Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Selected Exhibitions
Public Art And Commissions
Grants Residencies And Awards
Publications
Leadership And Professional Service
Academic And Teaching Experience
Timeline
Generic

Paul Michael Wright

New York

Summary

Innovative Artist-Educator specializing in drawing, painting, and interdisciplinary practices, emphasizing material experimentation and visual storytelling. Employs inclusive, student-centered pedagogy to foster critical inquiry and technical development. Active studio practice enriches instructional methods. Experienced in guiding students across various learning styles to enhance artistic understanding and creative skills while promoting community engagement in the arts.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Art Teacher

East Harlem Scholars Academies
New York
01.2025 - Current
  • Developed curriculum that integrated technical skill-building with conceptual inquiry and student-driven projects, fostering creative exploration.
  • Supported diverse learners through differentiated instruction, facilitating personalized portfolio development.
  • Led foundation-level visual arts instruction, enhancing student understanding of drawing, composition, and visual culture.

Leadership Council Member

Ana & Adeline Foundation
01.2024 - Current
  • Facilitated strategic planning, grant review, and programming initiatives to support emerging artists.
  • Advanced community-based arts engagement and equity-driven funding initiatives.
  • Collaborated with community leaders to address local needs and concerns.
  • Facilitated discussions on strategic initiatives for community development projects.
  • Engaged with stakeholders to promote foundation's mission and vision effectively.

Lead Visual Arts Teacher

Uncommon Charter High School
New York
01.2023 - Current
  • Design and implement studio-based curriculum in drawing, painting, and sculpture for grades 9-12.
  • Guided students in observational drawing, material exploration, and thematic project development to enhance artistic skills and creativity.
  • Mentored students in portfolio preparation for college-level art and design programs, fostering readiness for advanced studies.

Lead Visual Arts Teacher

Success Academy Charter Schools
New York
01.2021 - 01.2023
  • Integrated contemporary themes and interdisciplinary approaches to increase student engagement and promote critical thinking.
  • Taught visual arts curriculum emphasizing drawing fundamentals, design principles, and creative problem-solving to enhance student creativity.
  • Led after-school enrichment programs in mural design and portfolio preparation to support student artistic development.

Teaching Assistant

Parsons Scholars Program
New York
01.2012 - 01.2019
  • Facilitated instruction for pre-college students in drawing, design, and portfolio development, enhancing their skills and confidence.
  • Mentored students through one-on-one critique and feedback sessions, guiding them in college admissions for art and design fields, resulting in successful applications.
  • Assisted students in understanding course material and completing assignments.
  • Facilitated group discussions to enhance collaborative learning among peers.
  • Organized educational resources and materials for classroom activities.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Illustration as Visual Essay

School of Visual Arts
New York, NY

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Illustration

Parsons School of Design, The New School
New York, NY

Skills

  • Visual arts instruction
  • Curriculum development
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Portfolio preparation
  • Art critique
  • Art history
  • Strategic planning

Selected Exhibitions

  • Rooted Echoes, Prospect 6, Curator & Exhibiting Artist, 01/01/24
  • YA/YA Annual Fundraiser Exhibition, 01/01/24
  • No Place Like Home, 01/01/21
  • Mourning Light, SVA Chelsea Gallery, 01/01/20
  • Display, The Playground Gallery, 01/01/19
  • Crystalline, 5 Press Gallery, 01/01/18

Public Art And Commissions

  • Adobe Creative Residency, Designer, New York, NY, 01/01/22
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities, Illustrator, 01/01/23
  • Lionsgate Studios, Muralist, 01/01/21
  • Resorts World Casino, Muralist, 01/01/21
  • Plessy v. Ferguson Site Mural, New Orleans, LA, 01/01/20
  • Magnolia Marketplace Mural, 01/01/17

Grants Residencies And Awards

  • Creative Venture Grant, Ana & Adeline Foundation, 2025, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2016
  • Adobe Creative Residency, 2018
  • Joan Mitchell Center Residency, 2016
  • LEH Bright Lights Award, 2019
  • Coyne Family Art Grant, 2020
  • The One Foundation Colorful Award, 2021

Publications

  • 64 Parishes Magazine, 2021
  • Grantmakers in the Arts, 2021
  • Adobe Residency Spotlight, 2021

Leadership And Professional Service

Leadership Council Member, Ana & Adeline Foundation, 01/01/24, Present, Participate in strategic planning, grant review, and programming initiatives supporting emerging artists., Contribute to community-based arts engagement and equity-driven funding initiatives.

Academic And Teaching Experience

  • Lead Art Teacher, East Harlem Scholars Academies, 01/01/25, Present, Lead foundation-level visual arts instruction with emphasis on drawing, composition, and visual culture., Develop curriculum integrating technical skill-building with conceptual inquiry, critique, and student-driven projects., Support diverse learners through differentiated instruction and portfolio development.
  • Lead Visual Arts Teacher, Uncommon Charter High School, 01/01/23, Present, Design and implement studio-based curriculum in drawing, painting, and sculpture for grades 9-12., Guide students through observational drawing, material exploration, and thematic project development., Mentor students in preparing portfolios for college-level art and design programs.
  • Lead Visual Arts Teacher, Success Academy Charter Schools, 01/01/21, 01/01/23, Taught visual arts curriculum focused on drawing fundamentals, design principles, and creative problem-solving., Integrated contemporary themes and interdisciplinary approaches to foster engagement and critical thinking., Led after-school enrichment programs including mural design and portfolio preparation.
  • Teaching Assistant, Parsons Scholars Program, 01/01/12, 01/01/19, Supported instruction for pre-college students in drawing, design, and portfolio development., Provided one-on-one mentorship, critique feedback, and guidance for college admissions in art and design fields.

Timeline

Lead Art Teacher

East Harlem Scholars Academies
01.2025 - Current

Leadership Council Member

Ana & Adeline Foundation
01.2024 - Current

Lead Visual Arts Teacher

Uncommon Charter High School
01.2023 - Current

Lead Visual Arts Teacher

Success Academy Charter Schools
01.2021 - 01.2023

Teaching Assistant

Parsons Scholars Program
01.2012 - 01.2019

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Illustration as Visual Essay

School of Visual Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Illustration

Parsons School of Design, The New School
Paul Michael Wright