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About Monica

Monica earned her M.F.A. from Northwestern University 2002. Since the 2000's she has explored themes of femininity and daintiness through a diverse range of works that reflect her Southern roots and the collected memories of her past. Currently, Monica is focused on a series of floral collages, where studies and playful experiments blossomed into captivating pieces. Her art is characterized by, delicacy playfulness, and a color palette, embodying preciousness of life.

Monica has dedicated over 26 years to the field of education, inspiring countless students along the way. In 2024, she made the exciting decision to retire from teaching and fully embrace her passion for art. Now, she is channeling her creativity into her artwork, eager to share her unique perspective and experiences through her creations. Join her on this new journey as she explores the vibrant world of art.

Education

MASTER OF FINE ARTS Northwestern University 
Evanston, Illinois May 2002 POSTBACCALAURATE The School of the Art Institute of Chicago 
Chicago, Illinois 1995 MASTER OF ART IN TEACHING Spring Hill College 
Mobile, Alabama December 1994 BACHELOR OF ARTS Barat College 
Lake Forest, Illinois May 1992 

Museum Art Education Experience

ALABAMA CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER

2024 taught a week of summer art classes: mixed media lessons

MOBILE ARTS COUNCIL Mobile, Alabama 
2020-2022 Taught virtual art classes for Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama October 2020 Guest Artist Art Throwdown Competition- an annual fund raiser January 2019

Conducted an art workshop for art educators and led a tour of the exhibition for Monica J. Beasley: Feminism and Magical Thinking MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART 
2017-2018, 2023 Mobile, Alabama 
Art Blast artist-taught summer art classes for the Museum School. 

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORA Y ART 
2002 Chicago, Illinois 
Artist in residence for the H.C. Westerman Exhibition 
Roundtable for Teaching Artists: Visiting Artist Gary Simmons NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY 2000-2002 Evanston, Illinois 
Teaching assistant to Judy Ledgerwood and Michael Stone-Richards 
Teaching assistant to Bill Cass, assisted in teaching intaglio etching 
Assistant curator for Northwestern University Art History slide library 2002-Gallery assistant for G.R. N'namdi at the Tom Blackman and Associates 2000-Art assistant, Northeastern Illinois University, assisted two lead artists on a mural project, Parental Guidance Suggested: managed 17 high school students on a mural project. 

Professional  Experience

OLD SHELL ROAD SCHOOL OF 
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS August 2002-June 2024 Mobile, Alabama 
Designed, implemented and assessed weekly instruction for art classes, and elementary education, directed Wake Up Star-News You Tube Channel and co-director  of All-Star after school program 2021-2024
 

BISHOP STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE August 2005-2019 - Mobile, Alabama Taught art history and visual art classes. Visited the Mobile Museum of Art with classes, led tours and discussions in the museum galleries 

Professional Affiliations

Founder  of M.J.Beasley Jr. Art Society

Member of Mobile Museum of Art ,Mobile Arts Council and Alabama Contemporary Art Center, National Art Education Association,

Board Member EDI -Alabama Art Education Association  

Vice-Chair for Black Life Arts and Culture Coalition: Alabama Contemporary Art Center 

Society of Clotilda- Giving Circle

Sirens- Social Club

Awards

AAEA Alabama Elementary Art Educator of Year (2023)

 Focus 40 over 40 leader award(2022)  

Teacher of the Year, voted by the faculty members of Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts (2020)

STAR Travel Scholarship -University of Alabama Huntsville (2018)   SUPER Scholar-Alabama Humanities Montgomery, Alabama (2005)    Alabama Bicentennial winner ( 2019)    

Award of Merit Museum of Science and Industry Chicago, Illinois (2002)

Visual Art Scholarship/ Union League Civic and Arts Chicago Illinois (2001)

 Fellowship, Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois (1999-2002) •    Bryon Smith Scholarship/ School of the Art lnstitute of Chicago (1992)

If you’d like more information get in touch today.

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