Dr Dawn Brooks DeCosta, EdM is the Principal of Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School. Dawn has a master’s in Educational Leadership, from Teachers College, Columbia University, as well as a master’s in Fine Art Education, from Queens College, and a bachelor’s degree in Education from St. John’s University. She began teaching 22 years ago and has worked for the NYC DOE teaching Fine Arts and Literacy for 15 years and has served as Principal of TMALS for the past 5 . Dawn has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work such as Marvin Mauer Spotlight Winner 2014-Yale Institute RULER Approach, Teacher of the Year 1998, Heroes of Education Award 2002 for her work with students involving the 9/11 tragedy (highlighted in CNN’s, “Through a Child’s Eyes”), and Outstanding Educator 2002. Her Museum Ambassadors Program, parent/grandparent workshops and student exhibits have been highlighted in numerous publications.
It was an awe inspiring experience at the Experimental Printmaking Institute at Lafayette College. I was first honored to be given the opportunity to learn this process that goes back to ancient times. So many of the artists I’ve respected and loved past and present have used this process. The process has evolved along with technology into one that continues to be so intricate and one that requires a great deal of knowledge and skill. Even though I went knowing all of this, I was still unaware of what I would experience. Just being in the midst of an environment where so many unbelievably talented artists have worked was exciting all on its own. As all of the ACFF Print Scholars have been, I was well prepared with what I needed to create prior to my time at the Institute. I came with my image which was created along the guidelines I was given. Jase Clark walked me through each step of the process with great detail and care. His knowledge and experience along with his patience made the process informative and enjoyable at the same time. He challenged my thinking and showed me how unique and vital the relationship between printmaker and artist can be. It was all so amazing. It was a beautiful experience to watch the print unfold from one step to the next. I watched my original image transform into another original creation of its own. Jase was assisted by Kandice Fields who shared her knowledge and skill in an extremely kind and helpful way. Curlee Holton, founder of the Experimental Printmaking Institute came several times to observe and guide. It was an honor to work through this amazing and unparalleled program he has created at Lafayette College. My deepest thanks go to Faith Ringgold and the Anyone Can Fly Foundation for this opportunity that I will never forget. Grace Matthews was the ideal companion and guide through this adventure. It was an experience that any artist if given the opportunity should not miss, it has changed me, my work and the way I will paint and create always. I come away from this experience… a new artist.
Dawn DeCosta and Curlee Holton at EPI August 14, 2010
Jase Clark, Dawn DeCosta and Kandice Fields on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at EPI
Dawn signing her prints at the end of her time at EPI
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