Dana Bridges
Instagram.com/equilibrium_ceramics
Visual Arts Educator with 7+ years classroom experience K-12. Three years-experience teaching at collegiate level with a focus on teaching art as a visual language and art production through inquiry-based learning. Collaboration in art education with Isesaki, Japan, local arts organizations, and Springfield businesses. Specializing in 2D & 3D Foundations and Ceramics with strong interest in Socially Engaged Practice. Active artist with presence in Southwest Missouri. Studio practice consists of using ceramic materials and processes to find hope through play, improvisation, and exploration of the tension between self and other. Master Advisor and experienced teaching art appreciation online at Missouri State University.
Education
2020-2023, MFA in Visual Studies
Department of Art and Design
Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Thesis Exhibition: “Exploring Growth, Integration, and Play Working in Clay: Finding Pathways to Healing and Hope”.
2009, BFA in 3D Design, Emphasis in Ceramics
Department of Art and Design
Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Thesis Exhibition: “It’s No Rose Garden Darlin’”
2009, BSED in Art Education
Department of Art and Design
Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Professional Appointments
2020—2022 Graduate Assistant, Lecturer & Advisor, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
2011—2018 Visual Arts Educator, Bingham Elementary, Springfield, MO
2014—2019 Program Arts Educator, Springfield, MO
· Summer 2014-2019 & 2022-2025 Artworks/Explore & Middle School Fine Arts Academy/Explore, SPS
· Summer 2007, Fall 2018, Spring 2019 Ceramics Instructor, Springfield Art Museum
Honors and Awards
2020, Winner: Best in 3-Dimensional Fresh Gallery Juried Show Award for Multiplying, Springfield, MO
Selected Exhibitions
Springfield Art Museum, MFA Showcase, 2023
Springfield Art Museum, MFA Exhibition, 2022
The Coffee Ethic on the Square, First Friday Anniversary Art Contest, 2020
Fresh Gallery, Fresh Gallery Juried Show, 2020
Taylor Gallery, Health and Wellness Fair Exhibition, Missouri State University, 2019
Student Exhibition Center, Biennial Ceramics & Printmaking Exhibition, Missouri State University, 2019
Fine Arts Center Gallery, MO-KY MUD, Western Kentucky University, 2019
400 Place Down Under Gallery, Senior Thesis Show, 2007
Ralph Forster Museum, Art of the Americas class exhibition, 2006
Exhibit contribution, “Paiute Water Bottle."2006
Student/Curated Exhibitions
Shark’s Surf X Supply, Student Exhibition First Friday Art Walk, 2018
Credo Dance Academy, Degas Student Exhibition and Dance Recital, 2018
Bingham, Elementary, Isesaki Cultural Exchange Exhibition, 2017
Brentwood Library, Student Exhibition, 2012-2017
Kraft Administrative Center, Student Exhibition, 2012-2018
Springfield Art Museum, All Schools Art Show, 2012-2018
Hammons Hall Gallery, Students of Students Exhibition, 2009
MSU Art Annex Hall, Young Artists’ Exhibition, 2008
Professional Training
Master Advisor Award, Missouri State University, Fall 2020
Blackboard Blackbelt Certificate, Missouri State University, Fall 2020
MAEA Spring Conference, Branson, MO. April 2018
MAEA Spring Conference, Springfield, MO. April 2017
Youth Suicide Prevention Training, Springfield, MO. January 2017
OACAC Poverty Training, Springfield, MO. June 2016
Visual Thinking Strategies Training, Sedalia, MO. August 2015
MAEA Spring Conference, Kansas City, MO. April 2015
Completion of Step-Up Program, Springfield, MO. May 2014
MAEA Spring Conference, Branson, MO. April 2009
NAEA Spring Conference, New Orleans, LA. April 2008
Professional Affiliations
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts
Springfield Fine Arts Council