I am an artist, an art educator, and a mindfulness instructor. With a Masters degree in Fine Arts and multiple certifications in Mindfulness, I have developed a series of workshops that combine mindfulness and art into meaningful explorations that allow for deeper reflection for individuals and groups.
Mindfulness and Community Education (2016 – 2019)
Mindfulness Instructor. Concordian International School, Bangkok, Thailand
—Initiated, coordinated and taught mindfulness programs for youth and teens using the Mindful Schools and Mindfulness in the Schools curriculum.
—Taught the 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion course to faculty and staff.
—Offered weekend contemplative retreats for staff and served as well-being mentor and advisor in collaboration with the counseling department.
Mindfulness through Art Instructor. Bangkok, Thailand. (2014-2019)
Developed and taught mindfulness through art programs for youth and adults.
—Workshops for teachers – Memory and Place, explores significant experience through art and meditation, ARWAE Conference,Bangkok, Thailand.
—Workshops for youth – Body Landscapes supports body awareness through mindfulness & collage and painting.
—Co-author of Thinking Through Art, a collaboration between high school Literature and Art departments and local art museums incorporating observation, contemplation, poetry and drawing.
Co-founder and Executive Director for Sisters Inc., community-based organization serving disadvantaged pre-teen girls through mentoring, creative arts workshops, and community networks. Cummington, Massachusetts USA. (1998 – 2001)
—Director’s responsibilities; Program development and workshop facilitation.
—Mentor training.
—Parent programs.
—Fundraising.
—Grant writing.
—Evaluation & assessment.—Board member.
Teaching Experience – Visual Art
Visual Art & Design Instructor and Program Developer, MYP & DP. Concordian International School, Bangkok, Thailand. Concordian is a tri-lingual, IB World School.—Responsible for establishing the middle and high school art programs. This included curriculum development, equipping all studios, and organizing ongoing exhibitions. (2010 – 2019)
Museum Art Educator, Abu Dhabi Tourist Development Corporation, Abu Dhabi, UAE. (2009)
—Designed and delivered art workshops for youth and adults in partnership with exhibitions from the Guggenheim collection.
Founding Faculty and Senior Art Teacher of Advanced Placement 2-D Design and Art Foundations. Glenelg School of Abu Dhabi, UAE. (2008 – 2010)
—Articulated an American-based curriculum sensitive to Arab culture and missions.
Middle School Visual Art Instructor, Department Head. Zurich International School, Zurich, Switzerland. (2004 – 2008)
—Under my tenure, the enrollment in the elective program increased 200%, and the art program was rebuilt and strengthened. I advocated for and received a budget with a 150% increase.
—Faculty Representative to Board of Trustees.
Supervisory and Model Teacher. Smith College Department of Education. Smith College Campus School, North Hampton, Massachusetts. (1999 – 2001)
Art Instructor, grades 3 – 9 East Woods School, Oyster Bay, New York. (1988 – 1996)
Education
MSC TT, University of California – San Diego
MFA, University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California
MA, San Francisco State University – San Francisco, California
BFA, University of Kansas – Lawrence, Kansas
Teacher Certifications – Massachusetts & New York states
Other Professional Experience
Museum Education, Long Island Children’s Museum, New York (1994 – 1996)
—Curriculum development for education department.
—Workshop facilitation.
—Staff training.
—Exhibition design.
Potash Hill Community of the Arts Development Project, Cummington, Massachusetts USA. (1994 – 2001)
—Purchase and development of historical art school.
—Community design, planning and financial management.
—Director of artist-in-residency programs.
New York State Association of Independent Schools.
—Served on the Accreditation Commission evaluating accreditation practices for a NYC member school. (1990)
Professional Development
Mindfulness Teacher Trainings (2018-2019)
—Mindful Educator Essentials – Mindful Schools – USA
—Mindful Self-Compassion – USC San Diego
—Mindfulness in Schools Project, .b – London, UK
Leadership in the 21st Century, Maxine Driscoll – Knowledge Source
Theory of Knowledge & Assessment Changes in Diploma Visual Arts (2012)
MYP Visual Art, categories 1 and 2 (2011, 2016)
DP Visual Art, categories 1 and 2 (2009, 2011)
Community Action Service Coordinator (CAS) category 2 (2010)
Understanding by Design (UBD) (2008)
Presentations
Presenter – Memory and Experience in Non-objective Painting. ARWAE Conference,Bangkok, Thailand (2015)
Presenter – Building Identity for Girls in International Schools Swiss Group of International Schools Conference, Switzerland (2007)
Visiting Artist & Lecturer – Montserrat College, MA (2004)
Guest Lecturer – Smith College School of Social Work, MA (2000)
Community Service
Co-founder and Executive Director for Sisters Inc., a community-based organization serving disadvantaged pre-teen girls through mentoring, creative arts workshops, and community networks. (1998 – 2001)
Link Hands for Humanity, USA, India & Thailand – Consultation and program development for sustainability projects. (2006 – 2014)
Massachusetts Cultural Council – Grant review and distribution & cultural event planning for rural communities. (2001 – 2002)
Deborah Coffey Artist 