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
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Testimonials
"Their teaching approach transformed how I think about art. I'm now studying at RISD thanks to their mentorship and portfolio guidance."
Sarah Chen
Former Student, Class of 2023
"An exceptional educator who balances technical instruction with conceptual depth."
Dr. Michael Robertson
Head of School
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