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Carla Contreras

Foundation studies professor

Education

  • M.F.A., painting, Savannah College of Art and Design
  • B.A., contemporary art, Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Credentials

  • Part-time professor of foundation studies, Fall 2022—present, Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta, GA
  • US yearbook adviser and video production teacher, 2020–22
    Developed and taught studio art curriculum for 8th grade students that include Art History, composition, color theory and the exploration of different media and techniques in ceramics, painting, drawing, installation art, printmaking, and watercolor.

    MS art teacher, 2019–20, Pace Academy, Atlanta
    Oversaw selecting and training students for their roles, provided guidance and encouragement, developed a style guide and theme, managed deadlines, completed final reviews, worked with Lifetouch for publishing and signs off before printing.

  • Student assistant for dean of student success, 2017–19, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
  • Summer intern, 2018, MINT Gallery, Atlanta, GA
    Assisted during special events including exhibition openings, artist talks, and fundraisers. Assisted with installation and take down of exhibitions and MINT programming. Facilitated the sale of artwork. Assisted with grant research and applications.
  • MS world language teacher, 2015–16, Marie Clarac School, Quito, Ecuador
    Taught French and English in middle and lower school.

Awards, recognitions, and honors

Selected commissions and collaborations

  • Sidewalk artwork, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, SCAD Art Sales, Atlanta, GA, 2020
  • Phipps Plaza Mural Project, Davie's restaurant exterior side, SCAD Art Sales, Atlanta, GA, 2020
  • Series of watercolors for a gastronomic event fusioning Georgia and Ecuador cuisine, Consulate of Ecuador in Atlanta, 2020
  • Spring into The Shops, 22 x 15 ft mural for The Shops at Buckhead, SCAD Art Sales, 2019

Publications and presentations

Selected publications and media

  • "Homelessness, mental illness prominent themes in art of SCAD artist: Carla Contreras" by Felicia Feaster, AJC News,  Atlanta, GA, 2020.
  • "Meet Carla Contreras: Visual Artist & Educator," Shoutout Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 2020.
  • "Carla Contreras is not a Machine," Elysian Magazine, Arts and Culture issue, Spartanburg, SC, 2020.
  • Georgia woman artist feature, Georgia Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Atlanta, GA, 2020.
  • "Summer Sunset" on cover for "Shopping at SCAD," BuckHaven Lifestyle Magazine
  • Interview, Univision 34 Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 2019.
  • Interview, La Vision Radio Station, Atlanta, GA, 2019.
  • "Art with purpose: Ecuadorian Artist exhibits in Atlanta," La Vision News, Atlanta, GA, 2019.
  • Interview, Voyage ATL Magazine, Atlanta, GA, 2019.
  • SCAD Spotlight Day Panelist, Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta GA, 2018.
  • Artist Talks Series, Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta, GA, 2018.
  • Studio Visit Magazine, Juried Artist Book, Boston, MA, 2018.
  • "'Gathered Ill' makes for a rich experience, conservative in tone," by Rebecca Brantley, ArtsAtl, Atlanta, GA, 2017.
  • "High Five: 5 Shows in the South," Burnaway, Atlanta, GA, 2017.
  • Fine Print Magazine, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA, 2013.
  • Interview, Aula Magna Magazine, San Francisco University, Quito, Ecuador, 2013.
  • Section Talents, El Comercio Newspaper, Quito, Ecuador, 2009.
  • La Casa Informativo Cultural Magazine, CCE Benjamin Carrion, Quito, Ecuador, 2007.
  • Emerging artists, Avant Garde Magazine, Quito, Ecuador, 2005.

Selected solo exhibitions

  • PUBLIC INHABITANTS of The Booming Metropolis, Besharat Contemporary, Atlanta, GA, 2019
  • Carla Contreras Open Studio, SCAD 5C, Atlanta, GA, 2018
  • Carla Contreras Open Studio, SCAD 5C, Atlanta, GA, 2017
  • Carla Contreras Open Studio, SCAD 5C, Atlanta, GA, 2016 
  • Fragment: Dissection and completeness, MassArt gallery, Quito, Ecuador, 2015

Selected group exhibitions

  • The ART PAPERS Art Auction, 22nd Annual Auction Exhibition, Atlanta, GA, 2021
  • Floramatic, FreeMarket Gallery, Atlanta, Ga, 2020
  • Sites and Structures, EYP/100 Architecture Firm+ Gallery, Atlanta, GA, 2020
  • ORT and The City Auction, Atlanta, GA, 2020
  • PACE Academy Faculty Art Show, Atlanta, GA, 2020
  • SCAD Open Studio Night, Atlanta, GA, 2019
  • Coca-Cola Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit, Coca-Cola Headquarters, Atlanta, GA, 2019
  • Hambidge Center Art Auction, Atlanta, GA, 2019
  • Latinx Pop Up Show, Sheds Gallery at Ponce City Market, Atlanta GA, 2019
  • Summer Invitational Exhibition, MINT Gallery first show at the MET, Atlanta, GA, 2019