Resume
Juried Exhibitions
Guerrilla Art
August-September 2006
Altered Esthetics
Minneapolis, MN
2005 Annual Student Exhibition
April-May, 2005
Tweed Museum of Art
Duluth, MN
Exhibitions (*Solo Show)
*The Bordertown Show
Bordertown, Minneapolis, MN
Sept. 1- Dec. 23 2008
*Pen & Watercolor Paintings.
The Beat, Minneapolis, MN
Jul. 28-Aug. 26 2007
Photo Alliance & Art Education Silent Auction
Nutty Meg’s, Duluth, MN
Dec., 2004
Senior Exhibition
Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, MN
Oct., 2004
Private Collections
United States: Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Canada: British Columbia
Australia: Western Australia, Tasmania
Greece: Patra
Commissions
K-5 Genesis Curriculum 2005. Sponsored by Ione Orr, 2005.
Education
University of Minnesota Duluth
Graduation with B.F.A. in Art Education K-12
Completed May 2005
Selected Teaching Experience
Art Teacher, Watershed High School Minneapolis, MN, Sep. 2007 - Present
Taught fiber arts and craft arts in an arts focused charter school, centered in the heart of Minneapolis.
Art Teacher, Wayzata Central Middle School MN, Sep. 2006 - Aug. 2009
Taught sixth & eight grade art in a wide variety of mediums, implementing district wide curriculum.
Art in the Park Instructor, Minneapolis Institute of Art MN, Jun.-Aug., 2006
Worked with the MIA to teach art classes through summer youth classes at various parks throughout Minneapolis. Curriculum was based on the MIA collection for K-5 age children.
Studio Art & Art History Teacher, Discovery Public School Faribault, MN, Sep. 2005-Jun. 2006
First art teacher at this school, developed curriculum, setup and maintained department. School specialized in at-risk youth, with a high population of minority students and special education students.
About
Rachel Koniar is an artist and educator living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2005 with a BFA in Art Education. She has taught grades kindergarten through twelfth in Wayzata, Minneapolis, and Faribault. She has also taught summer classes through the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Artist’s Statement
A painting often begins with a passage from a book or news article. During preliminary sketches, I create illustrations that are approachable and readable. I often follow a children’s book format, as it is a style that has universal appeal and a familiar sense. The final painting invites the viewer closer with brightly colored creatures in lush, playful surroundings. However, upon closer inspection, the viewer may be surprised by serious details. Storybook style creatures find themselves in a vortex of violence, socioeconomic tension, or environmental consequences.
When beginning a soft sculpture, I start the design with the material. The fabric or yarn color or texture is the most important element. The material suggests a form to me that will best accentuate it’s personality. First and foremost the sculpture must be inviting and touchable. The artwork blends in with other textiles in a home, inviting the owner to reexamine quilts, needlework, and knit objects as treasured artworks.