Almond Williams has studied abroad in Florence, Italy, where she received instruction in advanced painting, painting restoration, and art history. She has a passion for the process and exploration of art making, which she balances with a concern toward concept. Teaching Philosophy: I believe in a learning environment of experiment and play that ignites a love for the process of art and the desire to discover new and exciting outcomes. An encouraging atmosphere helps students gain the self confidence to emerge within their own ideas and maintain a lifelong love of the arts. Students can expect to be exposed to a variety of methods and materials as well as different artists' work. Additionally, we will work to explore concepts that deepen our awareness of ourselves and our environment. Artist Statement: Color, relationship, process, and technique are all important aspects that inform the concepts at the core of my work. Often manifesting themselves in abstractions, my paintings have an etherial quality that at the same time offer up something of the familiar. Their aim is to engage the viewer to enter into a dialogue that is offered up, but not controlled, by the artwork itself. http://www.almondwilliamsart.com/