CATHERINE V KESSUVAN
Elgin,IL
Summary
Experienced with developing innovative art curricula that inspire and challenge students. Utilizes diverse teaching methodologies to engage learners and enhance their artistic skills. Knowledge of different artistic techniques and mediums, ensuring well-rounded educational experience.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Media Assistant and Artist
Al's Cafe and Creamery
07.2022 - Current
- Boosted customer engagement through regular posting of relevant and interactive content on various social media platforms.
- Increased brand visibility by developing and implementing targeted social media campaigns.
- Developed captivating visual content using graphic design tools for enhanced aesthetic appeal across all channels.
- Hand Draw written text and visual elements promoting Monthly Specials, Signature Cocktails and Events hosted at the restaurant.
- Frequently take pictures of various entrees and desserts to post on social media and promote customer attendance.
Server/Hostess
Al's Cafe and Creamery
06.2015 - Current
- Exhibited effective communication and problem-solving skills to assist and serve customers
- Quick learner: trained by supervisor and within a year was asked to assume her responsibilities when needed
- Addressed any concerns or complaints quickly to improve service and escalated more advanced issues to management for resolution
Art Department Chair
St. Edward Central Catholic High School
08.2021 - 06.2024
- Constructed/revised budgets and updated material lists for departments that were sent and approved by administration each year.
- Revised and updated curriculum guide for Fine Arts Department each year to meet any departmental requirements.
- Led department initiatives, resulting in enhanced academic reputation.
- Developed strategic plans for department growth and resource allocation.
- Spearheaded research projects to advance departmental knowledge base.
- Improved course offerings by analyzing student feedback.
- Enhanced academic programs with innovative teaching methodologies.
- Observed, coached and mentored department staff.
- Managed budgetary responsibilities, allocating resources effectively to meet departmental needs and goals.
- Enhanced department reputation by implementing innovative teaching methods and curriculum improvements.
- Implemented assessment tools to measure learning outcomes, informing data-driven decision-making within the department.
- Optimized course scheduling processes to maximize enrollment numbers while meeting student needs efficiently.
- Streamlined administrative processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness within the department.
Art Teacher
St. Edward Central Catholic High School
08.2020 - 06.2024
- Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources to maintain consistent supply for projects.
- Managed a diverse range of learners, adapting lesson plans to accommodate different abilities and interests.
- Taught multiple independent studies during different class periods throughout the day.
- Incorporated technology into lessons in the form of recording live in class demonstrations over video calls to students so that they can rewatch to practice certain art making techniques.
- Enhanced student creativity by incorporating various art mediums and techniques into lessons.
- Developed and implemented engaging art lessons for students in grades 9th through 12th.
- Communicated effectively with parents about their child's progress in the arts program, addressing any concerns or suggestions for improvement as needed.
- Developed students' artistic skills by providing personalized feedback and guidance on their artwork.
- Organized school-wide art exhibits showcasing student talent and promoting the importance of visual arts in education.
- Documented student work in order to exhibit and celebrate learning process of each child.
- Participated in committees dedicated to enhancing school culture and developing innovative curriculum initiatives within the visual arts department.
- Collaborated with other teachers to create interdisciplinary projects, connecting art with other subject areas.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formal evaluations, informal observations, and one-on-one conferences, ensuring each learner''s growth was accurately documented.
- Advocated for importance of arts education within school board, contributing to increased budget allocations for arts.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms in classroom, significantly improving teaching methods and student satisfaction.
- Supported student-led initiatives and clubs related to art, empowering students to take leadership roles.
- Guided students in developing their portfolios, aiding in their applications to prestigious art schools and programs.
- Fostered positive and inclusive classroom environment, enabling students to express themselves freely through art.
- Introduced digital art and graphic design fundamentals, preparing students for modern creative careers.
- Instituted mentorship program between upper and lower classmen, fostering supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Art Instructor
Park District of Oak Park
10.2019 - 12.2020
- Stocked classroom with art supplies
- Developed lesson plans to teach course materials according to schedule
- Effectively instructed the creation of successful art projects to both adults and children
- Maintained an organized teaching room throughout the entirety of my classes
Gallery Assistant Internship
Dominican University's O'Connor Art Gallery
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Maintained online media posts routinely with updates on gallery events and important information
- Assisted in three exhibition installations and de-installations
- Curated the Annual Student Art Show
- Assisted in the careful packaging and storage of artwork
- Responsible for keeping records for the gallery; documenting gallery openings; and the artwork featured and packaging/de-installation of artwork to keep on file
- Created promotions via social media, email and other communication methods such as posting flyers around campus to encourage gallery attendance
Curator
Dominican University
03.2019 - 04.2019
- Received research support grant to fund the construction of a professional exhibition, awarded due to a detailed application that contained a thorough summary for the overall exhibition and a detailed budget report
- Demonstrated leadership and initiative as the first art history major to construct an exhibition for a senior thesis
- Communicated directly with artists, university officials and public safety on campus
- Created an artwork loan agreement form and insurance forms to be signed between the artist/university
- Effectively planned, organized and scheduled an exhibition two months prior to exhibition opening
- Effectively transported and installed 10 pieces of artwork for the exhibition
- Provided a detailed curatorial speech and presentation explaining the exhibition process to a group of over 20 people
Front of House Co-Manager
Dominican University Performing Arts Center
09.2015 - 04.2019
- Demonstrated effective customer service and troubleshooting skills to assist patrons
- Responsible for ensuring that each event ran smoothly; creating detailed event reports and securing venue at the end of day
- Developed and executed new training initiatives to improve skills and develop leaders from within
- Managed day-to-day operations, including supervision and assignment delegation for 3-4 member team
- Communicated and coordinated with multiple departments to achieve top results
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Painting/Drawing And Art History
Dominican University
River Forest, IL05-2019
Skills
- Collaborative teaching
- Student engagement
- Inclusive education
- Classroom management
- Reliability
- Problem-solving abilities
- Creative thinking
- Expertise in art techniques
- Painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking and Adobe techniques
Accomplishments
- Created Full Art Department Website for St. Edward Central Catholic High School.
- Helped multiple students from St. Edward receive local Beaux Arts Scholarship from 2020-2024 up to $3,000.
- Art Department Curriculum Maps and other records were updated for the first time since approximately 2015 after accepting the position in 2020.
- Successfully instructed multiple independent studies while teaching 5 art class periods for 4 years as the only art instructor.
- Led Artist Tote Bag Fundraiser in 2024 to raise money for materials to accommodate advanced projects and skills of students. Raised over $700 for the art department.
- 2023-2024 Fine Arts Festival earned approximately $500-$600 in donations for the Fine Arts Department at one day event.
- Led instruction on projects that helped student win Best in Show at Metro Suburban Art Conference for St. Edward CC High School along with 2nd Place in drawing, and Muzzio Award.
- Led instruction on projects that helped students win Best in Show, 2nd Place Painting, and 3rd Place Drawing for St. Edward at 2024 Chicagoland Christian Art Conference.
- Founder of Artwork of the Year Award started in 2020.
- Designed and arranged floral decorations for Baccalaureate ceremony 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years.
- 3 new exhibition hanging apparatuses were approved and installed at St. Edward CC. High School to encourage more art displayed in hallways throughout the school year.
- Strengthened relationships with Versiti Blood donation center for 3 years by efficiently organizing and executing 3 blood drives each year, meeting/exceeding set quota.
- Student artwork was shown to donors, ultimately assisting in the donation received at St. Edward CC High School building Fox Brothers Performing Art Center.
- Built a relationship with the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) to give annual presentations during senior art classes and provide multiple portfolio reviews at St. Edward CC High School to help students with scholarships.
- Recognized in The Observer for large scale Master Copies advanced art students projects at St. Edward CC High School.
Timeline
Social Media Assistant and Artist
Al's Cafe and Creamery
07.2022 - Current
Art Department Chair
St. Edward Central Catholic High School
08.2021 - 06.2024
Art Teacher
St. Edward Central Catholic High School
08.2020 - 06.2024
Art Instructor
Park District of Oak Park
10.2019 - 12.2020
Curator
Dominican University
03.2019 - 04.2019
Gallery Assistant Internship
Dominican University's O'Connor Art Gallery
01.2019 - 05.2019
Front of House Co-Manager
Dominican University Performing Arts Center
09.2015 - 04.2019
Server/Hostess
Al's Cafe and Creamery
06.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Painting/Drawing And Art History
Dominican University
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