Kimberly Thomas
Artist. Researcher. Educator.
About Me
Current Position Title: Artist in Residence Nassau County Public School
Current Professional Institution: Arts Alive Nassau for Nassau County Public Schools, Florida
Phone: 904-557-3348
Email: KimberlyThomas@ufl.edu
Web address: https://kimberlycleary.weebly.com
Degrees
University of Florida, Master of Arts (Art Education), Expected Graduation: Spring 2020, Gainesville, FL
Kutztown University, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drawing and Installation), Graduated Cum Laude 2005; Kutztown, PA
Additional coursework: Printmaking, painting, fibers, sculpture.
Key Professional Appointments
Nassau Arts Alive • ESE / Art Teacher • August 2015 to Present (Fernandina Beach, FL)
Cummer Museum • Education Intern • September 2018 to Present (Jacksonville, FL)
Beaches Chapel School • K-12 Art Teacher • August 2017 to August 2018 (Jacksonville, FL)
Amelia Island Montessori • K-8 Art Teacher • January 2017 to May 2017 (Fernandina Beach, FL)
Gallery Shows
“In progress” solo show, Kat and Jack Studios, Jacksonville FL 2018.
“Icarus” solo show, Union Arts Warehouse, Jacksonville FL 2017.
“Organically Grown” solo show, Mulberry Art studio, Lancaster PA 2006.
Several pieces purchased and displayed by San Francisco International Airport.
Research Interests
Arts integration for visual learners, ESE arts integration, Fibers (History and Agriculture).
Narrative Biography
I have often said my passion is not art education. My passion is education and art is the vehicle I use to reach my students. Through experimentation, and exploration we can find meaning and method. Within my art and my pedagogy, I employ a method of working that challenges the artist or student to explore, experiment and create without worry of product. Creation then becomes a means of discovery. Only through making, mistaking, marking and meandering can we find meaning. I was told early on in my research, “It’s not research if you already know the answer”. I believe, it’s not art if we already know the solution. If we set out to produce a product, what have we truly discovered? Throughout the history of visual culture, we have used images to find meaning whether that is as a communication tool or as a method of understanding and healing. Creation to heal communities, and creation to learn about one self are my passion. That is what I teach. That is what I produce.
Current Professional Institution: Arts Alive Nassau for Nassau County Public Schools, Florida
Phone: 904-557-3348
Email: KimberlyThomas@ufl.edu
Web address: https://kimberlycleary.weebly.com
Degrees
University of Florida, Master of Arts (Art Education), Expected Graduation: Spring 2020, Gainesville, FL
Kutztown University, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drawing and Installation), Graduated Cum Laude 2005; Kutztown, PA
Additional coursework: Printmaking, painting, fibers, sculpture.
Key Professional Appointments
Nassau Arts Alive • ESE / Art Teacher • August 2015 to Present (Fernandina Beach, FL)
- Designed and implemented art instruction based on the individual needs of each student.
Cummer Museum • Education Intern • September 2018 to Present (Jacksonville, FL)
- Assist education department in assessment for outreach.
Beaches Chapel School • K-12 Art Teacher • August 2017 to August 2018 (Jacksonville, FL)
- Designed and presented age-appropriate curriculum (painting, drawing, sculpture, fibers, public art, installations, and art history) focusing on developing a studio artist and teaching for artistic behavior. Programs were process oriented and not product driven to guide students toward becoming productive life-long learners and creative thinkers.
Amelia Island Montessori • K-8 Art Teacher • January 2017 to May 2017 (Fernandina Beach, FL)
- Provided daily education integrated with curriculum as well as teaching an after-school weaving class.
Gallery Shows
“In progress” solo show, Kat and Jack Studios, Jacksonville FL 2018.
“Icarus” solo show, Union Arts Warehouse, Jacksonville FL 2017.
“Organically Grown” solo show, Mulberry Art studio, Lancaster PA 2006.
Several pieces purchased and displayed by San Francisco International Airport.
Research Interests
Arts integration for visual learners, ESE arts integration, Fibers (History and Agriculture).
Narrative Biography
I have often said my passion is not art education. My passion is education and art is the vehicle I use to reach my students. Through experimentation, and exploration we can find meaning and method. Within my art and my pedagogy, I employ a method of working that challenges the artist or student to explore, experiment and create without worry of product. Creation then becomes a means of discovery. Only through making, mistaking, marking and meandering can we find meaning. I was told early on in my research, “It’s not research if you already know the answer”. I believe, it’s not art if we already know the solution. If we set out to produce a product, what have we truly discovered? Throughout the history of visual culture, we have used images to find meaning whether that is as a communication tool or as a method of understanding and healing. Creation to heal communities, and creation to learn about one self are my passion. That is what I teach. That is what I produce.
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My WorkMy current artworks are a combination of fibers and oil paint representing feelings of being bound into certain rolls as both a woman and educator with a passion for fibers.
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Community and education are my passion. Art is my language.
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