KEVIN RIFENBURG
Red Hook,NY
Summary
Traditionally trained figurative painter who instills the importance of building a firm foundation in one's creative practice, through a rigorous and encouraging studio and art history curriculum.
Knowledgeable in supporting a successful studio art environment, as well as interpersonal skills to propel student's growth by providing a robust educational space that is fundamentally sound, supportive, as well as encourages ones own creativity.
Innovative artist with MFA and exhibition experience.
Accomplished portrait painter, with several commissions.
Recipient of the 2021 Jerry Goldstein Foundation & Jerry's Artarama award.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Red Hook Central School District
2018.04 - Current
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
Expressive Arts / Artist
Astor Services for Children & Families
2018.01 - 2023.06
- Conduct art activities in therapeutic studio environment where emotionally disabled children can utilize creative process to express feelings that are difficult to articulate
- This includes painting, drawing, clay, and sculpture
- Assist in the creation of work for promotion and fundraising of Expressive Arts Initiative for the Children's Fund
Adjunct Professor
Suny Dutchess
2022.08 - 2023.05
- Build relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective creative habits.
- Teach Foundation Drawing I and Two Dimensional Design
- Encourage class discussions by building knowledge through lessons geared toward basic elements and principles of design. Develop skill level through actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Use assignments to assess student comprehension and retention of language associated with basic elements, principles, and theory.
- Arrange simple drawing exercises through still-life studio periods.
Art Teacher
Imagination Station
2021.06 - 2022.08
- Inspire and assist students in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.
- Teach students to identify key elements of style, intent and emotion when experiencing art.
Care Manager, Caseworker, Recreational Art Specialist
Astor Services for Children & Families
1988.01 - 2017.01
- Supervise, schedule, and recreational planning for young children emotionally disabled in residential treatment center
- Provide case management services for children placed in therapeutic foster care
- Monitor and assess progress and fulfillment of permanency plans for children and their families
Studio Art Teacher
Hawk Meadow Montessori School
2010.01 - 2015.01
- Teach students basic studio art concepts in coordination with art history curriculum
- Direct creation of classroom art projects for annual fundraiser auction
Studio Art Teacher, Board Member
2007.01 - 2008.01
- Liaison between teachers and board members
- Conduct art activities and projects with students in after-school program
Education
MFA - Visual Arts
Lesley University College of Art And Design
Cambridge, MA06.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Bard College
Annandale On Hudson 05.2000
Some College (No Degree) - Painting
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Philadelphia, PASkills
- Contemporary figurative painter who understands expressive and illustrious qualities of oil and acrylic paint
- Knowledgeable of book-arts and able to create books, utilizing archival materials
- Printmaker, who is highly skilled in woodcut
- Supportive and energetic
- Able to build trusting relationships
- Knowledgeable of Art History
- Ability to create all inclusive studio art environment
- Knowledgeable of various drawing tools and methods
- Creating visual art
- Public speaking
- Self-motivated work ethic
Websites
Affiliations
- Member, Astor Services for Children & Families, 1988 to 2023
Additional Information
Paintings accepted and published in Studio Visit Magazine 2018, issue number 42 and 2020 summer issue.
"Sunflower" Painting, completed in conjunction with children associated with Astor Services, presented to Hilarie Burton and Jeffrey Dean Morgan through Astor Services Expressive Arts Program.
Group show, "In the Mood of New York," five paintings on display at 19 Dutch Gallery, June through September, 2022.
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
Suny Dutchess
2022.08 - 2023.05
Art Teacher
Imagination Station
2021.06 - 2022.08
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Red Hook Central School District
2018.04 - Current
Expressive Arts / Artist
Astor Services for Children & Families
2018.01 - 2023.06
Studio Art Teacher
Hawk Meadow Montessori School
2010.01 - 2015.01
Studio Art Teacher, Board Member
2007.01 - 2008.01
Care Manager, Caseworker, Recreational Art Specialist
Astor Services for Children & Families
1988.01 - 2017.01
MFA - Visual Arts
Lesley University College of Art And Design
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Bard College
Some College (No Degree) - Painting
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
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