Linda Ruth Paskell
Art Educator - Humanitarian Photographer
225 Parkside Lane, Glenside, PA 19038
215.858.6943
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Professional Summary
I have had the privilege of developing and implementing full Art programs for schools locally for over 40 years to individuals of all ages, from widely diverse and inclusive backgrounds. I have worked with underserved populations in third world countries as well as differently abled individuals ranging from Autism, Alzheimer’s, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. It is my belief that everyone has the right to discover, develop and express their creative potential, regardless of challenging life circumstances.
The curriculum, lesson plans, projects and art experiences I designed are student centered and delight directed. The goal is to experience a genuine love for learning that nurtures an intersensorial curiosity through the Visual Fundamentals, mixed media materials, art history, museum education, multi-cultural awareness and the development of an aesthetic vocabulary. The fostering of personal creative expression, problem solving skills and the ability to work in collaboration with others are key components that support the healing and therapeutic value that the arts offer humanity.
Current Work History
Head Art Teacher
Trevose Day School - Neshaminy Montessori, Trevose, PA 2021 - Present
Adjunct Professor Arcadia University, Glenside, PA
School of Education:
- The Artist in the Community: Global Connections – Engaging with Others 2011 – Present
- Honors Program: The Color of Poverty – Art and Social Justice 2017 – Present
- Supervisor for Stage 3 Field Work: Art Education students 2023 – Present
Art from the Heart: Home – based studio art classes 2019 - Present
- Private in-home creative art experiences for individuals of all ages
- Intimate groups of 7-10 working in a student-centered loving environment.
- Nurturing creativity, personal expression and self-exploration.
- Community and family centered.
Previous Work Experience
Head Art Teacher
● Open Door Christian Academy, Fort Washington. PA: 1st through 8th grade 1982 - 2020
● Philadelphia – Montgomery Christian Academy, Dresher, PA: K through 6th grade 1988 - 1996
Adjunct Professor: School of Education
Cairn University, Langhorne, PA
● Integrating Arts:
Developing artistic cross-curricular connections for classroom teachers 1998 - 2010
Arcadia University, Glenside, PA
● Creative Expression:
The study of the origins of creativity and its application to education. 1997
Other Professional Experiences
Photography Business: 1997 - 2019
● Peek-A-View Photography: My business focus was primarily on the fine art of photographing children, families, weddings, professional headshots and portraits.
● The Color of Poverty: www.Peek-A-View.net 2006 - Present Humanitarian Photography is based on my world travels and experiences with impoverished communities, both locally and globally. This body of work is used to educate, inspire and ignite awareness regarding social injustice, suffering in this world and of how the creative arts are used to provide shelter, sustainability, healthcare and educational opportunities for women and children.
● Art Therapy for the elderly: 2005 - 2020 I worked as an art specialist for fifteen years developing an “art as therapy” program designing creative art experiences for high functioning senior citizens at three different ACTS Retirement Communities. I led my students from Open Door Christian Academy and the residents from the nursing home to participate and engage in intergenerational relationships through creative art activities. (Springhouse (2015), Normandy Farms (2017), Southampton (2020)
Education
Master of Education, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA 1996
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA 1981
- Concentration in Painting
- Certification in Art Education: Grades 1st through 12th
Awards and Accomplishments
● 2017 Advisor of the Year Award: (CEAO) Creative Expression Art Outreach SGO
● 2010 Who’s Who In America
● 2004, 1998, 1994, 1992 Who’s Who Among American Teachers
● 1981 Spruance – Daumier Award for excellence in Art, Arcadia University