James Adams
Terrebonne
Summary
Educator and practicing visual artist with 15+ years of experience teaching foundational and advanced art courses at the college and community level. Passionate about fostering inclusive, curiosity-driven classrooms through interdisciplinary art practices that integrate traditional media, digital tools, and scientific observation. Adept in curriculum design, gallery coordination, and community engagement.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Art Instructor
Central Oregon Community College
01.2022 - Current
- Teach a broad range of studio and digital art courses:
- ART 101 Introduction to Drawing, ART 116 Color Theory, ART 143 Science Illustration, ART 141/142/241 Digital Illustration (Illustrator, Photoshop, Narrative), ART 184/185 Beginning & Intermediate Watercolor, ART 181/182 Painting (Oil & Acrylic), ART 115 2D Design
- Design inclusive curriculum emphasizing both foundational technique and creative exploration
- Use Canvas LMS, Zoom, and Adobe Creative Suite to support hybrid and online learning
- Assist with advising, course development, and student mentorship
Workshop Instructor
Sagebrushers Art Society
01.2021 - Current
- Teach structured watercolor series blending studio instruction with plein air field sessions
- Develop monthly curriculum with an emphasis on skill-building and nature-based themes
Instructor & Gallery Coordinator
Layor Art + Supply
01.2020 - Current
- Teach workshops in watercolor, gouache, field sketching, block printing, urban sketching, and nature journaling
- Curate monthly gallery exhibitions and coordinate show logistics and community engagement
- Provide supply recommendations and support for local artists
Program Director & Science Educator
Catalina Island Marine Institute
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Directed marine education program serving 4,000+ students annually
- Trained instructors, developed curriculum, and ensured safety and quality of outdoor education
- Oversaw budgets, managed emergencies, and coordinated with visiting faculty and schools
Education
Graduate Certificate - Science Illustration
CSU Monterey Bay
01.2020
B.S. - Environmental Studies: Ecology & Conservation
CSU East Bay
01.2007
Skills
- Adobe Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- Canvas LMS
- Zoom
- Procreate
- Watercolor
- Acrylic
- Oil
- Graphite
- Scratchboard
- Woodcut
- Pen & ink
- Gallery curation
- Curriculum design
- Public speaking
- Community outreach
Websites
Affiliations
- Watercolor Society of Oregon
- Northwest Watercolor Society
- Plein Air Painters of Oregon
Gallery Leadership Professional Service
- Programs Chair, Board of Directors, Northwest Watercolor Society, 01/23-Present, Recruited top-tier presenters including Keiko Tanabe, Scott Christensen, Yong Hong Zhong, and Dan Marshall
- Communications Director, Board Member, Plein Air Painters of Oregon
- Navigator, Mentorship Program, Levelling Up with Angus McEwan
Skills Tools
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canvas LMS, Zoom, Procreate, Watercolor, acrylic, oil, graphite, scratchboard, woodcut, pen & ink, Gallery curation, curriculum design, public speaking, community outreach
Selected Freelance Projects
- Illustrations for UCSF scientific publication, 2022
- Illustration for University of Kentucky scientific publication, 2023
- Native Fish Society: Public outreach graphics, 2022
- American Alpine Club: Annual guidebook illustration, 2021
- Deschutes River Conservancy: Annual mailer artwork, 2021
Timeline
Adjunct Art Instructor
Central Oregon Community College
01.2022 - Current
Workshop Instructor
Sagebrushers Art Society
01.2021 - Current
Instructor & Gallery Coordinator
Layor Art + Supply
01.2020 - Current
Program Director & Science Educator
Catalina Island Marine Institute
01.2012 - 01.2017
B.S. - Environmental Studies: Ecology & Conservation
CSU East Bay
Graduate Certificate - Science Illustration
CSU Monterey Bay
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