About
Hello! I love teaching small groups or 1:1 and after 20+ years of teaching I am still inspired by my students. I am available to help you with any of your goals in black and white film photography, making pottery on the wheel, clay sculpture, weaving, or other fiber arts techniques. I have a BFA in clay and textiles, frequently exhibit my work, love teaching beginners as well as mentoring advanced level students that are considering art as a career.
I love seeing people succeed! Learning a new skill or skill set is not always easy. But there comes a moment when I'm watching a student and it's like the "light bulb goes off over their head". That's when I get to congratulate them on a job well done and quietly think what's next for this person.
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Caroline B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With a new student, I like to begin with the basic techniques even as a review, look at and discuss any work they've previously made and create a plan for them based on their goals and interests.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In 1995, I earned a BFA in studio art from the Appalachian Center for Crafts with concentrations in clay and fiber arts. I continue to take workshops and study with other artists on various techniques that add to my skills and to the work I create.
I have been teaching and directing a noncredit art program and gallery at Vanderbilt University for the past 25 years. I have taught students from age 5 to 95 during these years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I typically charge $30.00 per hour with a 2 hour minimum. I am happy to discuss other options as well. I am able to offer in person as well as lessons on zoom or facetime
How did you get started teaching?
My experience goes back to when I was a modern dancer in the 1980s and I taught in college dance programs and private studios in North Carolina and Tennessee. Here's where my passion for teaching began. I taught ages 5 and older plus adult classes.
When I began studying visual arts in college, I was also teaching in some community education programs that the school offered. I loved it and when I graduated I found programs in Nashville that allowed people from all walks of life to come together and learn about art and crafts.
What types of students have you worked with?
As I've stated in other parts, I've taught ages 5 to 85 (or older). My experience in a variety of community based programs have allowed me to share my passion with childfren in foster care, teens in court sponsored shelters, people living with a varierty of physical and mental disabilities. Each of us are different and have different ways of learning so I always explore different ways of explaing a skill and am happy to make accomodations as best as I am able.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I'm writing this section in August 2021 as we continue to move through this pandemic. Lots of programs, events, workshops and classes have been canceled and postponed; they continuie to be as well. I was able to teach small groups of Vanderbilt students in fall 2020 and I really cherished the time I was able to spend with them and the appreciation they expressed to me for being there to allow them to study art. These words are still with me as I move back in to the realm of teaching in person classes.