STATEMENT
With a studio practice informed by interest in relevancy beyond the “art world” and a background in architectural theory, in addition to professional engagement with a wide community of children and families as an art educator, I consider myself an art worker.
I pursue work in social practice making large scale creative activations collaboratively with children and families, and in more personal spaces, I explore narratives that support inner life and creative inquiry. Recent work combs the landscapes of childhood and the family, salvaging objects and stories, inspired by children's innate resilience and their dogged pursuit of joy. Precarious and immediate, rendered with rudimentary techniques, the work speaks to the scale, color and forms of young children’s creative processes. At all scales, the work seeks access to the expression and healing of early pre-verbal and adverse childhood experiences.
BIO
Jessica Jane Russell is an Australian-American artist, educator, writer and curator, with a background in architecture. She holds a Masters degree in Architecture from Yale University and undergraduate degree in Visual Arts from Sydney College of the Arts, in Sydney, Australia. Jessica has received awards for her co-creative work with children, including a 2018 Creativity Award from the Northwest CT Arts Council. Curatorial work includes pop-up events in galleries and non traditional spaces in upstate NY and Northwest CT. Published writing includes a Substack blog Art Juice and articles for Litchfield Magazine 2015 - 2018. Recent group exhibitions include Within This Expanse, The Post Office, Port Ewen NY, Nov 2022; Anthropocene, The Gallery, Woodbury CT, Feb 2019. Solo exhibitions Jessica Jane, EBK gallery, Hartford CT, Dec 2016.
RESUME
work
Art Room Atelier, Litchfield, CT — Founder & Director
October 2016 - present
Art Room Atelier is a child centered art studio for creative exploration, founded in the belief that making space for creativity makes space for joy. Creativity is a vital skill to nurture for the vibrant health and development of children and communities.
Services included creative experiences in process based art, including private instruction, in person classes, online classes, workshops, hospitality events, private parties, large scale festivals, and educational settings for preschools through high schools. Retailed kits were also successfully developed and deployed during the pandemic.
Art Room Atelier appears top in google searches for kids’ art classes in the region: the children, returning parents and local arts organizations repeatedly recognize the atelier as having made a significant impact in their individual lives, and for the community as a whole.
All School Mural, Salisbury Central School — Creative Lead
October 2019 - June 2022
In partnership with American Mural Project and Twenty2 Wallpaper + Fabrics, I worked closely with the design team at Twenty2 Wallpaper to conceive of a unique process for 300 + students to produce artwork which Twenty2 then digitally collaged and printed as a wallpaper mural to be installed at the Salisbury Central School. I facilitated and oversaw every step of this 2.5 year process, including establishing the creative partnership with Twenty2, mural ideation, creative process execution, including facilitating student participation (ages preK - 8th grade) both remotely and in person. The original work for this large scale, eye-catching, 300 foot mural was created entirely by the hands of children.
American Mural Project, Winsted, CT — Teaching Artist
October 2018 - December 2021
In-person and online art education: program development, class and camp delivery, working closely with Program Director Michele Begley to ideate and design new programs, set up a temporary studio, deliver online classes and design kits of materials.
Litchfield Magazine, Washington, CT — Writer
July 2017 - October 2019
Lifestyle articles, interviews, studio visits with Litchfield area creatives for this magazine and an online predecessor eventually acquired the magazine, Happening in the Hills. I wrote approximately 30 articles for editions of these bi-monthly print and online publications over the course of three years.
James Baron Art , Kent, CT — Gallery Assistant
September 2014 - February 2015
Gallery assistance included writing press releases, art handling, documenting, and publicizing and planning exhibitions of high caliber secondary market artwork.
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY — Visiting Critic
Fall, Winter, Spring Semesters 2010 - 2015
Critique on design reviews for the undergraduate architectural design students with a panel of invited professionals in the fields of architecture and design.
Allee Design, Lakeville, CT — Architectural Design Associate
2003 - 2005
Institutional & residentidential design for renovation and new construction.
Cliff Cooper AIA, Litchfield, CT — Architectural Design Associate
2003 - 2004
Institutional & residentidential design for renovation and new construction.
Poesis, Norfolk, CT — Architectural Design Associate
2002 - 2003
Furniture and residentidential design for Pilar Proffitt and Rob Bristow.
education
Yale School of Architecture New Haven, CT — Masters of Architecture (M.Arch)
August 1999 - May 2002
Sydney University Sydney, Australia — Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (BA)
February 1992 - December 1994
Sydney College of the Arts Sydney, Australia — Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) in Sculpture & Installation
Jan 1994 - Dec 1996
Brown University Providence, RI – Undergraduate Study with cross enrollment at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design)
September 1990 - December 1991*
awards
Litchfield Hills Creative Award
NW Arts Council 2019
Readers Choice Award
Litchfield Magazine 2019
community
Litchfield Arts Council
Founding Member 2022
Goshen Land Trust
Trustee 2003 - 2006
Washington Art Association
Trustee 2013 - 2017
Art Night Out, Litchfield
Founder & curator 2013 - 2014
select publications
Litchfield Magazine July/August 2018 “Geo-cushions and Gooey Baroque: Sculptor Mark Mennin”
Litchfield Magazine Sept/Oct 2018 “Of Poetry and Bridges: Lisa Gray of Gray Organschi Architects”
Litchfield Magazine May/June 2018 “All That Glitters: Master Gilder Carol Leskanic
Litchfield Magazine Holiday Issue “Monoliths and Menageries: artist Lauren Booth”
Litchfield Magazine Nov/Dec 2017 “Katie Re’s Right Brain: painter Katie Re Scheidt
Litchfield Magazine Sept/Oct 2017 “Joy and the Everyman: Ceramicist Joy Brown”