Susan Russell
Primary Discipline: Visual Arts
Areas of Specialty: Mixed-media, Lettering Arts, Art made from recyclables
Based in: Everett
Phone: 425-345-9471
Email: susanjanerussell@earthlink.net
Website: www.susanrussellart.com
Biography: Susan Jane Russell graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Art Education. During her graduate work she studied native clays and primitive firing techniques. She taught AP Studio Art at Snohomish High School for thirteen years and in 1989 received the Washington State Teacher of the Year award. She is currently Adjunct Instructor at Seattle Pacific University and an instructor for the Art Council of Snohomish County. She has received numerous grants and awards and her work resides in many public collections, including the University of Washington Press and the City of Everett Public Art Collection.
When asked about her approach as a Teaching Artist, Ms. Russell wrote this: “I believe a teaching artist should interweave her personal art processes with her lessons and curriculum in the classroom. For instance, exhibiting my work in the school’s hallway gives the students a chance to meet me through my art. If I am teaching “The Power of Color,” I discuss how I use color theory in my own gouache paintings. Students do not copy or imitate my work, but rather it serves as an inspiration to develop specific skills with other subjects. I hope that they will learn that the art process is multi-faceted and that there is not just one correct answer or correct style when creating a work that can communicate. When I teach, I give students a chance to experiment with art methods and techniques that their teacher may not have introduced. I discuss various problem solving skills that are used in art making. I strive to introduce concepts and techniques that the teacher can acquire and use after my residency. I also talk about commercial art careers and vocational applications such as Industrial and Graphic Design and I always mention that over twenty-five percent of the jobs in our county require a creative mind.”
Suitable for Grades: K-12
Preferred Grades: K-12
Curriculum Integration Possibilities: Literacy, Reading, Writing, Science, History, Social Studies, Technology, Other Arts Disciplines
Additional Interests/Experience:
- Working with at risk students
- Working with students with special needs / disabilities
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