Art Educator & Artist
Cultivating creative excellence and critical thinking through contemporary art practice
Teaching Philosophy
My approach to art education is grounded in the belief that students deserve to be treated as developing artists, not as passive participants in craft-based activities. I integrate art history into all levels of my curriculum, from Pre-K through high school, using master artists and major movements as both inspiration and instructional frameworks.
I hold high expectations for my students, often exceeding what traditional curricula suggest for their age, because I have consistently found that when students are challenged with meaningful, skill-based work, they rise to the occasion.
Art as Scholarship
Integrating art history across all grade levels
High Expectations
Challenging students with advanced techniques
Transferable Skills
Developing critical thinking for lifelong success
Curriculum Samples
Art history-integrated lessons for all levels
Interested in full curriculum documentation?
Student Gallery
Exceptional work from students across grade levels
My Work
Portfolio of original artwork
Process & Documentation
Creating a Massive Airport Mural: Behind-the-Scenes of Painting Art for the Provo Airport
Hanging a 400 Sq Ft Mural 20 Ft High at Provo Airport – You Won't Believe the Scale!
The Beauty of Painting a Massive Oil Painting
Testimonials
"Miss Hart is an Amazing art teacher! She's everything you'd want in an art teacher! She's fun, creative and patient! She has made art my daughter's favorite subject. I love seeing all the fun things they create in her class!"
Adrienne Forsman
"My daughters attend class with Miss Hart's class and they love it. They said, 'the classes are really fun and teaches great art skills and if you make mistakes she guides you through again, she is very patient.'"
Jeff Babb
"Courtney has been teaching my kids art (ages 6, 8, 10) and she is the best! The art projects she does are ones that I want to keep forever and the kids are always so proud of what they've created. They are always begging me to sign them up for another art class. We are grateful to have found such an incredible art teacher and can't wait for many more lessons to come!"
Danielle Magleby
"Miss Hart has been teaching my daughter art. We feel so lucky to have such a wonderful art teacher. She is patient, kind, and incredibly creative. She knows how to engage the children and nurture their confidence. My daughter absolutely adores her and always excited to take her class!"
Meng Zhang
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History
Brigham Young University, 2015
Classical Art Training
Beaux Arts Academy, 2019
Teaching Certification
In Progress
Teaching Experience
Pre-K through High School Art Teacher
Ivy Hall Academy, August 2024–Present
Teach art to students in grades Pre-K through 12, designing a vertically aligned curriculum that integrates art history, technical skills, and creative expression. Guide students to develop both skill and conceptual thinking while producing exhibition-quality work each semester, and collaborate with school leadership and the community to showcase and strengthen the arts program.
Private Art Teacher
2020–Present
Provide individualized drawing and painting instruction to students of all ages, tailoring lessons to each learner's skill level and creative goals. Maintain long-term instructional relationships with students, supporting artistic growth over multiple years. Direct an after-school art club offering one-hour guided projects that foster creativity, confidence, and foundational skill development in a collaborative setting.
Art History Lecturer (Adult Education)
Workshop SLC, 2020
Delivered a multi-month lecture series on 19th-century art, teaching weekly evening sessions for adult learners. Provided historical context, artist analysis, and facilitated discussion to deepen community engagement with art history.
Professional Art Practice
Professional Artist, CourtneyCo Fine Art
September 2017–Present
Maintain an active professional studio practice producing original works, large-scale public and private commissions, and fine art installations. Commissioned for major projects in airports, service centers, and boutique businesses, with work held in gallery, public, and private collections. Exhibit both locally and internationally, receiving multiple honors including the People's Choice Award and the Dennis Klaus Honorary Award. Artwork has been featured by Fox13's The Place, KUTV2 News, Daily Herald, Yahoo News, and KSL News.
Artist Statement
I am a classically trained artist with a strong foundation in art history, drawing inspiration from the Baroque and nineteenth-century masters. Their use of light, form, and narrative informs my practice, while oil paint remains my primary medium for its depth, richness, and expressive potential.
My work is rooted in symbolic realism, exploring the relationship between humanity and nature. I often merge the human figure with floral forms, using botanical imagery as a metaphor for fragility, resilience, and the human experience. Through intentional use of color, light, and texture, I create contemplative compositions that invite reflection on the interconnectedness of all living things and the quiet harmony between the ephemeral and the enduring.
Exhibitions & Recognition
Artist Career Advancement Grant
Utah Arts and Museums, 2025
Salon des Refusés Exhibition
Alma Gallery, May 2025
Freedom Festival Art Exhibit
Covey Center for the Arts, July–September 2025
Individual Artist Grant
Utah Arts and Museums, 2023
Business Card Art Show
JKR Gallery, July 2023
Love Art Show
JKR Gallery, February 2023
A New Page
JKR Gallery, January 2023
People's Choice Award, Society of America Art Show
Anthony's Fine Art & Antiques, October–December 2022
Art Prize International Art Show
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2022
Solo Art Show
Mozz Art Space, May–June 2022
Spring Salon Show
Springville Museum of Art, April–July 2022
All Shapes and Sizes Art Show
JKR Art Gallery, February 2022
Dennis Klaus Honorary Award, Presidents Art Show
"Violet Rose," Springville Museum of Art, November 2021
Business Card Art Show
JKR Gallery, July 2021
Make | Learn | Build Grant
Regional Arts and Culture Council, June 2021
Media Coverage
Daily Herald, November 2024
FOX 13 - The PLACE, Featured television segment
Yahoo Lifestyle / Deseret News, August 2024
BYU Universe, Featured article
