Karla Stinger

Passionate and dedicated arts professional with extensive experience in community engagement, arts administration, and educational programming (both in-person and remote). Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and community stakeholders. Committed to fostering inclusive spaces and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work. Adept at managing logistics, scheduling, and communications to support artistic and community-driven initiatives.

Queer Student Union Advisor at Watkins College of Art.

Initiated adaptation of inclusivity practices raised awareness of pronouns and gender inclusivity across campus culture; Guided students in the implementation of the first queer student club at the college; Facilitated communication of student concerns during the acquisition of the art college by another university with historical oppressive practices with major news media outlets.




Costumer for Amazon Prime Studios feature film starring, Nicole Kidman, Gael Garcia Bernel and Mathew MacFadyen called "Holland Michigan."

Community Engagement & Development:

● Managed and supervised the Core Studies department at Watkins College of Art, collaborating with department heads to create a common visual vocabulary and foundational skill, resulting in a “Watkins Student” community.

● Designed and implemented gallery programs at the University of Massachusetts, fostering collaboration with artists, exhibitors, and galleries, and enhancing community engagement.

Logistics & Scheduling:

● Coordinated logistics for visiting artists, including interdisciplinary artist and photographer Mary Mattingly, Game of Thrones costume embroiderer Michelle Carriger, and others, ensuring seamless event execution.

● Prepared semester course schedules and managed departmental budgets, maintaining accreditation standards and ensuring program assessment requirements were met.

● Produced large scale outdoor art festival and coordinated over 70 volunteers for contemporary art museum.

Program Management:

● Created and managed a year-long, 12-credit foundations area called Core Studies, significantly increasing the retention rate of first-year students transitioning to their second year.

Leadership & Coordination:

● Supervised adjunct and full-time faculty, conducting performance appraisals and overseeing annual peer evaluations at Watkins College of Art.

● Led a team of student staff at the University of Massachusetts, fostering job duties aligned with career interests and establishing high levels of commitment and job satisfaction.

Inclusivity & Community Building:

● Committed to fostering inclusive spaces and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work, through classroom lectures and advising the Queer Student Union, Watkins Colleges first queer student club.

● Developed community partnerships and created floating aquatic beds as a collaborating artist with WetLand, focusing on the creation of wetland areas surrounding the vessel and engaging with local nurseries and businesses.

Educational Programming:

● Taught a diverse range of art courses at multiple institutions, including Tennessee State University, Belmont, Austin Peay, Middlesex County College, and The University of the Arts, producing digital educational materials and delivering synchronous and asynchronous coursework.

● Coordinated educational enrichment activities such as field trips, film premieres, and visiting artist lectures, enhancing the learning experience for students.

Event Coordination:

● Organized and oversaw museum events and fundraising activities, including an annual Gala and Benefit Auction, at Hunterdon Art Museum, successfully cultivating targeted constituents and achieving fundraising goals.

● Assisted in the logistical planning of the Southern Graphics Arts Conference at Mason Gross School of the Arts, securing product donations through corporate sponsorships and reducing overhead costs.