Tessa Harris
Pensacola,FL
Summary
Tessa Harris is an artist based in Florida, currently completing a BFA in Painting at the University of West Florida in Pensacola FL.Tessa’s anticipated graduation date is December of 2025. Her work through painting and drawing, centers on observational practices and personal narrative. She often explores the human figure and the fragility of life through the lens of her dual background in biology and the arts.
Harris has consistently earned academic honors throughout her studies, maintaining a 3.4 GPA, and is an active member of the Kappa Pi International Art Honor Society. She has exhibited in multiple juried exhibitions, including the 70th and 71st Annual Members of the PMA Exhibition at the Pensacola Museum of Art, as well as the 2024 Tagged: Student Juried Exhibition at UWF’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts. In April 2025, she participated in the BFA Synthesis Exit Show at The Art Gallery (TAG) at UWF.
She also became a published artist with Pensacola Museum of Art, in The Troubadour Journal 2025. Her first solo exhibition, The Absence of Ordinary, is scheduled for November–December 2025 at Open Books, First City Arts Center in Pensacola, FL. Following graduation, Harris plans to relocate to Orlando, Florida, to pursue professional opportunities in the arts.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Paint Associate
Sherwin-Williams
01.2025 - Current
- Advised customers on paint selection, finishes, and techniques.
- Maintained organized product displays for ease of customer access.
- Trained and mentored team members in customer service and cash handling.
- Managed daily cash operations and improved checkout efficiency.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance transaction speed and customer satisfaction.
Veterinary Practice Manager
Olive Branch Pet Hospital
01.2020 - 09.2024
- Led clinic operations support by managing patient flow, collaborating with staff, and ensuring high-quality care in a fast-paced setting.
- Delivered excellent customer service and strengthened client relationships through empathetic communication and follow-up care.
- Supported veterinarians in exams, procedures, diagnostics, and surgical prep, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
- Administered medications, monitored vitals, and assisted in post-op care and client education.
- Managed daily clinic operations, including scheduling, inventory, and staff coordination to improve workflow and patient care.
- Maintained accurate medical records using veterinary software and upheld strict sanitation and safety protocols.
Entertaining Artist
Painting With A Twist
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Led guided painting sessions, engaging students of all skill levels.
- Prepared class materials and taught artistic techniques in a fun, accessible way.
- Conducted workshops to mentor aspiring artists in community programs.
- Promoted events and personal work on social media.
- Helped optimize studio layout for better workflow and creativity.
Marine Mammal Training Intern & Events/Supply Sales and Design Consultant
Gulfarium
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Delivered educational presentations on marine mammal conservation.
- Participated in daily care, feeding, and enrichment of marine mammals.
- Assisted with training exercises for dolphins, penguins, otters, and seals.
- Worked with veterinary staff to monitor animal health and training progress.
- Prepared product and layout documents implementing diverse design concepts.
- Researched and stayed current on industry trends to incorporate new products into designs.
- Designed an enrichment activity for African black-footed penguins.
- Facilitated workshops to improve team collaboration and communication skills.
Head Cashier
Lowes Home Improvment
03.2011 - 05.2017
- Supervised front-end operations and supported a team of cashiers to ensure efficient customer service.
- Handled customer inquiries, returns, and issue resolution to maintain satisfaction.
- Managed cash drawers, performed opening/closing procedures, and ensured accuracy in transactions.
- Trained and mentored new cashiers, promoting best practices and store policies.
- Collaborated with management to maintain smooth store operations and meet sales goals.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Painting
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL12-2025
Associate of Science - Biology
Pensacola State College
Pensacola, FL12-2016
Skills
- Time Management
- Public Speaking
- Customer Service
Professional, Art, & Design:
- Training & Mentorship
- Oil, Acrylic, and Fresco Painting
- Drawing, 3D Design, Welding
- Digital Tools: Procreate, Digital Animation
Timeline
Paint Associate
Sherwin-Williams
01.2025 - Current
Entertaining Artist
Painting With A Twist
01.2024 - 05.2024
Veterinary Practice Manager
Olive Branch Pet Hospital
01.2020 - 09.2024
Marine Mammal Training Intern & Events/Supply Sales and Design Consultant
Gulfarium
01.2018 - 06.2018
Head Cashier
Lowes Home Improvment
03.2011 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Painting
The University of West Florida
Associate of Science - Biology
Pensacola State College