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.
Residency: Mixed Media Art Journaling
Grade Level: Grades 3–12 | ELA • Visual Arts • Social-Emotional Learning
Residency Duration: 1-3 days
Residency Theme: Creative art journaling as a tool for writing skill development and artistic growth.The program can be adapted for different grade levels, classroom themes, and student needs. Schools may choose from a multi-day residency or a single-session workshop.Art journaling brings writing and visual art together in a creative experience that encourages students to reflect, experiment, and express themselves without the pressure of perfection. Through guided writing prompts and hands-on artmaking, students explore mixed-media materials and techniques while making connections to themselves, others, and the world around them.
3-Day Art Journaling Residency
The three-day residency gives students time to experience art journaling as a process, building their handmade journal and artwork in layers over multiple sessions.
Day 1 – Create the Journal
Students are introduced to art journaling and create their own hand-bound journal using a simple bookbinding technique and begin exploring transparent media, establishing a personal space for creative expression.Day 1: Create Your Art JournalDay 2 – Explore & Build Layers
Students will explore collage as a visual tool for expression by combining found imagery, words, and textures to build meaning, metaphor, and narrative.Day 3 – Reflect, Relate & Release
Students explore mixed-media techniques using stencils, acrylic paint, mark-making, and other materials. They learn how words, images, symbols, and texture can work together to communicate an idea or tell a story.
The residency supports ELA and Visual Arts standards while incorporating opportunities for reflection, creative decision-making, self-expression, and social-emotional learning.
Please contact the artist to discuss the lesson plan and/or modifications
NC Essential Standards and Standard Course of Study- Visual Arts Grades 3-12
Grade 3: 3.CN.1.2, 3.CR.1.1, 3.V.1.2, 3.V.3.3, 3.V.3.3
Grade 4: 4.CR.1.2, 4.V.1.2, 4.V.2.3
Grade 5: 5.CR.1.2, 5.V.1.2, 5.V.2.3, 5.V.3.2
Grade 6: 6.CR.1.1, 6.CR.1.2,
Grade 7: 7.CR.1.1,
Grade 8: 8.CR.1.1, 8.CR.1.2,
High School: B.CR.1.1, B.CR.1.2, I.CR.1.2, AC.CR.1.2
NC Essential Standards and Standard Course of Study- English Language Arts Grades 6-12
W.6.3, W.7.3, W.8.3, W.9-10.3, W.11-12.3
Workshop: Handmade Art Journal Book
Basic Art Journaling – Handmade Book | $15.00 per student
Students take the art journaling experience one step further by creating a handmade watercolor-paper journal using a simple bookbinding technique. After assembling their book, students participate in a guided writing and mixed-media experience and begin embellishing their journal.
Each student leaves with a handmade journal that can continue to be used for writing, drawing, reflection, and creative exploration.
All materials and preparation are included. Activities and writing prompts can be adjusted according to grade level, curriculum connections, and available class time.
-
NC Essential Standards and Standard Course of Study- Visual Arts Grades 3-12
Grade 3: 3.CN.1.2, 3.CR.1.1, 3.V.1.2, 3.V.3.3, 3.V.3.3
Grade 4: 4.CR.1.2, 4.V.1.2, 4.V.2.3
Grade 5: 5.CR.1.2, 5.V.1.2, 5.V.2.3, 5.V.3.2
Grade 6: 6.CR.1.1, 6.CR.1.2,
Grade 7: 7.CR.1.1,
Grade 8: 8.CR.1.1, 8.CR.1.2,
High School: B.CR.1.1, B.CR.1.2, I.CR.1.2, AC.CR.1.2
NC Essential Standards and Standard Course of Study- English Language Arts Grades 6-12
W.6.3, W.7.3, W.8.3, W.9-10.3, W.11-12.3
-
Workshop: 6" × 9" Art Journal Page
Basic Art Journaling – 6" × 9" Art Journal Page | $9.50 per student
Students begin with a guided writing prompt on a 6" × 9" sheet of watercolor paper and then transform their writing into a layered piece of art. Students are introduced to materials such as aqua brushes, stencils, and Inktense pencils while exploring color, mark-making, and personal expression.
Each student leaves with one completed 6" × 9" art journal piece.
-
NC Essential Standards and Standard Course of Study- Visual Arts Grades 3-12
Grade 3: 3.CN.1.2, 3.CR.1.1, 3.V.1.2, 3.V.3.3, 3.V.3.3
Grade 4: 4.CR.1.2, 4.V.1.2, 4.V.2.3
Grade 5: 5.CR.1.2, 5.V.1.2, 5.V.2.3, 5.V.3.2
Grade 6: 6.CR.1.1, 6.CR.1.2,
Grade 7: 7.CR.1.1,
Grade 8: 8.CR.1.1, 8.CR.1.2,
High School: B.CR.1.1, B.CR.1.2, I.CR.1.2, AC.CR.1.2
NC Essential Standards and Standard Course of Study- English Language Arts Grades 6-12
W.6.3, W.7.3, W.8.3, W.9-10.3, W.11-12.3
-
