I am a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art, as well as Aquinas College. I loved Massart. It's a phenomenal school. In exchange for studio time, I was the acting technician while they searched for a permanent one. Then I was his assistant. I enjoyed this experience very much. I learned quite a lot; one of which was how to rebuild the arches in two of our kilns. My adoration for that school, the halls... the glaze lab and the kiln room, will never die. The scent of that whole department makes my heart explode.
I have grown up taking care of children. I'm the eldest of four, the oldest cousin on both sides, and I've been babysitting since I was 9. It makes sense I am a teacher. I love what I do. I came across an opening for a pre-school teacher in Brookline, MA. years ago. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It set me on the path I am on now.
I currently teach for Bay Farm Montessori Academy; I'm an assistant to the lead teacher.
I had been an art teacher for the Diocese of Fall River for twelve years; Saint Margaret's Regional School in Buzzard's Bay, as well as Saint Stanislaus School in Fall River. Both schools have closed. Catholic School was never the perfect fit for me; I am not religious at all. I fell into that position purely by chance. Massachusetts has strong requirements to become a public school teacher, so I stayed as long as I could in a school system without those requirements.
I love Bay Farm. It's a beautiful school in a beautiful location. I realize now I had never felt this welcome in my former schools. I finally feel like I belong in an environment where I spend most time during the week. Everyone I work with is so supportive and kind.
I do currently teach art of all mediums to all ages in my home studio... although the majority of my students gravitate to clay. That is totally fine with me! I am affiliated with Masshire Cape and Islands Workforce Board Youth Council. This program pairs professional artists with high school aged students who are interested in perfecting their artistic skills for college. I enjoy being part of this program very much; I meet some amazing people. Some of them still visit me even though they have gone off to college.
Here is a clip from a workshop my mentee Ethan and I did one April vacation:
I am the illustrator for the children's book, "Three Ducks and a Goose". The cd attached includes the title song, sung by the children's choir of Saint Margaret's. Involving my students is a very touching aspect of this project. This book was a blast to draw, and including my students has made it more memorable. They watched me draw the entire thing during aftercare.
https://books.google.com/books/about/Three_Ducks_and_a_Goose.html?id=KaXGMQEACAAJ&hl=en
I also drew illustrations for "Matilda". It's the tale of a donkey whose life changes for the better.
https://www.amazon.com/Matilde-Donkey-Lorraine-Gilmore-2015-09-10/dp/B01K3MOD0W
I have a deep respect for nature. I love the organic treasures I find on a walk or hike... the way clouds dance and swirl; creating colors in layers. I get excited watching things grow in my garden. I believe all of this reflects in my creations.
I love listening to audiobooks in my studio. SO MUCH FUN. I get lost in my little world and have a blast.
Again..... I love what I do.
I have participated in a large number of regional shows, auctions, and fairs throughout my years as a professional artist. Galleries as far as California have exhibited my sculptural clay work, as well as my pencil drawings.
Awards are listed below.
My pottery can be seen at Whimsical Wishes in the Village Landing in Plymouth, Ma.
Commissions are available for portraits...people and animals, landscapes, illustrations, sculpture and pottery. Actually, any idea you have, I can accomplish.
Make an appointment for studio classes or to buy some art.
arturchin@verizon.net
ATTENTION:
My main focus lately is creating new pieces of work. I haven't entered any competitions recently, but here are awards I've collected in my years as a professional artist. I look forward to entering some exhibits soon.
AWARDS
2025 Women in the Arts Recognition Award, from the Daughters of the American Revolution
2024 First Place in Sculpture, Fall National, Cape Cod Art Center
2022 First place in Sculpture, Cape Cod Art Museum
2012 Best in Sculpture, Cape Cod Art Association National Exhibit
2012 Honorable Mention, Plymouth Guild center for the Arts, Annual Juried Exhibit
2011 Best in Sculpture, Fall Juried Exhibit, Falmouth Art Center
2010 Best in sculpture, All Media Fall Juried Art Show, Falmouth Art Center
2010 Blue ribbon for drawing at the Bourne Beautification Organization spring exhibit
2008 Second place for Drawing in the National Exhibit at Cape Cod Art Association
2008 Third prize in the National Drawing show at the South Shore Art Center
2007 First prize in Sculpture at the Cape Cod Art Association
2007 First prize in Pastel at the Cape Cod Art Association
2007 Third prize in Drawing in the Mid Summer Art Show at the Duxbury Art Association
2004 Second place for Drawing in the Winter Juried Art Exhibit at Cape Cod Art Association
1986 Blue Ribbon for Drawing at the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards
1986 Blue Ribbon for Drawing at the Plymouth Art Exhibit
1985 Blue Ribbon for Drawing at the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards
1985 Blue Ribbon for Drawing at the Plymouth Art Exhibit