Maria Geary

Teaching Artist Summary
 
As a teaching artist, I believe in the power of hands-on, exploratory learning—where students are encouraged to play, question, and engage with materials in unexpected ways. My classroom is a space of creative discovery, where students are invited to ask, “What if?” and follow their curiosity through tactile experimentation and personal reflection.
 
My teaching approach is rooted in demonstration and guided practice. I lead by showing students how to use a variety of materials—acrylic paints, stencils, sponges, and even everyday objects like bottle caps or skewers—as tools for artistic expression. Through this process, students learn not only techniques, but also how to think like artists: to observe, to question, and to take creative risks.
 
I work with upper elementary through high school students, as well as adults, offering art journaling workshops that blend visual art with written expression. In these workshops, students create their own watercolor journals using the Japanese stab binding method. They explore mark-making with both conventional and unconventional tools, and experiment with texture using media such as molding paste and glass beads. Writing is also a key component—I invite students to reflect on their thoughts and emotions, which we then symbolically veil beneath layers of artistic technique. The result is a deeply personal, visually rich journal that continues to serve as a space for expression and inspiration.
 
At the heart of my practice is a commitment to joy, experimentation, and creative freedom. I believe that art is not just about the outcomes, it’s about process, presence, and possibility. My goal is to equip students with the confidence to explore, the tools to express themselves, and the sense of wonder that keeps creativity alive.