I discovered art at a very young age. At two years old, I was coloring and drawing for hours on end at our breakfast table in my childhood home. Art has always been a vessel and an outlet for me to express who I am, where I’m from and where I want to go. I believe that each child has an innate ability to express themselves through colors, textures and expressive gestures long before they can verbally express themselves. I strive to create a safe welcoming space to create and discover, lending the life long benefits of artistic exploration for my students. I’m here to give back and share my love of art creation with students of all abilities and ages.
Education
graduated in 2012 with an associates degree in liberal arts from Madison college (Madison, WI)
Graduated in 2014 Cum Laude from Edgewood College in Madison,WI. Undergraduate Degree in Art Therapy and Psychology.
Experience
6+ years at the Monroe Street Art Center as art director and Lead Art Teacher.
Other teaching experience includes: The Boys and Girls Club of Madison, Art Instructor at One City Academy, Gan Hayeled Preschool, St. James Catholic School, Cornucopia Arts and Wellness Center, Classes offered at Monroe Street Public Library and Aldo Leopold Elementary.
community
art instructor and coordinator at Bethel horizons. 2012-2014
installation and sidewalk window at Madison children’s museum
bi-annual gallery night coordinator for Monroe street art center. 2014-2020
art installation at Yellow rose gallery of Madison, wi. 2017-2018
mural painting at Colectivo Coffee (Madison,wi.) 2018
mural painting at Monroe street art center. 2020
Art Vendor for sun prairie Parks and recreation. 2021-present
art vendor for Deforest parks and recreation. 2021-present
partnership with madison country day school. summer 2022-present
Testimonials
“Ms. Jessica is one of my son's favorite people! He started private art lessons with her when he was five and I won't be surprised if he's still taking classes with her when he graduates from high school. Jessica brings creativity, joy, and inspiration to her art and her art classes. She is equally skilled at teaching my son new techniques and fostering skills that he already enjoys. She caters to her students' individual needs and interests while maintaining structure and balance in her lessons plans. Our family is happier and more creative as a result of having Ms. Jessica in our lives. Art brings my son so much joy and she is a huge part of that”
— Abby N.
“Both of my kids have been taught by Ms. Jessica for many years - since they were babies! She has an innate ability to connect with these young learners. Ms. Jessica has so much patience and love that she pours into each class. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she comes up with the most fun and creative, and engaging ideas for her students. The projects my girls have done with Ms. Jessica are ones that we will treasure forever..”
— Alyson T.
“Our two children have been taking art lessons with Ms. Jessica for over five years. From infant exploratory art to toddler and story time to summer camps and after school classes, Ms. Jessica is able to make meaningful connections with any aged child through sharing her love of art. She creates a calm, nurturing and creative environment in which kids can thrive, take risks, have fun, and develop true art appreciation. Our family loves Ms. Jessica and treasures all of the wonderful moments we have spent making art together over the years!”
- Melissa N.
“We've known Ms. Jessica for about 5 years and she's watched my kids grow and develop from early childhood artists to elementary artists. The projects she planned for her classes were always high interest, yet developmentally appropriate for the age of the children and time frame of the class.
She was so patient with my daughter as a toddler when she was learning to pronounce words correctly as a very inquisitive child. In other words, she was always asking questions about the next steps or materials she saw in the room. Ms. Jessica always did her best to help my child feel heard, answer all the questions, and never miss a beat with the rest of class. My now (almost) six year old daughter continues to love art. When schools closed last March she thrived on creating art through the art kits Ms. Jessica developed. Creating art through the weekly art kits created a sense of normalcy and a creative release during an uncertain time.
I wish Ms. Jessica all the best in her new venture and I would highly recommend her as an instructor”
-Laura E.