DAWN MARIE BLUM
CURRICULUM VITAE
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I always imagined I would have a career in math or science, those subjects whose concrete answers gave me a sense of comfort. However, seventeen years ago, I found myself with the unexpected opportunity to teach photography in the art department at Southwestern Illinois College and quickly realized the significance of that pivotal moment. Having only a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies restricted my teaching opportunities. Faced with this limitation, I eventually attained my Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts from Fontbonne University, with a concentration in photography. Consequently, I now hold an Adjunct Associate Professor of Art position at Southwestern Illinois College. In this role, I teach students about the history of art, the utilization of techniques in making art, and the critical thinking skills in interpreting art while motivating, inspiring, empowering, and supporting them as they learn. My future in art is certain as I will continue to inspire, motivate and educate.
EDUCATION
2012
Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art
• Concentration in Photography, GPA: 3.92
Fontbonne University
St. Louis, MO
2011
Master of Arts in Studio Art
• Concentration in Photography, GPA: 3.8
Fontbonne University
St. Louis, MO
2005
Associate of Arts and Fine Arts, GPA: 3.5
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, Illinois
2002
Bachelor of Arts
• Major in Environmental Studies, GPA: 3.5
• Minor in Studio Art
• Cum Laude
Maryville University
Chesterfield, Missouri
1999
Associate of Science, GPA: 3.5
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, Illinois
CURRENT POSITION
2005 - Present
Adjunct Associate Professor of Art
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL
• Develop lesson plans
• Instruct studio courses including:
Photography I, II, III
Digital Imaging I, II, III
Drawing I, II, III
Basic Design I, II
• Inventory supplies for studio classes
• Mix chemistry for photography
• Submit work orders
• Instruct face-to-face lecture classes including, Art
Appreciation and Art and Gender
• Instruct online courses including, Art and Gender,
Art Appreciation, Non-Western Art, and Basic Design I
• Prepare and grade assignments and tests
• Recruit guest artists as speakers
• Build courses in Blackboard
• Present class remotely utilizing Microsoft Teams
• Write evaluations and record data for outcomes
assessment
• Collaborate with colleagues to write department-wide
assessments
EXPERIENCE
2015 – 2018 Southwestern Illinois College Belleville, IL
Ceramics Lab Technician
Responsibilities: Make clay and glazes. Organize classroom as needed. Load and
fire bisque and glaze kilns and unload kilns. Communicate with ceramics instructor
regarding inventory.
2014 - 2014 Design 5 Lebanon, IL
Graphic Designer
Responsibilities: Design graphics and layout for various print and web applications.
Assist in website editing using HTML and WordPress.
2012 - 2017 Fontbonne University Saint Louis, MO
Event Photographer
Responsibilities: Photograph art show openings and document artwork.
2012 SWIC Adjunct Faculty Local 6270 Fairview Heights, IL
Adjunct Faculty Negotiating Team Member
Responsibilities: Assist in revising and negotiating new union contract alongside fellow
union members.
2012 - 2013 Fontbonne University Saint Louis, MO
Lecturer
Responsibilities: Build courses in blackboard. Develop lesson plans. Prepare and grade
assignments and tests. Instruct Art Appreciation.
SKILLS
Hard Skills
•Mac and Windows OS
• Procreate
•Lightroom
•Illustrator
•Photoshop
•InDesign
•Adobe Acrobat
•MS Office Suite
• iWork
• Blackboard
• MS Teams
Soft Skills
•Interpersonal, oral, and written communication
•Leadership
•Critical thinking
•Problem-solving
•Time management
•Teamwork
•Creativity
•Organization
•Integrity
•Work Ethic
•Adaptability
EXHIBITIONS
Group Exhibitions
2022 21 Years: 21 Artists, Schmidt Art Center, Belleville, IL
2022 Parenthood, Art St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
2022 Exposed, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO
2020 Alumni Exhibition, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO
2019 Into the Third Dimension, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO
2018 Black Velvet Art Show, Schmidt Art Center, Belleville, IL
2017 SWIC Faculty Art Show, Schmidt Art Center, Belleville, IL
2015 SWIC Faculty Art Show, Schmidt Art Center, Belleville, IL
2012 [context] Texture, Art St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
2012 MFA Senior Thesis Show, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO
2011 MA Senior Thesis Show, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO
2011 Exploring Media: Maps and Beeswax, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
2009 SWIC Faculty Art Show, Schmidt Art Center, Belleville, IL
2009 Women Are Goddesses, Soulard Art Market, St. Louis, MO
2007 SWIC Faculty Art Show, Schmidt Art Center, Belleville, IL
Solo Exhibitions
2012 A Month of Sundays, Labeebee’s, St. Louis, MO
2009 In the Name of Progress, Labeebee’s, St. Louis, MO
SPECIAL INTERESTS
•Event planning
•Event baking
•Script collaboration for murder mystery dinner
•Interior design
•Home remodeling and renovation
REFERENCES
Mark Douglas
Associate Professor of Art, Department Chairperson, Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, Missouri 63105
314-719-8055
Anthony Borchardt
Assistant Professor and Gallery Director, Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, Missouri 63105
314-719-3620
Denise Douglas
Upper School Fine Arts Teacher
MICDS
Saint Louis, Missouri 63124
314-995-7450 ext. 7619