Wendy Northup
Sierra Canyon School
Olympia,CA
Summary
Accomplished arts educator and department leader with 20+ years of experience in visual arts education, curriculum development, faculty leadership, exhibition planning, and arts programming. Proven ability to build collaborative teams, mentor educators, develop engaging interdisciplinary programs, and create meaningful opportunities for student and community engagement. Experienced in public speaking, professional development, arts administration, museum programming, and creative entrepreneurship. MFA-trained artist with expertise spanning fiber arts, textile design, art history, exhibitions, and contemporary art.
Work History
Art Department Chair
- Provided strategic and instructional leadership for the art department while partnering with school administration, faculty, students, and families to advance educational goals and strengthen the student experience.
- Led department-wide curriculum development and refinement, aligning arts programs with institutional goals and evolving student needs.
- Supervised, observed, coached, and mentored faculty, supporting continuous improvement in instructional practice and student engagement.
- Led hiring and selection processes, identifying and recruiting highly qualified educators and building a strong, collaborative department team.
- Collaborated with school administration on implementation of school-wide policies, procedures, and academic initiatives.
- Analyzed student performance and instructional outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement and provide targeted academic support.
- Designed and facilitated professional development workshops focused on innovative teaching strategies, instructional best practices, and effective approaches to student learning.
- Spearheaded interdisciplinary collaborations that connected visual arts with other academic disciplines and broadened students' educational experiences.
Art and Art History Faculty
- Combined classroom instruction with student advising, arts programming, committee leadership, and community engagement.
- Taught art and art history across a range of artistic media and subject areas, emphasizing creative development, critical thinking, and student engagement.
- Served as advisor to individual students and student groups, providing academic guidance and mentorship.
- Chaired the Arts and Letters Committee, coordinating programs that brought guest artists, performers, and other arts professionals to campus.
- Coordinated student participation in the National Scholastic Art Competition, supporting students through selection, preparation, submission, and exhibition processes.
- Contributed to the broader cultural life of the school through arts programming and collaborative initiatives.
Education
Master of Arts - Fiber Arts
Bachelor of Arts - Textile Design
Skills
Arts Education & Instructional Leadership
Curriculum Development & Program Strategy
Faculty Coaching
Mentoring & Evaluation
Student Engagement & Advising
Art Exhibition Planning & Production
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Arts Programming & Community Engagement
Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation
Committee & Organizational Leadership
Hiring & Team Development
Museum & Cultural Programming
Marketing
PR & Communications
Microsoft Office Suite
Earlier Professional Experience
Volunteer Coordinator Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art
- Ran the volunteer programs and initiated the Aldrich After Hours jazz program that ran for eight years.
- Museum Docent
- Designed and produced a quarterly volunteer newsletter
Sadelier for the Home , Danbury, CT
Owner & CEO
- Founded, managed and operated this home furnishing store that featured three local furniture makers and handcrafted home accessories.
- Created marketing and PR strategies and materials, including the website with on- line shopping.
Planned in-store local artists' exhibitions and events.
Timeline
Art Department Chair
Sierra Canyon School
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Art and Art History Faculty
Wooster School
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Tyler School of Art, Temple University
Master of Arts from Fiber Arts
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Rhode Island School of Design
Bachelor of Arts from Textile Design
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