Education

Master of Education: Art Education

In Progress, Millersville University- GPA: 4.0

Post Baccalaureate Certification: Art Education

Millersville University- GPA: 4.0

Bachelor of Fine Art: Painting and Drawing

Temple University (Tyler School of Art) - GPA: 3.45

Study Abroad Full Semester: Fine Art

Temple University Rome    

Experience

School District of Lancaster's McCaskey High School: Art Instructor

8/2017 - Current

  • Design and implement highly developed lesson plans for beginner artists

  • Plan for and teach Drawing and Painting I & II, Digital Photo I & II, and Foundations of Art

  • Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects which allow for open-ended, diverse outcomes

  • Employ a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize learning

  • Identify areas of weakness with individual students and tailor lessons accordingly

  • Grade student work and keep careful records of grades

School District of Lancaster's J.P. McCaskey High School: Student Teacher

1/2015 - 10/2016

  • Planned for and taught AP Art, IB Art, Drawing and Painting 1-2, Stage Production and General Art

  • Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators and parents to meet and exceed teaching goals

  • Acted as a positive role model for students and colleagues

Hempfield School District's Mountville Elementary School: Student Teacher

10/2016 - 12/2016

  • Created lesson plans in-line with state curriculum and school curriculum standards

  • Encouraged students to persevere with challenging tasks

  • Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators and parents to meet and exceed teaching goals

  • Encouraged behavior that was conducive to efficient learning within allotted class time

Ben Nelson Art: Owner

12/2006 - Current

  • Have maintained and managed a successful studio practice, creating, promoting and selling my work since 2006

Susquehanna Art Museum: Visiting Artist and Instructor

6/2015 - 1/2016

  • Designed plein air painting and drawing lessons for adults and children

Hershey Art Association: Visiting Artist/Instructor

4/2015 - 1/2016

  • Developed and implemented instruction for unrestricted expressive landscape painting

Paint Nite: Painting Instructor

1/2014 - 8/2017

  • Prepared, organized and taught lesson plans for introductory painting students

  • Encouraged an open learning environment where individuals can feel free to be expressive and confident

  • Designed creative, artistic events around a social atmosphere for students of all levels

Willowbrook Farm: Mentor and Property Manager

6/2010 - 8/2016

  • Managed and supervised several youth employees including individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and related learning disabilities

  • Developed behavioral modification systems for employees with learning disabilities to encourage independent decision making

  • Advised and supervised all landscaping, construction and property maintenance projects

  • Assisted with layout and design of retail space, as well as design installations within Willowbrook Farms

Yankell Fine Arts: Artist Assistant

2/2011 - 4/2015

  • Completed detail work such as framing, matting, canvas preparation and large format printing

  • Coordinated installation procedures with clients and galleries on a daily basis

Philadelphia Art Saloon: Installation Coordinator

3/2010 - 12/2014

  • Managed installation process of art shows on a weekly basis

  • Operated and installed lighting of artwork within gallery spaces to highlight the detail of the works

Blick Art Supplies: Product Demo Coordinator

6/2010 - 3/2011

  • Conducted classes and demonstrations for youth and adult participants about the proper use of materials and techniques for creating art and developing skills

Recent Exhibitions

  • Group Exhibition Contemporary Conversations at The Ware Center at Millersville University in Lancaster, PA 2018

  • Exhibiting Artist at The Tiny Biennale in Rome, Italy 2017

  • Exhibiting Artist at Box Co Flats' Music is for Everyone Annual Wandering Warehouse Event

  • Featured Artist at Red Raven Art Co. in Lancaster, PA 2015

  • Solo Exhibition at Timbers in Mt Gretna, PA 2014

  • Ongoing Featured Artist at Life's Patina in Malvern, PA 2013-2016

  • Group Exhibition at In Liquid Artist Collective in Philadelphia, PA 2012-2014

  • Two Person Exhibition at "Galvanic" in Cape May, NJ 2013

  • Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show 2013-2015

  • Philadelphia Salon Exhibition at TRUST Gallery in Philadelphia, PA 2012

  • Solo Exhibition at Painted Desert Gallery in Lancaster, PA 2012

  • Two Person Exhibition at Gallery at Second in Harrisburg, PA 2012

  • Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Exhibition in Philadelphia, PA September 2009-2013

  • Group exhibition Lets Begin Again Temple University in Philadelphia, PA 2010

  • Group Exhibition Drip at The Globe Dye Works Factory in Philadelphia, PA 2009

  • Group Exhibition Subject to Change hosted by Not This Artist Collective at the Ox Gallery in Philadelphia, PA 2009

  • Group Exhibition The Art of Text hosted by Temple University's Writing Center in Philadelphia, PA 2010

Additional Information

Volunteer: Piano Artist for Music For Everyone, Keys to the City of Lancaster

Awards: 2014 & 2013 Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show Judges' Choice Award, 2010 Alec Abels Memorial Award in Painting, 2006 Eagle Scout, 2006 National Golden Key Portfolio Award for Scholastic Art