Alexa has degrees in both Art and Art History from prestigious institutions, proficiency as an artist in a variety of mediums, extensive and varied teaching experience, and a multitude of unique experiences both in life and in the arts. A presidential scholar at Stanford University, she received a BA in Art History. She has a Post Baccalaureate Degree in Art from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and an MFA from California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). An artist, designer, and educator, Alexa has worked as an art consultant and art educator for over a decade for internationally renowned artists, galleries, museums, schools, and private clients.

My love of learning has many sources. My formative years were spent attending a Waldorf Farm School, where ‘play’ was an absolute art form. The school fostered a love of learning within the endless possibilities of the imagination. We spent hours crafting with natural materials and learned our lessons in nature. My adolescence was spent at a private Catholic school for girls in Chile, SA, where my Chilean homeroom teacher made learning Spanish exciting by weaving syntax and grammar with lurid tales of Spanish Moors and a bloody Inquisition, convincing me of the centrality of art-to-life. 

I have taught students of all ages inside and outside institutions, while maintaining my own art practice. In Italy I taught drawing and painting from life and nature. At MICA I was awarded a teaching internship with the Dean of Painting Department and afterward taught at a Yeshiva in New Jersey K-8 and at the Zimmerli Art Museum grades 1-12. At CalArts I was again awarded mentorship from the Dean of the Painting Department, and worked under her in many teaching assistant roles until I was teaching my own classes of High School and College students. Now living in Ojai, I teach Studio Art at Thacher School and to private clients.

I believe that every young child is an artist, and is capable of making great work at any age and stage of development. I seek to create opportunities for the student to develop skillsets, problem solve, and embrace "mistakes". These lessons in the art room invariably build confidence in cross-curricular pursuits and life. Nature and direct observation, playing with scale and materials is key to my lesson planning, as well as incorporating color theory,  art history and story telling. 

PORTFOLIO SPECIALIST

 Alexa sees the Art Portfolio much like the Personal Essay; It should show people who the student is, how they think, and what they can contribute to a program. The portfolio should communicate artistic skills, experiences, originality, and commitment. Alexa works with aspiring creatives, including art, architecture, animation, design, fashion, film, music, theater, photography and more.

ART EDUCATION

Alexa's skillset is the culmination of both academic and practical training. She is well-versed and comfortable in countless art mediums and delights in introducing new techniques, materials, and methods to her students of all ages. 

Alexa.gerrity@gmail.com

917-699-1851

PO Box 269, Ojai, CA 93023