Jeannine grew up in the shadow of the George Washington Bridge in a part of New Jersey nine miles away from Manhattan. As a young art student at a state college she majored in art; it was common for instructors to require students to see exhibitions in New York (SOHO was just emerging-70’s). As a result, her understanding of the art world in the 70's is complex, as it was a complex time.
She lived for 3 years in Michigan, feeling like a 'fish out of water' she found out that she needed to be close to the New York metropolitan area. She loves her present location because it is between Boston and Providence, two thriving art worlds and yet not far from New York. Her principle priority has always been to pursue her own art as much as possible. Presently, she is able to focus more on her own work.
Jeannine taught art for twenty years at the high school level. Maintaining students' interest always involved a tremendous amount of creativity and exuberance . Teaching and education, along with art became a focus in her life. She soon found that the tools for teaching art were many- having a passion for art history, a familiarity with contemporary art and critical theory, knowledge of art concepts and principles and a strong ability to communicate this information. The honing of these skills was enhanced by numerous workshops and residencies at Maine College of Art, New Hampshire Art Institute, the Boston MFA, Ringling College of At and Design , to name a few. Her interests in art and education called for affiliations with the National Art Educators Association, Massachusetts Teacher Association, Attleboro Art Museum and Galatea Fine Art Gallery (SOWA, Boston). However, developing curriculum and assessment expertise relative to the Massachusetts Frameworks and the National Standards often seemed to boil art down to a mechanical process, which was problematic.
She fell into teaching as a convenience when her children were young but now, feels that it was part of some cosmic plan to provide her with a mission. Jeannine feels that she could not have navigated the many challenges of life- an abusive childhood, addiction, parenting, without having art . As a teacher she wanted to pass this “gift” on to students. The 'gift' being, the added resilience that a shortcut or pathway to creativity and self-knowledge can provide.
Education
Ramapo University of New Jersey, B.A.
Michigan State University (coursework in art and education)
Bridgewater University, M.A.T.
Lesley University of Art and Design, M.F.A.