About the Author

Shannon Brinkley

Sawubona! Salaam Alaikum! Hallo! With over thirteen years of experience teaching in international contexts, I bring my love for the diversity of language and culture to my work in the classroom. I found my way into teaching by leading art workshops for youth in rural South Africa after completing my interdisciplinary Bachelor of Fine Arts at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago (2005). This gave way to study in the Master of Arts in Art Education low-residency program at Maryland Institute College of Art (2013). There I conducted a qualitative research investigation into opportunities for developing student leadership in the art classroom. Taking my research from the classroom to the studio, I completed my Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art at Maryland Institute College of Art (2020).

Through middle and high school classrooms in Cape Town, South Africa, Cairo, Egypt, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and, now, in Leipzig, Germany, I have learned to adapt my work as a teacher to meet my students where they are. Designing and refining curriculum are passions I continue to build upon as I seek to make learning meaningful, relevant, and timely for my students. I believe bringing a contemporary focus to the classroom is paramount for student ownership!

Adjacent to my work as an art educator, I maintain an active studio art practice. The act of drawing informs my approach to a variety of media, including watercolor, collage, fiber arts, monoprinting, installation, and video.

I start my days with a dedicated morning yoga practice, paying close attention to the notion of “beginner’s mind.” I try to keep this lens of curiosity and presentness at the forefront of my personal pursuits, such as spending time with friends, hiking, cooking, gardening, and cycling. I look forward to sharing my curiosity for making, teaching, and learning with students at AOEU!

Professional Achievements:

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Bachelor in Fine Arts Degree (2005)

Maryland Institute College of Art Master’s Degree (2013)

Maryland Institute College of Art Master in Fine Arts Degree (2020)