Introduction:

My name is Anna Gargiulo, and I’m a mixed-media artist and educator from Michigan. I recently graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Art Education, focusing on illustration. My personal work centers on the human figure, often exploring historical and fantastical themes. When I’m not drawing or painting, I can usually be found taking long walks outside, watching movies, or reading books like The Lord of the Rings or Jane Eyre, all of which inevitably seep into my work and even my lessons on occasion. 

Teaching Philosophy:

As an educator, I’ve taught ceramics, painting, drawing, and design, and helped develop a new honors art course at the school where I completed my student teaching. My goal is to empower students to create work they are proud of while building the critical thinking skills and vocabulary necessary for engaging with art, history, and contemporary culture. I emphasize compassion and community so students can see beyond their own experiences, advocate for what matters to them, and understand they are stronger together and can learn from each other. Teaching is a reciprocal practice for me. Supporting students pushes me to grow as an educator and inspires me to refine my practice, challenge my assumptions, and broaden my understanding of the world.