Creative experience Teacher, Coordinator, Collaborator

MARI NOVOTNY JONES

Randolph, MA ***** +1-617-***-**** ************@*****.***

Summary

Dynamic Arts Educator and Enrichment Specialist with over 25 years of experience in higher education and community engagement. Passionate about fostering creativity and critical thinking through innovative curriculum development in performance studies, creative writing, and the arts. Proven track record of mentoring diverse student populations, enhancing their artistic skills, and empowering them to pursue their dreams. Adept at integrating interdisciplinary approaches to learning, I bring a unique blend of academic insight and real-world experience as a consultant in education. Committed to enriching the educational landscape, I seek to inspire the next generation of artists and thinkers through personalized tutoring and transformative learning experiences.

Skills

• Arts and Humanities Tutoring

• Mentoring in Creative Writing

• Curriculum Development

• Higher Education Teaching

• Student-Centered Learning

• Performance Studies

• Ritual Studies and Performance

• Conceptual Art

• Drama and Playwriting

• Public Speaking and Communication

• Academic Advising

• Event Planning

• Theatre Direction

• Collaborative Teaching

• Creative Process Facilitation

• Artistic Consulting

• Educational Program Coordination

• Interdisciplinary Arts Education

Experience

Member 02/1980 to Current

Mobius Artists Group

• Showcased original work at international festivals and exhibitions, elevating Mobius' presence in the global art scene.

• Spearheaded the curation of artist showcases, including student exhibitions, works-in-progress, and international collaborations, fostering creative growth and innovation.

• Acted as the organization's spokesperson at key workshops, Mass Cultural Council events, City of Boston meetings, and fundraising initiatives advocating for the local arts community.

• Led high-impact special projects, coordinating cross-functional teams and international artists to produce dynamic, large-scale art installations.

• Developed and facilitated educational programs to support emerging artists, delivering workshops and mentoring young talent in artistic development and career growth. Adjunct Professor 09/2009 to 01/2021

Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, US

• Conducted in-depth research and applied ritual theory in live performances, integrating traditional storytelling techniques with contemporary theater practices.

• Developed and performed original scripts, merging creative writing with oral interpretation to enhance audience engagement through dynamic storytelling.

• Masterfully analyzed and delivered oral interpretations of literary works, bringing narratives to life with a focus on cultural and emotional depth.

• Collaborated on interdisciplinary projects, blending theatre arts, literature, and ritual studies to create immersive, thought-provoking performances.

• Designed and led workshops on oral interpretation, storytelling, and performance techniques, empowering participants to craft and present compelling narratives. Adjunct Professor 01/1996 to 05/2012

The School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, US

• Designed and taught dynamic courses in performance studies, emphasizing the intersection of art, theory, and live expression, fostering critical thinking and creative exploration in students.

• Guided students through the art-making process, from conceptualization to execution, emphasizing experimental techniques and interdisciplinary practices.

• Led classes in conceptual art, encouraging students to challenge traditional mediums and explore thought-provoking, idea-driven artistic works.

• Created engaging, forward-thinking curricula for 3-4 periods of art and performance studies, tailoring lessons to enhance both theoretical understanding and practical application.

• Facilitated collaborative student projects, integrating performance, art theory, and conceptual thinking, resulting in innovative group exhibitions and public performances. Senior Artist Educator 03/1986 to 06/2007

City Stage CO Boston, US

• Collaborated with public school teachers to enhance traditional curriculum by integrating drama, playwriting, and creative expression, fostering student engagement through hands-on learning.

• Led workshops in drama and playwriting, encouraging students to explore their creativity through storytelling, character development, and performance.

• Designed and implemented imaginative writing and performance programs, helping students develop their narrative skills while reading and acting out plays.

• Partnered with educators to transform classroom experiences, using theater arts to deepen understanding of core subjects and inspire a creative approach to learning.

• Mentored students in reading and performing plays aloud, building confidence, communication skills, and collaborative spirit through dramatic expression. Education

• M.A. emphasis: The relationship of creativity, psychology, and conceptual art in Ritual and Performance. Fieldwork: Macedonia. in Independent Studies Lesley University - Cambridge, MA

• Master's credits in Theatre and Communication

Syracuse University - Syracuse, NY

• B.S. in Theatre and Speech. English Minor

Frostburg State University - Frostburg, MD

Awards

• Emerging Artist Award, Boston Cultural Council 09/01/10 This award was given in recognition of my body Performance Artwork. I am also recognized as a valuable contributor to the city's art and culture.

• Tanne Foundation Artist Award 10/01/00

This award recognizes my body of Performance work. The award was 10,000. Cited in the award, was a collaboration with storyteller, Dianne Edgecomb for First Night, Boston issuing in the new millennium. The piece created actions from the Greek myth of the Minotaur. As identical twins Ariadne's, we employed themes of mirrors, twins, belling the Minotaur, chance, and transformation. Dianne and I, in spectacular costumes as Ariadnes, performed on the Boston Subways, Subway stops, City Hall, and a Subway Station changed into a Reflection Station. People were invited to hang tags of their written hopes with a bell attached to a huge net covering the front windows' expanse. interactions with audience members consisted of talking one-on-one with the audience while riding the subway or involving people on the station platforms in quiet intimate rituals for the New Millennium. We asked the audience on the solstice to hold candles along the platform as trains arrived to light their way in the darkness.

Publications

Women's Caucus on Art Book describing different artist's work and pedagogy in Women's Studies. ART NEW ENGLAND ARTICLE ON MY WORK AT MOBIUS,

Various national and art journals review my performance work. Groups

Mobius Artists Group 02/01/80

As a member of Mobius

• Presented my work there and also in various spaces and festivals around the world.

• Curated numerous artists, Special projects (student works, work in progress, international artists),

• Representative for the group at workshops, Mass Cultural Council events, City of Boston meetings, and fundraisers.

• Education specialist.

Assessments

Customer focus & orientation, Highly Proficient, 04/01/21 Responding to customer situations with sensitivity.

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