Amy Werner
Self-employeed
Washington,IL
25
years of professional experience
Dynamic professional artist with extensive experience in art education and client engagement. Skills in teamwork and adaptability have driven successful collaborations with organizations like the Utah Jazz, enhancing community connections through creative projects.
Work History
Watercolor Artist
6 Years 4 Months- Created diverse artworks using various mediums, enhancing personal style and artistic expression.
- Utilized social media platforms to promote work, increasing audience engagement and visibility in the art community.
- Designed custom artwork for clients, meeting their creative vision and ensuring satisfaction with the final product.
- Sold original art pieces through online platforms, local boutique shops in Washington IL and Peoria IL, art exhibitions, and direct customer interactions, generating consistent revenue streams.
- Successfully balanced multiple commissioned projects, delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines.
- Partnered with the Utah Jazz, several non- profits, local government, and the University of Nebraska to develop and execute special creative projects, overseeing every stage of the artwork process—from initial concept and design to production and final delivery.
Elementary Substitute Teacher
6 Months- Implemented lesson plans to ensure educational continuity during teacher absences.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse student needs and learning styles.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
9 Months- Implemented lesson plans to meet diverse learning needs of students across K-12 grade levels.
- Adapted instructional materials and activities for students with varying abilities and learning styles.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback and support to enhance academic achievement.
High School Art Teacher
3 Years 10 Months- Designed and implemented engaging art curricula aligned with state and national standards.
- Mentored students in artistic techniques, fostering individual style development.
- Integrated technology into lessons using digital art software and online resources.
- Facilitated student art exhibitions, showcasing creative work to the community.
- Completed Digital Photography coursework at Illinois Central College and became a certified adjunct faculty member. Co-developed and implemented the Digital Photography curriculum at Woodruff High School in Peoria, Illinois.
- Planned and coordinated annual Art Club field trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, securing local sponsorships to fund student travel and custom Art Club T-shirts while managing trip logistics and community partnerships.
- Guided students in creating professional art portfolios that highlighted their artistic strengths and prepared them for successful admission to college art and design programs.
- Presented at the Illinois State Art Education Association conferences and was published in their newsletter. I maintained active membership throughout my teaching career, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and leadership in art education.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge by attending workshops, conferences, and online courses on relevant topics within the field of art education.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing students'' understanding of the connection between art and other subjects.
- Managed classroom effectively, fostering a supportive environment where students felt comfortable sharing their ideas and artworks.
- Mentored new teachers in the department, sharing best practices for curriculum design and classroom management techniques.
- Utilized differentiated instruction strategies for accommodating diverse learning needs, ensuring all students had access to quality education.
- Served as advisor for the school''s Art Club, guiding students in organizing events and developing leadership skills.
- Developed assessment tools for evaluating student progress, providing timely feedback to guide improvements.
- Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources to maintain consistent supply for projects.
- Taught classes on painting, collage, ceramics, digital photography, drawing, sculpture, and color theory.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
Art Teacher Grades 6-12
2 Years 10 Months- Tasked with developing and implemented a new engaging art curricula aligned with state and national standards.
- Designed and launched a comprehensive art program for grades 6–8, developing curriculum, coordinating transportation, and organizing school-wide art exhibitions that celebrated student achievement and increased participation in the visual arts.
- Designed and planned a new art classroom for a school addition, creating a functional, student-centered learning environment that supported creative instruction and efficient classroom management.
- Developed a community art project inspired by Chicago’s “Cows on Parade,” in which students designed, created, and painted sculptural Hornet mascots representing local businesses. Coordinated community partnerships and public art displays to showcase student creativity, strengthen school-community connections, and celebrate the collaboration between students and local organizations.
- Fostered student creativity through diverse artistic mediums and techniques.
- Managed classroom behavior to establish and maintain clear classroom behavior and discipline expectations.
- Evaluated student progress and provided constructive feedback on artistic development.
- Collaborated with other teachers to create interdisciplinary projects, connecting art with other subject areas.
- Created and facilitated community art classes and special events for children and adults, expanding access to visual arts education beyond the traditional classroom and strengthening community engagement.
- Volunteered beyond classroom duties as a chaperone, class sponsor, and assistant director of school productions, demonstrating a strong commitment to student engagement and extracurricular leadership.
- Established relationships with local businesses to secure donations and sponsorships that supported classroom initiatives, student programs, and special events.
- Taught classes on painting, drawing, ceramics, collage, sculpture, and mosaic.
- Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources to maintain consistent supply for projects.
- Organized and facilitated art exhibitions to showcase student work and achievements.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
1 Year 4 Months- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art Education K-12 And Studio Arts
- Professional Development: Student Teaching
- Extracurricular Activities: Assistant Director to school plays through the theater department. Campus Religious Organizations, Worked in the school dormitory, gave tours of the Art Department to potential students, Volunteered on the art acceptance panel.
- Went through an intensive interviewing process and was honored to be selected to work as an orientation leader for two summers.
Skills
Watercolor painting & Acrylic painting
Ceramics
Traditional drawing
printmaking techniques (Intaglio)
Digital Photography and Film Photography
Darkroom experience
Photographic editing
Client relationships
Teamwork and cooperation
Organized and excellent problem solver
Interests
Wife and mother of two WCHS students
supporting my family and remaining actively involved in my community.
DIY and Home Improvement
I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community.
Gardening
Cooking
Quilting
Creating fused glass artwork is a new skill and art medium for me. I enjoy challenging myself and learning new things.
Sharing travel tips
recommendations
and insights with fellow enthusiasts.
I have a passion for photography and voluntarily provided professional pictures to the WCHS boys and girls cross country teams and boys track team.
Reading when I have time.
Timeline
Watercolor Artist
Self-employeed
04.2020 - CurrentRead More
Elementary Substitute Teacher
Central Primary School
08.2019 - 02.2020Read More
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Peoria Public Schools District 150
08.2009 - 05.2010Read More
High School Art Teacher
Peoria Public Schools District 150
08.2005 - 06.2009Read More
Art Teacher Grades 6-12
Brown County High School
08.2002 - 06.2005Read More
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Peoria Public Schools District 150
01.2002 - 05.2003Read More
Illinois State University
Bachelor of Arts from Art Education K-12 And Studio Arts
Read More