Education
2006 Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Bachelor of Fine Arts- Illustration
Computer Skills
Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver
Apple/ Mac: iWeb, iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD
Microsoft Office 2008: Powerpoint, Word, Excel
Mediums
Acrylic, watercolor, ink, gouache, collage, graphite, charcoal, pastel, printmaking and digital
Teaching Positions
2017 Minneapolis Public Schools- Franklin Middle School, Minneapolis MN
6-8 grade Art Teacher
Simpson Housing Outreach, Minneapolis MN
Perpich Center for the Arts, Outreach Program: Arts Integration Mentor, Golden Valley MN
2016 Minneapolis Public Schools- Franklin Middle School, Minneapolis MN
6-8 grade Art Teacher
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Continuing Education Instructor
Introduction to Illustration, Painting for Illustrators Series
Simpson Housing Outreach, Minneapolis MN
Perpich Center for the Arts, Outreach Program: Arts Integration Mentor, Golden Valley MN
2015 Minneapolis Public Schools- Franklin Middle School, Minneapolis MN
6-8 grade Art Teacher
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Adjunct Faculty- Design Department
Foundation Studies 2D, Children’s Book Illustration
Plymouth Youth Center- Arts and Technology High School, Minneapolis MN
Part-time Art Teacher, Part-time permanent substitute teacher
Arts in Action, Lucy Laney Elementary School, Minneapolis MN
Artist-in-Residence: Afterschool Program
Plymouth Youth Center- Arts and Technology High School, Minneapolis MN
Media 612 / Project Prepare Afterschool Program: Multi-Media/ Digital Arts
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Continuing Education Instructor
Drawing Fundamentals for Teens, Introduction to Illustration, Fashion Illustration, Painting for
Illustrators Series
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
MFA Mentor: Illustration
2014 Plymouth Youth Center- Arts and Technology High School, Minneapolis MN
Part-time Art Teacher
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Adjunct Faculty- Design Department
Foundation Studies 2D
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Visiting Faculty- Design Department
Introduction to Illustration, Digital Illustration, and Professional Practice
Plymouth Youth Center- Arts and Technology High School, Minneapolis MN
Media 612 Afterschool Program: Multi-Media/ Digital Arts
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
MFA Mentor: Illustration
2013 Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Visiting Faculty- Design Department
Foundation Studies 2D, Introduction to Illustration, and Tools of the Trade
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
MFA Mentor: Illustration
Plymouth Youth Center- Arts and Technology High School, Minneapolis MN
Art Teacher and Arts Integration Specialist
Plymouth Youth Center- Arts and Technology High School, Minneapolis MN
Media 612 Afterschool Program: Multi-Media/ Digital Arts
2009-2013 Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Adjunct Faculty- Design Department
Foundation Studies 2D, Sophomore Seminar: Contemporary Practice, Introduction to Illustration, and Tools of the
Trade
2012-2013 Minneapolis College of Art and Design/ University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Polymers, Minneapolis MN
Project Manager: Catalyst 4 Chemistry
2008-2010 The Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Wayzata MN
Instructor- Youth, Teen, and Adult
Painting, Watercolor, Drawing I, Drawing II, Illustration, Design, and Building a Portfolio
2007-2009 Breck School, Minneapolis MN
Substitute Teacher, Art Department
2004-2005 Osseo Area School District, Osseo MN
Consultant and Arts-Integration Curriculum Coordinator
Published Children’s Books
2008 You are Healthy, written by Todd Snow, Maren Green Publishing
You are Helpful, written by Todd Snow, Maren Green Publishing
Lucky, Published by Avian Welfare Coalition
Tu Eres Importante, Spanish translation, Maren Green Publishing
Tu Eres Valiente, Spanish translation, Maren Green Publishing
Tu Eres Creativo, Spanish translation, Maren Green Publishing
Tu Eres Amigable, Spanish translation, Maren Green Publishing
Tu Eres Hermoso, Spanish translation, Maren Green Publishing
2007 You are Important, written by Todd Snow, Maren Green Publishing
You are Brave, written by Todd Snow, Maren Green Publishing
You are Creative, written by Todd Snow, Maren Green Publishing
You are Friendly, written by Todd Snow, Maren Green Publishing
You are Beautiful, written by Todd Snow, Maren Green Publishing
Colorful World, written by Cece Winans, Keith Thomas, and Alvin Love III, Maren Green Publishing
Awards
2009 Teachers’ Choice Award (Colorful World)
Teachers’ Choice Award (You Are Important Board Book Series)
Mom’s Choice Award (Colorful World)
Mom’s Choice Award (You Are Important Board Book Series)
2008 Moonbeam Gold Medal Award- Music & Theatrical Category (Colorful World)
2004 Society of Illustrators LA- Illustration West 42 (5 pieces)
2003 Society of Illustrators East- (1 piece)
Solo Exhibitions
2017 MCAD Highlight, MSP Airport, Minneapolis MN
2012 St. Catherine University- Minneapolis Campus Library Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Three Rooms Gifts and Art Gallery, Edina MN
FLOW 2012, Dimensions in Hair, Minneapolis MN
Melodee Strong Studios, St. Paul MN
2009 Keith Ellison Congressional Office, Minneapolis MN
Ridgedale Mall Business Office, Minnetonka, MN
Northpoint Health and Wellness, Minneapolis MN
2008 P.A.T.H. Lobby Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Children in Books: Illustrations by Melodee Strong, Homewood Studios Gallery, Minneapolis MN
P.A.T.H. Lobby Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Wayzata MN
Copp Student Center Gallery- Normandale Community College, Bloomington MN
Papa’s Pizza and Pasta, Minneapolis MN
Keith Ellison Campaign Headquarters, Minneapolis, MN
2007 Calypso Café, Minneapolis MN
2006 Homewood Studios Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Group Exhibitions
2016 Visual Arts Faculty Show, MPS Davis Center Gallery, Minneapolis MN
In Words and Pictures- Minnesota Women Authors/Illustrators, MCAD Main Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Fight Like a Mother, Colorwheel Gallery, Minneapolis MN
2015 No Teacher Left Behind, Homewood Studios, Minneapolis MN
Visual Arts Faculty Show, MPS Davis Center Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Fight Like a Mother, Colorwheel Gallery, Minneapolis MN
2014 Remembering Our Leaders, Hennepin Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Northside Noir, Homewood Studios, Minneapolis MN
2013 The Culture of Balance, Rhythm, and Texture, Pope John XXIII Gallery- Basilica St. Mary’s, Minneapolis MN
2012 Faculty Exhibition: On-Location, MCAD Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Who Am I… Who Is We…? Hennepin Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Fade 2 Blaq, Sean Garrison Studios, Minneapolis MN
Black Champions Happy Hour Exhibition, General Mills Corporation, Minneapolis MN
Fight Like a Mother, Colorwheel Gallery, Minneapolis MN
2011 TAWU Exhibition of Selected Works, UROC, Minneapolis MN
Our History, Hennepin Gallery, Minneapolis MN
FLOW 2011, Emerge, Minneapolis MN
Faculty Exhibition, MCAD Gallery, Minneapolis MN
2010 Foot in the Door, Minneapolis Institute of Art MAEP Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Big Blaq, Urbanocity, Minneapolis, MN
Gratitude- A Ten Year Anniversary of Artists, Homewood Studios Gallery, Minneapolis MN
2009 Opening Eyes to the Northside, The Minneapolis Foundation, Minneapolis MN
2008 Minn-Illo, College of Visual Arts Gallery, St. Paul MN
TAWU Exhibition of Selected Works, General Mills Corporation, Golden Valley, MN
2006 Senior Exhibition, Minneapolis College of Art and Design
2003 Society of Illustrators, New York NY
Guest Artist, Lectures and Appearances
2015 Linwood Monroe Arts Plus, St. Paul MN AVID: Careers Conversation Series, 8th grade
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking
PYC Arts and Technology High School, Minneapolis MN Artist Workshop: The Dream Project
2014 Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking
St. Mary’s University and Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis MN Missing Voices Conference
2013 Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking
2012 St. Catherine University, St. Paul Campus MN Making A Career and Being A Mom Too
St. Catherine University, Minneapolis Campus MN Making A Career and Being A Mom Too
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN Visiting Artist Seminar Lecture
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking
Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis MN VIVA City Artist Lecture: My Career as an Illustrator
North St. Paul School District- Equity Education Alliance, North St. Paul MN
2011 Minneapolis Public Schools- Equity and Diversity Department, Minneapolis MN 100 Strong Who Care
LA Times Festival of Books, USC Los Angeles CA
North St. Paul School District- Equity Education Alliance, North St. Paul MN
Target Children’s Book Festival, Minneapolis MN
2010 Rasmussen College, Woodbury MN
North St. Paul School District- Equity Education Alliance, North St. Paul MN
Minneapolis Public Schools- Equity and Diversity Department, Minneapolis MN 100 Strong Who Care
Franklin Artworks, Minneapolis MN Big Blaq Artist Talk
Target Children’s Book Festival, Minneapolis MN
Alexandria KXRA 1490AM Talk Radio Morning Show, Alexandria MN
LA Times Festival of Books, UCLA Los Angeles CA
2009 Salvation Army Target Remodel Kick-Off, St. Paul MN
Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis MN VIVA City Artist Lecture: Preparing Your College Portfolio
King Family Foundation Child Development Center, Minneapolis MN
Target Children’s Book Festival, Minneapolis MN
NY Times and Target Children’s Book Festival, Columbia University- New York, NY
Minnetonka Center for the Arts- Community Outreach, Wayzata MN
2008 KARE Saturday (NBC Affiliate), Minneapolis MN
Target Children’s Book Festival, Minneapolis MN
Target Children’s Book Festival, Boston MA
Minneapolis College of Art and Design The Working Life of a Children’s Book Illustrator
Bloomington Area Schools, Bloomington MN Working as a Children’s Book Illustrator
Minnetonka Center for the Arts- Community Outreach, Wayzata MN
2007 Target Children’s Book Festival, Minneapolis MN
Twin Cities Continental Societies, Inc., St. Paul MN
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Fall Conference, Minneapolis MN Guest Panelist
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN Life After MCAD as a Freelance Illustrator
Minneapolis College of Art and Design The Working Life of a Children’s Book Illustrator
PATH, Minneapolis MN Diversity and Working with Children
Mural Projects
2017 The Heart of Whittier mural, Treehouse Records, Minneapolis MN 33’ x 15’
(In production) Little Earth Mural/ Greenway Project, Minneapolis MN 400 sq.ft.
(In planning stage) Linwood Monroe Arts Plus (Community School K-8), St. Paul MN
Sunset Hill Elementary School, Plymouth MN 19’ x 8’ and 30’ x 8’
2016 FLOW Mural, Clippercuts Barbershop, Minneapolis MN 20’ x 8’
Paint the Pavement Community Mural Project, Lincoln Playground, Minneapolis MN
Cafeteria Mural- Foods from Around the World, Washburn High School, Minneapolis MN
Bethune Elementary School, Minneapolis MN 25’ x 8’
STEAM Mural, Franklin Middle School 40’ x 8
Media Center Mural, Franklin Middle School, Minneapolis MN
2015 In the Heart of South Mpls Mural- Washburn High School, Minneapolis MN 17’ x 7’
Linwood Monroe Arts Plus (Community School K-8), St. Paul MN 35’ x 7’
FLOW Community Youth Mural Project, Clippercuts Barbershop, Minneapolis MN 45’ x 14’
2014 John Glenn Middle School, Maplewood MN 14’ x 10’
Linwood Monroe Arts Plus (Community School K-8), St. Paul MN 43’ x 7’
Play on Penn/ Open Streets Sponsored Community Mural, Minneapolis MN 24’ x 4’
FLOW Community Mural “Transit”, Minneapolis MN, 16’ x 4’
OH Anderson Media Center Mural, Mahtomedi MN, 17’ x 8’
PYC Arts and Technology High School, Minneapolis MN, 7’ x 8’
LC Webster Elementary School, Maplewood MN, 17’ x 8’, 4’ x 4’
2013 St. Peter Catholic School, Maplewood MN, 20’ x 8’
Maplewood Middle School, Maplewood MN, 62’ x 7’
Harmony Alternative Learning Center, Maplewood MN, 12’ x 8’
2012 OH Anderson Elementary School, Mahtomedi MN, 21’ x 8’
Lowry Ave Harvest Fest and Open Streets Event, Minneapolis MN, Billboard 8’ x 4’
FLOW Community Mural, Minneapolis MN, Billboard 8’ x 4’
Maplewood Library, Maplewood MN, two banner-style 5’ x 5’ and 5’ x 12’
Dimensions in Hair Salon and Barbershop, Minneapolis MN, Outdoor 21’ x 15’
2011 Skyview Community School, Oakdale MN, 86’ x 5.5’
John Glenn Middle School, Maplewood MN, 68’x10’, 76’x15’, and 68’x12’
Carver Elementary School, Maplewood MN, 22’ x 8’
North St. Paul High School- CREED Program, Maplewood MN, 30’ x 7’
Tartan High School- CREED Program, Oakdale MN, 20’x 7’
Phoenix Recovery Program, Maplewood MN, Three large-scale paintings on stretched canvas, 5’x 7’ and 4’x 4’ (x2)
2010 North St. Paul School District- Educational Equity Alliance, Maplewood MN, Three banner-style murals, 12’X 5’ each
Carver Elementary School, Maplewood MN, 28’x 4’
2009 First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, MN, Three banner-style murals, 4’x 13’ (x2) and 4’x 8’
St. John the Baptist Catholic School, Wayzata MN, Three wall murals, 8’x 8’ each
Gleason Lake Elementary School, Wayzata MN, 11 walls between 6’x 6’- 15’x 6’
2008 Gleason Lake Elementary School, Wayzata MN, Three banner murals, 15’x 5’ and 5’x 7’(x2)
Committees and Other Memberships
West Broadway Business Coalition: Placemaking Committee, Minneapolis MN
Phillips Family Foundation: Grant Design Committee for North Minneapolis Area
Lincoln Playground Redesign: Arts Committee, Minneapolis MN
Roho Collective, Minneapolis MN (Member)
Clients
Target
Minneapolis/ St. Paul Magazine
Gavidae Commons
YWCA
West Broadway Business Coalition
Youth Performance Company
Medtronic
Minneapolis Public Schools
Department 56
