Heidi Bender Kauffman
Portsmouth
Summary
Dynamic museum and arts educator with over a decade of experience inspiring and engaging diverse audiences, including teens and adults, across studios, museums, workshops, and art history classrooms. Recognized for exceptional collaboration skills and a proven track record in facilitating community-oriented projects involving multiple stakeholders. Expertise includes team building, developing bilingual Spanish/English gallery materials, and leveraging new technologies to enhance learning experiences. Committed to planning impactful events and crafting engaging, multi-layered curricula that foster creativity and critical thinking in learners from all backgrounds.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Museum Educator
Southern Ohio Museum
Portsmouth, OH
01.2023 - Current
- Designed and implemented an institution-wide education master plan aligned with organizational strategy, collections stewardship, accessibility goals, as well as K–12 learning standards
- Developed and facilitated inquiry-based, audience-centered programs for children, teens, adults, and intergenerational groups
- Co-founded and coordinated a regional professional learning community for K–8 art educators, supporting peer exchange and local capacity-building
- Built sustainable partnerships with local schools, Shawnee State University, and regional museums to expand access and relevance
- Created, translated, and designed bilingual educational and interpretive materials
- Developed education-driven marketing strategies and digital engagement content, including social media posts, reels, and short-form video
Member Artist / Education Collaborator
The Trillium Project
Portsmouth, OH
01.2024 - Current
- Coordinated an EPA-funded collaboration between the Appalachian Ohio Climate Network, Shawnee State University, The Trillium Project, and over 50 residents of Scioto County, OH.
- Developed a semester-long course integrating oral history collection, socially-engaged public artwork, and environmental education
- Organized lectures with experts in the fields of public art, climate science, public history archives, and fieldwork at Shawnee State Forest and Hillview Retirement Community.
- Developed the concept for the Forest Sentinels Project and guided students and volunteers in the creation of three public sculptures with accompanying website, adigital tour, and an oral history archive.
Instructor of Art
Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, OH
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Courses: Installation Art; Creative Process; Advanced Ceramics; Introduction to Art
- Designed and delivered inclusive, multimodal learning experiences supporting diverse audiences, learning styles, and accessibility needs.
- Facilitated engaging workshops to enhance students' creative expression and technical skills.
- Developed clear learning outcomes, assessment rubrics, and reflective documentation
Education
M.F.A. - Sculpture and Expanded Practice
The Ohio University
Athens, OHB.A. - Studio Art (Sculpture); Minor in Spanish
Hope College
Holland, MIundefined
La Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro
Querétaro, MéxicoSkills
- Museum Education & Interpretation
- Community Engagement & Partnership Development
- Audience-Centered Program Design
- Accessibility & Inclusive Learning
- Bilingual Interpretation (English/Spanish)
- Digital & Social Media Engagement
- Concept development & project design
- Multimedia production
Language Proficiency
Spanish: Advanced non-native proficiency (ACTFL tested); lived and worked in Mexico and Nicaragua using Spanish as a primary language
Professional Activity in 2026
- Juror, 2026 Biennial Show — Tri-State Artists Association, Huntington Museum of Art
- Presenter, Exploring Prehistoric Ohio Through the Collections of the Southern Ohio Museum — Ohio Archaeological Society Meeting (2026)
- Presenter, Community Across Cultures: Lessons from a Bilingual Residency — Ohio Arts Impact Annual Conference (2026)
Timeline
Member Artist / Education Collaborator
The Trillium Project
01.2024 - Current
Museum Educator
Southern Ohio Museum
01.2023 - Current
Instructor of Art
Shawnee State University
01.2023 - 01.2025
B.A. - Studio Art (Sculpture); Minor in Spanish
Hope College
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La Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro
M.F.A. - Sculpture and Expanded Practice
The Ohio University