Teaching Experience
Art Instructor, Litchfield High School, 1993-Present
Web site
Designed curriculum and taught: Art history, Advertising Design, Ceramics, Computer Graphics, Drawing, Folk Art, General Art, Independent Project Art, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Sequential Art, Video Production. Controlled supply and expense budget. Maintained room and equipment including kiln, potters wheels, pug mill, and a 20 station computer lab. Instituted partnership with the Clay Coyote Pottery where they donate clay trimmings which are recycled at LHS to make usable clay. Proficient in pottery, portrait sculpture, drawing, web design and kiln repair. Possess extensive computer experience using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and video production software. Familiar with Quark Express, Adobe GoLive, Adobe LiveMotion, Macromedia Flash and Bryce.
Motivational Speaker, 2007-Present
Guest Lecturer for University of St. Thomas technology classes. Responsible for designing and presenting ideas to inspire teachers in the use of technology to further student engagement and understanding.
ArtsConnectEd Trainer, 2000-Present
Trained teachers how to use the resources available within the ArtsConnectEd program. Conducted lecture and hands-on workshops throughout the state to small and large groups of K-12 teachers from all disciplines. Utilized computer technology extensively in workshops to reinforce concepts and illustrate new or exciting ideas.
Computer Graphics Instructor, Ridgewater College, 1998-Present
Taught Computer Graphics and Graphic Visualization classes from the Multimedia Design Technology program at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Instrumental in founding an articulated curriculum where LHS students can receive college as well as high school credit by successfully completing Computer Graphics and/or Graphic Visualization. Worked Closely with Ridgewater team to implement an articulated curriculum. Currently working toward expanding the program.
Cooperating Teacher, 1996-Present
Supervised student-teachers as they worked through their High School Teaching experience. Mentored and advised prospective teachers on philosophy of education, grading procedures, IEP paperwork, classroom management, class project development and project implementation.
Community Education Instructor, 1993-Present
Taught a variety of courses to adults and teens including, Pottery, Lifeguard training, and various computer related classes.
Lifeguard Instructor, 1991-Present
Taught Red Cross Lifeguard Training courses throughout the area including, Melrose, Watkins, and Litchfield. Work with adults and teens in a hands-on learning environment. Managed multiple activities in an aquatic environment. Experience teaching at lakes, outdoor and indoor pools.
Swimming Coach, 1991-1998
Coached and assisted various swim teams including UMD Masters Swim Program, USS summer programs, Melrose High School Girls, and Litchfield High School Girls teams. Developed workout schedules and managed stats. Successfully managed public relations. Brought LHS Girls team from a previous season record of 2 dual meet wins and 7 losses to a winning season of 8 and 3 in my first year with Litchfield. Continued the winning seasons for following 2 years until relinquishing head coaching position.
Industrial Technology Instructor, Litchfield Middle School, 1993-1995
Taught introductory Wood Working, Drafting, Electronics, and other modular units to 7th and 8th grade students.
Art Experience
Freelance Artist, Kulzer Design Studios, 1997-Present
Web site
Produce and sell artwork to collectors throughout the region. Adept at clay portraiture and sculpture. Other areas of specialty include: Pottery, Painting, Drawing, Graphic design, Illustration, and Web design. Willing to work with clients to produce one of a kind pieces that complement any room of the house.
Web Designer, Upper Midwest Bakery Association, 2004-Present
Upper Midwest Bakery Association web site.
Designed and implemented the Upper Midwest Bakery Association web site. In charge of monthly updates as well as convention information and other events as they occur.
Assistant Brick Carver, Fargo North High School, 2004
Fargo North High School Brick Mural progress.
Assisted in set up and carving of a brick mural which was installed in Fargo North High School's lobby. Click here to see the engraved plaque next to the mural.
Web Designer, The Church of St. Philip, Litchfield, 2003-Present
St. Philip's Web site
Designed and implemented the Church of St. Philip web site. In charge of weekly updates including the church bulletin, Generational Faith Formation information, St. Philip’s School Parent’s letters, construction and building photographs, and other events as they occur.
Educational Advisory Board member, Walker Art Center, 2004-2005
Participate in committee of educators and museum personnel to develop and implement educational materials for the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.
Technology Workshop Presenter, TIES Conference, 2004, 2005, 2006
Educated and inspired teachers from across Minnesota with new and fun technology-related curriculum ideas. Lecture and demonstration workshop format.
Production Partner, Bachmeier Pottery, 5/99-2003 Web site
Produce a variety of wheel thrown pottery shapes that adhere to strict specifications. Preliminary packaging and delivery supervisor.
Curriculum Contributor, Allentown Art Museum, 2003
Contributed art curriculum to the Allentown Art Museum’s on-line “Renaissance Connection” project. Worked closely with museum curriculum specialist, Kris Wetterlund, to develop assignments appropriate for Allentown Art Museum's target audience.
ArtsConnectEd Fellow, Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Walker Art Center, 2002
Awarded one of two competitive fellowships based on my proposal to create an art history curriculum utilizing ArtsConnectEd resources. Worked with museum staff to create lessons that reflect the collections of each museum. Created the ArtsConnectEd High School Class web site so teachers across the nation can implement a similar curriculum.
Freelance Artist, E-Staff Electronic Talent, 5/97-2001
Design and create artwork according to given specifications for a variety of companies. Specialized in computer related design work, but also produced hand drawn graphics and sculptural concepts.
Intern, Eckels Pottery, 1996
Produced pottery, mixed glazes, recycled clay, loaded and fired kilns, as well as maintained studio and assisted customers at the original scenic Bayfield Wisconsin pottery.
Educational Internship, Maracom Communications, 1995
Worked in various parts of the Willmar, Minnesota, printing company as a part of a summer Internship for Educators program. Integrated many of the company’s business processes into LHS Art Department Curriculum.
Other Experience
Pool and Beach Manager Litchfield Community Education, 1993-1997
Honors
Commitment to Excellence Award, October 2007
Awarded the LHS Monthly Trophy for my work helping staff and students with technology. (I designed the dragon logo for this trophy as well.)
48th Annual Midwestern Invitational Exhibition, Rourke Gallery, Moorhead MN, 2007
Invited to participate in the Midwestern, an invitational art exhibit that included artists from across the nation. All artwork for the 48th Annual Midwestern related to the theme of Alexander the Great. My entry can be viewed by clicking here. The sculpture was purchased by Fargo North High School and now resides in their exhibition space.
Target Corporation Community Grant Program, 2004
Awarded a grant to further student education in art history by promoting the use of internet technology in the classroom.
Leadership Award, Litchfield Community Education, 2004
Recognized for 10 years of service to Community Education through aquatics work and adult classes.
ArtsConnectEd Partnership Grant, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2002
Awarded Partnership Grant to implement the ArtsConnectEd High School Class Curriculum.
ArtsConnectEd Fellowship, Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Walker Art Center, 2002
Awarded one of two competitive fellowships based on my proposal to create an art history curriculum utilizing ArtsConnectEd resources. Worked with museum staff to create lessons that reflect the collections of each museum. Created the ArtsConnectEd High School Class web site so teachers across the nation can implement a similar curriculum.
Best of Show, Wilde Art Gallery, 2000, 2001
Awarded Best of Show in the sculpture category two consecutive years.
McKnight Individual Artist Grant, 1997
Awarded an Individual Artist Grant from the McKnight Foundation to defer costs associated with producing and marketing hand-made pottery and sculpture.
Solo Art Exhibit, Ridgewater College Gallery, 1996
Produced 35 pieces for an installation of smoke fired and luster glazed sculptures representing humankind's spiritual journey toward a better realization of God’s goodness.
Darland Art scholarship, 1990
Awarded a small scholarship based on academic rank and demonstrated artistic ability.
References
Dr. William Wold
Superintendent, Independent School District # 465, Litchfield, Minnesota
Adjuct Professor in the MA program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Adjunct Professor in the MA and Ph.D. program at Capella University
(320) 693-2444
Brad Bachmeier
Art Dept. Chairperson, Fargo North High School Web site
Owner and principle artist, Bachmeier Raku Pottery Web site
Ceramic awards and grants on local, regional and national levels
701-446-2419
bachmeb@fargo.k12.nd.us
Fiona Brendemuhl
Mathematics Instructor, Moorhead High School
Swimming Coach
Knowledge bowl advisor
Ron Ebnet
Art Teacher, Litchfield Middle School (retired)
Former Mayor of Litchfield
Highly decorated Jaycee Member
(320) 693-3313
Barb Altringer
Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Director
Motivational Speaker. Web site
Litchfield City Council member
(320) 693-6283