Russell W. Vander Wier, Jr.
2342 Estes Street, Muskegon
Summary
Committed to serving the learning community, I create an extraordinary visual arts environment that fosters the development of critical thinking skills. Through conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information, I empower all learners to ask questions and seek understanding. Providing a dynamic space for growth and exploration, I nurture a passion for the arts while fostering intellectual growth.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
6-12th Grade Visual Art Teacher
North Muskegon Public Schools
06.2018 - Current
- Managed classroom resources effectively, ensuring all necessary materials were available for successful lesson implementation.
- Provided a studio atmosphere to enhance exposure to new art methods and collaboration.
- Facilitated peer critiques among students, enabling them to grow through constructive feedback from classmates.
Adjunct Ceramics Instructor
Muskegon Community College
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Courses taught: Ceramics I (ART108), a study of the nature of clay through hand building techniques, pottery production and glazing, stressing skill development and expressive experimentation
- Ceramics II (ART 208), a study of traditional pottery processes through concentrated work on the potter’s wheel, glazing, and multiple firing methodologies
- Developed comprehensive ceramic lesson plans tailored to individual students'' skill levels and interests.
- Promoted a safe working environment by educating students on proper equipment usage and studio maintenance procedures.
- Enhanced student creativity by incorporating various ceramic techniques and materials into lessons.
- Fostered a supportive classroom atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and open communication among students.
7-12th Grade Visual Art Teacher
Muskegon Catholic Central
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Courses taught: Art I, Art II, Independent Studio Art, 7th and 8th Grade Art, Ceramics I and Ceramics II, Fiber Arts, Commercial Art and Painting
Adjunct Ceramics Instructor
Muskegon Community College
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Courses taught: Ceramics I (ART108), a study of the nature of clay through hand building techniques, pottery production and glazing, stressing skill development and expressive experimentation
- Ceramics II (ART 208), a study of traditional pottery processes through concentrated work on the potter’s wheel, glazing, and multiple firing methodologies
- Developed comprehensive ceramic lesson plans tailored to individual students'' skill levels and interests.
- Promoted a safe working environment by educating students on proper equipment usage and studio maintenance procedures.
Art Faculty, Ceramics and Sculpture Instructor
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Courses taught: Ceramics, an intensive studio setting for high school aged students in which all learners are introduced to and exposed to advanced level clay techniques and non-traditional firing methods
- Sculpture, an intense studio experience for high school aged students which is designed to enrich 3-D visual communication skills through additive and subtractive sculptural techniques while expanding visual vocabulary
Education
Master in Education - Secondary Education; Visual Arts Education (LQ) K-12
Aquinas College
Grand Rapids, Michigan01.2013
Bachelor of Fine Art - Emphases in Sculpture and Ceramics
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan01.1997
Skills
- 3D design
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- Art composition
- Art fundamentals
- Artistic collaboration
- Complex problem solver
- Gallery and exhibit preparation
Related Professional Experiences
- National Art Honor Society faculty sponsor at North Muskegon Public School
- National Art Honor Society faculty sponsor at Muskegon Catholic Central
- Artist at Studio B301, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL
Professional Organizations
- Michigan Arts Education Association (MAEA), 2009 to present
- National Arts Education Association (NAEA), 2009 to present
- Muskegon Museum of Art, 2011 to present
- Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective, 2018 to present
Selected Exhibitions
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2019: Faculty Past and Present, Muskegon Community College, Muskegon, MI
2018: Centerline, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago IL
2017: October Curiosities group exhibition, Gallery Uptown, Grand Haven, MI
2017: ArtWalk, Grand Haven, MI
2017-19; Hop Tower, Beer Relate Art, BurningFoot Beer Festival, Muskegon, MI
2016: ArtWalk, Grand Haven, MI
2016: Winter Arts Festival, Gallery Uptown, Grand Haven, MI
2015: MCC Art Faculty Show, Overbrook Gallery, Muskegon Community College, MI
2015: Neolithic Interpretations, The Electric Cheetah, Grand Rapids, MI
2014: Metal Drawings, The Electric Cheetah, Grand Rapids, MI
2013: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids Brewing Company, Grand Rapids, MI
2012: ArtPrize, St. Marks Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids, MI
2012: Installation artist with Site:Lab at the Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids, MI
2011: ArtWalk, Grand Haven, MI
Awards
2020: Recycled Art, Lakeshore Art Competition, Muskegon, MI
2017: 1st place juried award, sculpture, Grand Haven. MI
2017: 1st place juried award, mixed media, ArtWalk, Grand Haven, MI
2016: 2nd place juried award, sculpture, ArtWalk, Grand Haven, MI
2016: 1St place, J. Morgan Fine Jewelers Award, Winter Arts Festival, Grand Haven, MI 2016: Best of Show, Winter Arts Festival, Juried, Grand Haven, MI
2012: ArtPrize, Top 25 Juried Short List, Top Five Best Use of Urban Space, Grand Rapids, MI
2011: Recipient of the Artwalk Purchase Award, Grand Haven. MI
Timeline
Adjunct Ceramics Instructor
Muskegon Community College
08.2024 - 12.2024
6-12th Grade Visual Art Teacher
North Muskegon Public Schools
06.2018 - Current
7-12th Grade Visual Art Teacher
Muskegon Catholic Central
08.2017 - 06.2018
Adjunct Ceramics Instructor
Muskegon Community College
01.2012 - 01.2017
Art Faculty, Ceramics and Sculpture Instructor
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
01.2011 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Fine Art - Emphases in Sculpture and Ceramics
Grand Valley State University
Master in Education - Secondary Education; Visual Arts Education (LQ) K-12
Aquinas College
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