Jess Weitz
Marlboro,VT
Summary
Dynamic, compassionate individual with extensive experience in visual art and multi-genre writing, with a passion for exploring inner and outer landscapes. Brings strong synthesizing skills and visionary approach to new projects. Known for adaptability, creativity, and mindfulness mindset, influenced by Buddhist practice.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
The Contemplative Semester
09.2024 - 03.2026
- Designed and taught courses on mindful art practices to 18-25 years old as part of a semester-long Buddhist college program.
University of Massachusetts
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Annotated bibliographies, curriculum development and an essay for a feminist biology grant, funded by the National Science Foundation. Includes a collaborative essay on The Feminist Poetics of Creatureliness.
Art of Being
01.2018 - 01.2025
- Founded a business which provides small art classes and 1:1 instruction to women-identified people, utilizing mindfulness and therapeutic art practices.
River Gallery School of Art
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Founder and Director of the Art for Social Change Program
Education
Master’s - Library Science
Southern Connecticut State University
BA - Studio Art and Photography
Bard College
Artist Apprenticeships - Ceramics, Encaustics, Natural Pigments
04-2026
Skills
- Collaborative projects
- Strong research skills
- Creative lesson planning
- Artistic techniques
- Compassionate communication
- Mindfulness techniques
- Nonviolent communication
- Critical thinking
- Active listening
Websites
Affiliations
- New England Foundation for the Arts Creative Ground
- Vermont Arts Council Teaching Artists
- Brattleboro-West Arts Collective
Certification
- Yoga Teacher
- Reiki Practitioner
- Sequencing Art process
Residencies
- Art Residencies: Welcome Hill, Vermont; Vermont Studio Center, Vermont; Millay Center, New York
- Meditation Residencies: Insight Meditation Center, Massachusetts; Zen Mountain Monastery, New York
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 12 staff members, for Art for Social Change program.
- Collaborated with team of 10 in the development of the Art in the Neighborhoods program.
- Prepared artwork for multiple group shows.
- Grant writing for arts non-profits.
- Commissioned by mutliple clients to create to create mid-sized abstract paintings and ceramic sculpture.
Book Publication
Through Ingram Press
- Homo Sapiens, poetry
- Elusive Creature, poetry
- D/evolve, poetry
- Apprentice to a Mountain, multigenre nonfiction book
- Maternal Line, multigenre nonfiction book
Shows
- Pigment Paintings, Group Show, Land Art Collective, 2025
- Multiple pieces (pigment painting, land art photographs, poetry), Group Show, CASP, 2025
- Apprentice to a Mountain Paintings and Ceramics, Solo show, Gallery 34, Brattleboro, VT, 2024
- Ceramics, Ongoing representation and show at Applewoods Gallery, Marlboro, VT, 2022 - present
- Paintings, Group Show, Wild Pigment Project, 2021
Timeline
The Contemplative Semester
09.2024 - 03.2026
University of Massachusetts
01.2024 - 01.2025
Art of Being
01.2018 - 01.2025
River Gallery School of Art
01.2017 - 01.2022
BA - Studio Art and Photography
Bard College
Artist Apprenticeships - Ceramics, Encaustics, Natural Pigments
Master’s - Library Science
Southern Connecticut State University