, and was chosen to represent the department for the NASAT evaluation conducted at University of Texas at Arlington in 2014.

Lucky the Duck; 8' x 8' x 11' created for and winner of Trinity River Vision Authority sculpture competition, Fort Worth, TX — 2012

Material: Polystyrene, steel, poly coat and paint

  • Created as part of a contest for artwork to be displayed on the Trinity River. Teams were given the basic materials needed for the sculpture, along with guidelines for structural integrity, dimensions, and theme. Lucky the Duck won the competition and is still on display in the Trinity River as of 2014.

B4 Soft; 42 inches by 42 inches Self-portrait, Fort Worth, TX — 2011

Material: charcoal, graphite and paper

  • This image is 42” square, and was created as part of a drawing class project and winner of best in show at TCC Trinity River Student show.

Teaching Experience

High School Art & Ceramics Teacher – OD Wyatt High School, Fort Worth, TX – August 2016-Current

  • Specializing in ceramics, but also covering basics for Art 1 classes. Covering all essential skills as detailed in the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) requirements, including principles of art and design, techniques and art history. Teach primarily in English, but also in Spanish as needed.

  • Taught Advanced Placement (AP) 3D in 2018-19 school year. More than 50% of students in the class successfully submitted AP portfolios for college credit.

  • Participated in Texas Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) every year, with multiple students qualifying for the state event each year.

  • Participated as either the primary or sole art teacher from Wyatt at the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival every year, winning Best Booth in Show for 2019 (runner up for 2018), and earning $600+ for the Wyatt Art Club each year.

  • Won award for Most Positive Teacher in 2017.

Art Teacher for grades K-5 – Lee Elementary School, Grand Prairie, TX – 2015-16 School Year

  • Sole art teacher in this school of 600+ students, with classes once per week for each student. Became an integral part of the instruction team, working with individual grade teachers to develop art curriculum that paralleled their classroom instruction. Served as team lead for the "special" subject teachers. Covered art basics as detailed in the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) requirements including line, shape and color. Taught both 2D (drawing and painting) and 3D (clay sculpture, including firing and glazing). Taught in both English and Spanish.

Student Teaching – South Grand Prairie High School, Fort Worth, TX – March-May 2015

  • Taught in this school with four cooperating teachers. Developed TEKS-centered lesson plans for high school instruction. Was offered a permanent position in this district as a result of my effective student teaching.

Student Teaching – Amon Carter Riverside High School, Fort Worth, TX – January-March 2015

  • Taught in this school with cooperating teacher Lori Thomson. School is 85% Hispanic, offering an opportunity to exercise skills in Spanish speaking.

    • Prepared lessons based on the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills requirements

    • Created PowerPoint presentations to use for instruction

    • Organized extra-curricular program for drawing instruction during “Eagle Time”

    • Assisted other art teachers by demonstrating art techniques using multiple media and tools, including drawing, painting, ceramics, collage, weaving and photography

Teaching-Related Experience

Judge, VASE State Competition Regionals, February 2016

  • Evaluated artworks from 9-12 grades submitted in consideration for this state competition.

Curator, Gallery West at University of Texas at Arlington, 2013-2014 school year

  • Maintained the exhibition space and prepared student shows for public audiences.

Crisis Intervention of Maricopa, Mesa, AZ – 1995-6

  • Night watch counselor and security for teens discharged from juvenile detentions. Taught first aid, home economics, upholstery and automotive repair. Used art as a therapeutic and instructional device.

Anasazi Foundation, Mesa, AZ – 1995

  • Taught at-risk teens (ages 13-18) in this wilderness-survival institution. Taught wilderness survival, communication skills, anger management and time management techniques. Counseled on self and social responsibilities.

Work Experience

Construction and Construction Management Experience, Texas (multiple locations) – 1991-2011

  • Worked in various disciplines, including electrical, control wire, plumbing, framing, roofing, welding, pipe bending and operation of large construction equipment.

United States Marine Corps – 1996-1998

Education

  • University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX — BFA, 2015 (focus on art education and fine arts) - cumulative GPA 3.6

  • Languages: English (native) and Spanish (fluent)

References upon request