About Me
I am an artist and an art educator. I live in Utah with my husband and three cats. I completed my Art Education BA degree in 2017 and am currently teaching junior high school art and shop while working on my Master's degree in Visual Communication Design. At any given time, you may find me browsing Netflix, reading a book, or drawing in my sketchbook. I love all forms of art, but my current favorites are charcoal, watercolor, and bookbinding. For art prints, handbound books, and 3D printed objects, visit nataliegarffart.square.site.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy in art education emphasizes creativity, exploration, and real-world connections. I view art as both a skill and a means of understanding broader concepts, integrating it with other subjects to create a holistic learning experience. I balance direct instruction with independent discovery, encouraging students to think critically, experiment, and develop their unique artistic voice. Through ongoing assessment and professional growth, I strive to foster an engaging, supportive environment where students are active participants in their learning journey.
Curriculum Vitae
Qualifications
2024-Present
Visual Communication Design MA
Liberty University
Master's program in Visual Communication Design, leads into MFA in Graphic Design.
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Courses in contemporary art history, graphic design, publication, and typography.
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Expected conferment May 2025
2017-Present
Professional Utah Teaching License
Secondary Teaching License
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Visual Arts endorsement K-12
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Technology endorsement 7-12
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Adobe Level 1 and Level 2 Creative Cloud Educator Certificate
2013-2017
Art Education BA
Brigham Young University
Art Education degree from Brigham Young University, learning art skills, classroom management, and teaching methods.
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Earned a 3.54 GPA while working part-time
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Member of NAEA, BYU Student Chapter
Teaching Experience
2018-Present
Art Teacher
Granite School District
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Teaching a wide variety of classes - Art Foundations, 2D Art, 3D Art, Ceramics, Yearbook, Construction Technology, Robotics Technology, and College and Career Awareness
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Piloting the ceramics program at Hunter Jr. High
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Assisting in the creation of district-level proficiency scales for Robotics Technology
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Participating in the faculty morale committee
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Maintaining the school workshop
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Member of NAEA and UAEA
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Member of UEA and GEA
2022-Present
Private Violin Teacher
Teaching violin techniques and basic music theory to students ages 8 and older
January 2018 - May 2018
Substitute Teacher
Kelly Educational Staffing
Substituting for multiple subject areas for all grade levels in Alpine, Wasatch, Provo, and Nebo School Districts
Media Experience
While working on my degree, I had exposure to many different mediums and styles of artwork. I focused more on some mediums than others, but I am comfortable working in most.
Medium Experience
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2D Mediums: Watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints; charcoal, pastel, and graphite; printmaking techniques; film photography and processing, digital photography; and digital media programs including Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Suite, and Corel
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3D Mediums: Ceramic sculpture and pottery; some woodworking; some metalwork; and bookbinding