KAILA GARCIA

Washington, DC
(202) 531-7047 | [email protected]

OBJECTIVE

Dedicated and student-centered visual art educator with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and experience teaching youth in both school and museum settings. Passionate about guiding students in developing technical skills, creative confidence, and critical thinking through structured, hands-on art instruction. Committed to fostering independence, artistic voice, and collaborative learning in a supportive classroom environment.

EDUCATION

University of the District of Columbia — Bachelor of Fine Arts
May 2025

Duke Ellington School of the Arts — Visual Arts Major
Washington, DC | August 2017 – June 2021

TEACHING & EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

Substitute Teacher

St. Patrick’s Episcopal School | Washington, DC
December 2025 – Present

• Provided classroom instruction and supervision across upper elementary grade levels, maintaining continuity of learning and classroom structure.
• Implemented lesson plans while adapting instruction to support diverse learning styles and developmental needs.
• Reinforced positive classroom management strategies appropriate for 4th–6th grade learners.
• Supported students in both academic subjects and creative projects, encouraging responsibility and collaboration.

Art Educator

Hirshhorn Art School – Smithsonian Institution
October 2024 – Present

• Design and lead art classes for youth, with a focus on developing foundational and intermediate skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
• Create structured, project-based lessons that encourage experimentation while strengthening technical ability.
• Introduce students to contemporary artists and guide group critiques to build visual literacy and constructive feedback skills.
• Foster independence and creative problem-solving appropriate for upper elementary learners.

Museum Education Intern

Hirshhorn Museum – Smithsonian Institution
September – December 2023

• Assisted in preparing materials and programming for youth workshops and public art education events.
• Observed and supported museum educators in facilitating student-centered learning experiences.

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Personal Assistant – Public Artist (Davide Prete)

Washington, DC | November 2025 – Present

• Support the planning and installation of large-scale public art projects.
• Assist with organization, material preparation, and creative problem-solving in collaborative environments.
• Model professional artistic practice that informs classroom instruction and real-world art applications.

ARTISTIC & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Studio Art:
Drawing • Acrylic & Watercolor Painting • Sculpture • Ceramics • Printmaking • Woodworking • 3D Modeling • 3D Printing

Digital Media:
Adobe Illustrator • Adobe Photoshop • Procreate • Nomad Sculpt

EXHIBITIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Active exhibiting artist in Washington, DC with work featured in juried and community-based exhibitions, including:

• Busboys and Poets (Takoma)
• Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery
• Children’s National Hospital
• National Cherry Blossom Festival
• Artomatic
• MLK Library Art All Night

Full exhibition history available upon request.