D R .

A U B U R N E . E L L I S
5601 N. Sheridan #11B
Chicago, IL 60660
312_545_0094
auburn@auburnaesthetic.com

EDUCATION

Ed.D. Adult and Continuing Education
Emphasis in Continuing and Professional Education, Curriculum &
Workshop Development
National Louis University Chicago, IL
May 2013

MA Art Education
Emphasis in Museum Education
School of the Art Institute-Chicago Chicago, IL
May 2009

BS Art Education
University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO
May 2006

BA Studio Art
University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO
May 2006

DISSERTATION RESEARCH

Integrating Aesthetics:
Transforming Continuing and Professional Education
Through Africentric Practice

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and describe curriculum
content and instructional strategies at three African Centered educational
institutions in Chicago. Goals included designing a continuing and professional
education model to help facilitate an understanding of the educational utility of
African Centered practice. The workshop model and curriculum that emerged from
analysis is intended for traditional public school practitioners serving students of
the African Diaspora in urban areas.

AWARDS, HONORS, FELLOWSHIPS & GRANTS

Recipient of Watanuki Travel Grant for Adult Education Research Conference &
Transformational Learning Conference: National Louis University
2012-2014

Recipient of Diversifying Faculty in Illinois Fellowship: National Louis University
2011-2013

Recipient of the Trustee Board Award: School of the Art Institute-Chicago
2007-2009

Recipient of the Brooks Scholar Award: University of Missouri-Columbia
2002-2006

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

School of the Art Institute-Chicago
Faculty 2015-current
Art Education Department instructing Doing Democracy:
An overview of historical, ideological and economic influences of white
supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchy on democracy, public life,
education and the arts.


Thomas Jennings Open Learning Village
Instructor 2014-current
Design and implementation of coursework in various
disciplines including art education and online learning


ONLI Studios-Chicago
Director of Creative Engagement
2014-current
Design and implementation of workshops and professional
development for educators in Chicago Public Schools, curating gallery
exhibitions and managing artwork sales


Chicago Public Schools
Instructor 2007- current
Art, Art History and Technology Instructor
Lectured on courses for local practitioners on multimedia, art
integration, and MAC software


Art Institute-Chicago
Consultant 2007-2012
Lectured a three-part seminar for practitioners introducing them to
Diversity in the Classroom
Designed annual seminars for practitioners on culturally
diverse program
planning, curriculum writing and instruction


Roosevelt University Department of Creative Engagement
Consultant 2009- 2012
Program Planning Seminars
Annual practitioner training for Hands Together Heart to Art, a
summer program for children who have experienced the death of a
parent. Program development and curriculum planning for several
artistic disciplines are essential components


Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Creative Arts Center
Instructor 2004-2008
Instructor for ceramics, painting and bookmaking
Tempus Fugit: Exploring the Arts through Bookmaking
Annual 6-week seminar for adults based on museum collection

TEACHING AND RESEARCH INTERESTS

Visit auburnaesthetic.com to view gallery and portfolio

Prepared to teach courses in art, art history, art appreciation, art and museum
education, online learning, technology, diversity, program planning, curriculum
development, adult and continuing education and assessment in higher education.

Research interests include, but not limited to, Art-Based Learning, Africentric
Paradigm, Critical Race Theory, Critical Theory, and Transformative Learning.

TECHNOLOGY

June 2014 Received ELearning & Online Teaching Certification from Thomas
Jennings Open Learning Village Academy

Proficient in the following programs:

Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point

Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator

Garage Band

Keynote

Dream Weaver

Final Cut-Pro

Knowledgeable in D2L, Mastery Manager, Blackboard, PowerSchool and

creating Podcasts

PUBLICATIONS
Integrating Aesthetics: Transforming Continuing Education through Africentric
Practice. In Re-engaging the African Diasporas: Pan Africanism in the Age of
Globalization. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Article accepted on file with editor.
I Can be Misrepresented All by Myself. Ellis, A., Brown-Merriman, T. In The
Problematic Tyler Perry. Black Studies Series. February 2016.
Integrating Aesthetics: Transforming Continuing and Professional Education
through Africentric Practice. Proquest Dissertation Publishing. March 2015.
The 21st annual AERC African Diaspora Pre-Conference: Reflecting, Relating,
and Reshaping the Community. Ellis, A., Erwin, P. L., Lasker-Scott, T., Bush, P. L.,
Stephens, M. L., Alston, G. D., & Brown, N. Adult Learning. Sage Press. February
2015.
Exploring Artistic Practice in Global Communities of the African Diaspora.
Proceedings for the 55th Annual Adult Education Research Conference. (eric.ed.gov)
August 2014.
Integrating Aesthetics: Transforming Continuing Education through Africentric
Practice. Proceedings for the 54th Annual Adult Education Research Conference.
(eric.ed.gov) June 2013.

Portfolio on file at Chicago Artists Archive. Harold Washington Library.

(chicagoartistarchives.blogspot.com). 8th floor. Chicago, IL.
Integrating Aesthetics: Transforming Continuing and Professional Education
through Africentric Practice. Dissertation Manuscript: Digital Commons-
National Louis University. Chicago, IL. May 2013.
The Election: Chronicles of an Integral Wizard. Creative Catalyst: Amazon Digital
Services. November 2012.
The Negro Experience: Taking a Critical Look at Equity. Published Masters Thesis,
Art Institute of Chicago Dissertation. (Available in I-Share) May 2009.

PRESENTATIONS, EVENTS AND GALLERY EXHIBITIONS

Chicago Public Schools Art Education Professional Development
Presented workshop: Art Integration Practice for Multiple Disciplines
Sponsored by Ingenuity
November 2015

Celebrating the Life of Billy Strayhorn
Sponsored by University Illinois-Chicago
Panel Moderator
November 2015

Bridgeport Art Center: Chicago, IL
Chicago Artists Month City As A Studio Exhibition
October-November 2015

South Side Community Art Center: Chicago, IL
Exhibition of work and lecture series based on
Black Age XVIII Heroes & Villains
September-December 2015

Crossroads Art Gallery District: Kansas City, MO
Exhibition titled Expressions of the Human Chakra
June-August 2015

23nd Annual Adult Education Research Pre-Conference of the African Diaspora:
Manhattan, KS
Presented research: Cultivating Kuumba (creativity): Applying Art Based
Practice to any Field
Sponsored by Kansas State University
May 2015

Chicago Public Library Lecture Series: Chicago, IL

Presented workshop: Bringing Graphic Novels to the Classroom
Sponsored by Harold Washington Library
January 2015

Black Comic Book Day- Graphic Novel Convention: Harlem, NYC
Presented workshop: Bringing Graphic Novels to the Classroom
Sponsored by Schomburg Center for Research & Black Culture
January 2015

UNO Charter School Network Conference: Chicago, IL
Designed & facilitated professional development for urban practitioners:
Arts Integration Strategies for Multiple Disciplines
November 2014

Thomas Jennings Open Learning Village Academy
Commissioned art work featured on website openlearningvillage.net
Launched 2014

Bridgeport Art Center: Chicago, IL
Chicago Artists Month: Transcending Boundaries Gallery Exhibition
October-November 2014

11TH International Transformational Learning Conference: NY, New York
Presented workshop/excursion: POP-UP Gallery: A Transformational Art
Influx
Sponsored by Teachers College-Columbia University
October 2014

POCKETCON Graphic Novel Convention: Chicago, IL
Presented workshop: Bringing Graphic Novels to the Classroom
Sponsored by ONLI STUDIOS-Chicago
August 2014

ONYXCON Graphic Novel Convention: Atlanta, GA
Group Fine Arts Gallery Exhibition
August 2014

3rd Biennial Kwame Nkrumah International Conference: Richmond, British
Columbia
Presented research: Integrating Aesthetics: Transforming Continuing and
Professional Education through Africentric Practice
Sponsored by Kwantlen Polytechnic University
August 2014

ONLI Studios: Chicago, IL

Solo Exhibition titled Remnants of Displacement
Exhibition of art completed during ongoing field research abroad
July 2014

22nd Annual Adult Education Research Pre-Conference of the African Diaspora:
Harrisburg, PN
Presented research: Integrating Aesthetics: Transforming Continuing and
Professional Education through Africentric Practice
Sponsored by Penn State University
June 2014

55th Annual Adult Education Research Conference: Harrisburg, PN
Presented research: Exploring Artistic Practice in Global Communities of the
African Diaspora
Sponsored by Penn State University
June 2014
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Kansas City, MO
Solo Gallery Exhibition titled Africentric Habits of Mind
Exhibition of art completed during dissertation research
April 2014

DuSable Museum of African American History: Chicago, IL
Group Exhibition and performance of live ongoing ceramic demonstrations
The Art of Sensuality
February 2014

National Museum of Mexican Art
Invited Lecturer: Transforming Practice Through Art Based Learning
Sponsored by School of the Art Institute-Chicago
2012-2013

University of Illinois-Chicago ECO Midwestern Conference: Chicago, IL
Facilitated roundtable: Exploring the Impact of Culturally Grounded
Education in Urban Communities
November 2013

United Neighborhood Organization Network Conference: Chicago, IL
Designed & facilitated professional development for urban practitioners
Culturally Grounded & Art Based Approaches to Learning
November 2013

Association for the Worldwide Study of the African Diaspora Conference: Santa
Domingo, Dominican Republic
Panel Chair-Presented research: Integrating Aesthetics: Transforming
Continuing Education Through Africentric Practice
October 2013

Insight Arts Center Invited Lecturer: Chicago, Illinois
Culturally Grounded & Art Based Approaches to Learning: Invited lecture
delivered to community members
September 2013

Dhaka Art Center Invited Lecturer: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Contemporary Art and Gallery Practice In America: Invited lecture delivered
to group of Dhaka University students
July 2013

Athena Gallery Invited Lecturer: Dhaka, Bangladesh




Research Fundamentals and the Preservation of Intellectual Property. Invited
lecture delivered to Dhaka Art Institute students and faculty
July 2013

Bronzeville Community Garden ComeUnity Day: Chicago, IL
Facilitated an interactive community driven art installation sponsored by
Revival Arts Collective
June 2013

54th Annual Adult and Continuing Education Research Conference:
Sponsored by St. Louis University
Presented research: Integrating Aesthetics: Transforming Continuing and
Professional Education through Africentric Practice
June 2013

Invited Lecturer to Courageous Conversations Marathon National Webinar
Courageous Conversations About Education: Ask a Teacher
Invited lecture delivered to web and teleconference audience
May 2013

DePaul University Invited Lecturer: Chicago, IL
Africentrism, Afrocentrism and Culturally Grounded Approaches to
Learning. Invited lecture delivered to DePaul University Health and
Sciences students and faculty- April 2013

National Louis University Doctoral Research Conference: Chicago, IL
Presented research Integrating Aesthetics: Transforming Continuing and
Professional Education through Africentric Practice
April 2013


10th Annual Transformative Learning Conference: San Francisco, CA
Telling our Stories, Transforming our Lives
Graphic Facilitation and portraiture of Transformative Learning
Conference participants
November 2012

Pop-up Gallery in Bronzeville: Chicago, IL
Solo exhibition: Cycles, Circles, Community, Continuity
July-September 2012

Edwin Gil Gallery: Charlotte, NC
Contemporary Art Show: Eye in the Red Part One
March 2012

A Celebration of Fearlessness: Chicago, IL
Contemporary Art Show and performance of live ongoing art demonstrations
February 2012

Curriculum Fair: Art Institute-Chicago, IL
Annually presented a series of curricula including Art in the Library. Made
possible by a grant from Terra Foundation, to help practitioners use
Chicagos cultural institutions to enliven curriculum with the arts
2009-2012

Thesis Symposium: School of the Art Institute-Chicago
The Negro Experience: Taking a Critical Look at Equity
May 2009

Graduate Art Show (mixed media): Academy of Fine Arts in Prague
The Negro Experience
June-August 2008

Art Show (painting and drawing): Summer Exchange Program Italy
Undergraduate Exhibition
June-July 2004

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member of the following organizations/institutions:

DuSable Museum of African American History
College Art Association
Revival Arts Collective
Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora (ASWAD)
Chicago Art Educators Forum (CAEF)
Art Institute-Chicago
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Online Teaching Certification received June 2014
Type 10 Visual Arts Illinois Certification K-12 received April 2009
Type 04 Illinois Certification received April 2007
Missouri Certification Art K-12 received June 2006

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO THE FIELD AND COMMUNITY

Revival Arts Collective
(2012-current)
A network of Chicago-based artists who plan public art events, programs,
community forums and activities that serve as a catalyst for community
redevelopment. The group is dedicated to improving the city of Chicago
through innovative arts and culture initiatives


CPS Arts Liaison
(2013-current)
As a representative for Chicago Public Schools expanding arts community,
planning events and curriculum content is critical to integrating the arts in
other subject matters, in addition to strengthening the criteria for
programming within specific school communities


Art Institute-Chicago Teacher Advisory Panel
(2009-2012)
Using research social and cultural constructs to provide practitioners with
contemporary professional development. As a liaison between schools and
the Art Institute, on-site programs occur both at local public schools and at
the museum

Chicago Art Educators Forum (CAEF) Board Member

(2010-2013)
Program planning for adult and continuing education programs is an
essential function of this role. Assessment, cultural competency, and
professional development are some of the most recent topics researched and
discussed to provide instructional strategies to local practitioners

Camp Butterfly Board Member & Artist in Residence
(2011-2013)
Program and strategic planning for Camp Butterfly, a non-profit
dedicated to the advancement of young ladies of the African Diaspora.
Encompasses planning and instructing various culturally grounded
adult education initiatives. Also a myriad of art-making activities as Artist in
Residence

REFERENCES

Dr. Thomas Heaney
Former Director of Adult and Continuing Education Doctoral Program
Faculty- Seattle University
theaney@nl.edu
312.261.3274


Dr. Randee Lawrence
Professor: National Louis University
rlawrence@nl.edu
630.874.4388

Dr. Rick Patterson

Founder & Director of Thomas Jennings Open Learning Village
rick@oopenlearningvillage.net
757-775-3686

Christina Bourne
Senior Director of Education-Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
cbourne@auditoriumtheatre.org
312.285.5180