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Karen Chesney

Animation professor

Education

  • M.F.A., visual effects, Savannah College of Art and Design
  • B.A., studio art, University of Georgia

Credentials

  • Adjunct Professor, 2016–present, Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta, GA
  • Student Teacher, 2015, Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta, GA
    Taught internship for undergraduate/graduate level matte painting course. Assisted in lectures, demonstrations, critiques, and designing homework and quiz materials.
  • Art Instructor, 2015-present, Kudzu Art Zone
    Teach a variety of studio art classes to adults ages 18 and over, including basic/advanced drawing and painting.
  • Art Instructor, 2009–13, Spruill Center for the Arts
    Taught a variety of classes for ages 3 to adult. Courses taught to adults: Introduction to Oils, Advanced Oils, Realism the Old Masters Way, and Beginning and Advanced Drawing.
  • Art Instructor, 2008–09, Artios Academy Lilburn
    Middle school art instructor for countywide home-school institution including lesson planning and exhibition facilitation. Also acted as scene painter for the theater program at the same school.
  • Art Instructor, 1997–2000, Private
    Conducted private lessons for teens and adults, teaching drawing and painting skills and techniques to individuals and small groups in a private art lesson setting.
  • Art Instructor, 1996–97, The Framery
    Art lessons for children, teens, and adults, including drawing and painting, from beginner to advanced.
  • Program Director and Art Educator, 1994–2001, camps
    As program director, recruited, interviewed, hired teaching staff, managed daily schedule. As art educator, planned lessons and exhibitions, and taught art (drawing, painting, arts, and crafts) to children and teens.

Organizations

  • American Mensa
  • SIGGRAPH
  • International Guild of Realism
  • ACM

Publications and presentations

  • Marketing Specialist, Centra Health, 2002–05
    Statewide marketing conferences, one-on-one marketing for a hospital-based mental health program.
  • Community Education Specialist, Crisis Line of Central Virginia, 1998–2001
    Conducted public speaking program for a regional crisis center. Spoke to audiences ranging from teens to adults. Audiences included Lynchburg College, Liberty University, Sweet Briar College, Lynchburg School of Nursing, Lynchburg Police Academy, Job Corps, and regional law enforcement training programs.
  • Head of program MBtheC, Alliance for Families and Children
    Public speaking and general marketing activities for a public health program in Central Virginia