I deeply appreciate creating art in community and value the potential of an art class or collaborative project to form connections, nurture imagination and bring people together collectively into the present moment. While art making is often a solitary activity, an art classroom or workshop can become a place of knowledge and skill exchange and collective problem-solving; a space where one can become more attuned to oneself and the inner worlds of others. Together, we can not only create works of art but better understand one another and develop a shared sense of belonging. This requires establishing and maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment where all students or participants feel comfortable exploring ideas and expressing themselves. I strive to co-create spaces rooted in curiosity, play, care, gratitude and honest communication.

As an artist and educator, I’m especially drawn to teaching and working with art forms that have the potential for collaboration and resource sharing. I have years of experience teaching classes and facilitating workshops in printmaking, bookmaking, mural painting and site-specific installations. I love to extend my studio explorations into the classroom; a shared interest in paper making, fabric design or mosaics can become a collaborative project or community-based workshop. Beyond the practice of making art, understanding the historical, political, cultural and scientific connections to an art form or subject can deepen one’s connection to their practice and the sense of belonging to a larger community of thinkers and creators. Whenever possible, I bring related disciplines into the classroom in age-appropriate ways (and fully believe any discipline can be explored through art!) and encourage students to dig deep into an art form or idea.

I have experience planning instruction for and teaching in a range of settings and with all ages and abilities; from college-level printmaking courses to community murals with non-profits to exploratory art lessons at a Montessori preschool. Currently, I am teaching introductory printmaking courses at Arts + Literature Laboratory and offer private and group lessons in screen printing, block printing, letterpress and book arts at Polka Press. If you are interested in learning more about my upcoming offerings or have ideas for a workshop or community project, please reach out to me at lesleynumbers@gmail.com.