bonnie thornborough

CURRICULUM VITAE

ABSTRACT

I am a dedicated creative exploring the arts, time, play, deep learning, and the role of creative expression in health and well-being. I have six years full-time college teaching experience in graphic design, digital art, and visual communication; I recently completed an Arts in Health graduate certificate; and I currently work part-time in arts education and youth mental health / substance-use prevention. I care deeply about cultivating the mindsets, skills, and experiences that foster curiosity, empathy, creativity, and positive growth. This is my motivation as I work to weave together my work as an educator, artist, designer, caregiver, and community-builder. I am in the process of re-imagining my “art for time.”

FORMAL EDUCATION

Arts in Health Graduate Certificate 2023 Lesley University, Massachusetts

Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art-Graphic Design (+ graduate teaching) 2001 University of Memphis

Double Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art-Graphic Design and Journalism & Public Communication 1996 University of Alaska Anchorage

Study Abroad Western Sydney University (Australia) – Art, Theory, Cultural Studies 1994

NOTABLE EXPERIENCE

College Teaching:

Adjunct Faculty, Art + Art History Department, University of New Hampshire 2023

Adjunct Faculty, Art + Design Department, University of Massachusetts - Lowell 2022-23

Full-time Assistant Professor of Graphic Design + Director of AFA Graphic Design Program in Visual And Performing Arts (VAPA) Department, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC, New Jersey) 2002-2008

University of Memphis, TN: Graduate Student Teacher, BFA Graphic Design Program 2000-2001

College Courses Taught:

Principles of Design, Graphic Design for Non-Majors, Graphic Design I, Graphic Design II, Typography, Digital Artmaking, Newspaper Production, History of Graphic Design, 2-Dimensional Design, Visual Thinking, Visual Communication, Computer Animation, Web Design (software throughout courses: primarily Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign + various others)

Communications & Development Manager
2022-23 Tri-Town Council, Topsfield, MA
Support communications, programming, vision, outreach and fundraising for this local non-profit with a mission of helping youth live healthy and fulfilling lives. We help facilitate youth empowerment and community education about mental health, positive norms, substance use prevention, the power of play, the science of the positive, and much more.

College Faculty + Program Director (RVCC) – teaching and beyond:
2002-2008 Raritan Valley Community College, NJ
Promote positive learning culture in a community college with students ranging in age from 18–100, with various backgrounds, life situations, skills, interests, and goals; creation of exercises and projects that develop: a) specific technical skills, b) certain design skills c) interesting creative skills; use of comprehensive rubrics for assignments, assessments, and beneficial critiques; management of Graphic Design Computer Lab / Design Studio; Student and Faculty Art/Design Exhibitions; Student Portfolio development and review; AFA–BFA Course Transfer Alignment; development of Course Outlines and Objectives; Evaluation Process: Self/Peer/Teacher/Student; Campus Newspaper (The Record) Production – a co-taught course; All-College Day Spirit Committee; Inter-departmental Faculty Mentorship; Nota Bene Excellence in Education website design; several student award ceremony presentations, numerous invitation / postcard designs; presented at two national community college conferences and attended several others in design, art and higher education (AIGA’s Move, Revolution, Massaging Media, plus CAA, CCHA, NISOD, and League of Innovations).

Current Associations:
Member International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) since 2022
Member Newburyport Arts Association (NAA) since 2022

Fine Art Exhibitions:
Faculty Solo Art Show: “All the Time in the World,” 2006, RVCC NJ; Faculty Group Exhibitions 2002-2008, RVCC NJ; Lakeshore Association of Artists Members Exhibition 2012, Montreal QC; Sherwood Forest Benefit Vernissage, 2011, Beaconsfield QC; MFA Thesis Art Exhibition 2001, Memphis TN; Various Student Exhibitions 1992-1996 Anchorage, AK and Sydney, Australia

Elected School Committee Member, Masconomet Regional School District (Middle & High Schools):
2019-2021 Boxford, MA
School Committee service, Chair of Community Relations Subcommittee, Antiracism Subcommittee member; production of SC Blog; hosted Community Forum and Listening Sessions (during Covid-19 Pandemic); development and adoption of Policy on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Antiracism; MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees) Conferences; collaboration with Student Council on Small Town Hero Awards

Executive Board Member, Boxford PTO (Elementary Schools):
2013-2020 Boxford, MA
Co-President Boxford PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) 2019-2020; Curriculum Enrichment Coordinator- over 20 programs annually, active member of Northshore Arts Council - support for arts education; Yearbook Editor + Designer + Photographer - seven years/13 books; PTO Blog + logos/identity + communication; implementation of new website/portal/messaging system; Room Parent / Teacher Support; Community Service Project Coordinator; Slideshow/Video Production; Books in Bloom project guide; Event/Fundraising volunteer

Home & School Organization Member, Sherwood Forest Elementary:
2008-2013 Beaconsfield, QC
Newsletter (The Quill) production; Art Vernissage exhibition + invitation design; video production; creative ed lessons

Software / Design Skills:
Knowledge and experience teaching Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign; experience in various other applications + a learning/growth mindset; understanding of design principles: aesthetics and vocabulary of visual form, design creative process, problem-solving, critical thinking and presentation skills

Graphic Designer:
Independent and employed graphic design work for various clients and purposes since 1993. Projects have included books, catalogs, newspapers, magazines, newsletters, logos, identity systems (letterhead, business cards, envelopes, etc.), brochures, posters, postcards, invitations, flyers, CD cover, packaging, signage, apparel, products, labels, websites, blogs, videos, animations, social media, emails, photography…

PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY

My homes:  I was born and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. I still consider it home, although I have lived as far away as Sydney Australia, Memphis Tennessee, Princeton New Jersey, Montreal Canada, and Boxford Massachusetts. I have loved living in Massachusetts since 2013.

My elements:  I am a teacher and caregiver at heart; I love encouraging and supporting others. I have always studied art, graphic design, writing and theory. I am drawn to any space dedicated to feeling included, safe and open to each other and the creative process, and I am inspired by people allowing themselves to be vulnerable. I am intrigued by connections between different disciplines and concepts, and love exploring various ways to think about time. I enjoy creating art in any media—especially about questions, ideas and causes that matter to me.

I believe in: learner-centered education, culturally-responsive teaching, metacognition, the messy creative process, the value of curiosity, the importance of free-play, developing critical thinking skills, using empathy to drive meaningful projects, learning through service, intentional work toward equitable systems, teacher morale and support, accessible education at all levels, awareness of history’s layers, human and civil rights, being thoughtful, cultivating compassion, nurturing wellness, welcoming inspiration, finding humor, embracing openness, and the power of joy.

I also enjoy: any activity with my kids (17 and 15), visiting family and friends in Alaska, traveling anywhere, building with snow, skating on ice, the ocean, bonfires, starry nights, aurora borealis, watching dance, watching hockey, walking outdoors, listening to music, visual and performing arts, poetry, all children, happy dogs, magical surprises, learning from every field that explores meaning in life, having time to witness and be amazed at the world.