OFF THE WALL STUDIO . . . A Learning Environment for the Young at Art was founded in 1983 in Hawaii as a means of offering art enrichment programs to students of all ages. In 1996 the studio relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2011, Off The Wall opened a location in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Karron Nottingham, Director/Instructor of Off The Wall Studio, is a professional artist recognized nationally and internationally for both her mixed media constructions and her lectures / seminars on creative content. She is a dynamic speaker with extensive experience in art education who enthusiastically embraces the development of “self!”.
Offering art instruction to students of ALL AGES:
The “Young At Art After School Art Enrichment Program” is designed to enrich your child’s aesthetic potential through artistic expression. A multi-media instructional approach exploring a variety of techniques, both two and three dimensional, introduces your child to the visual language of art while increasing self esteem and academic skills.
The “Young At Art: Advanced Studio Arts Program” is designed for the older student who desires to work more independently within a favored medium or technique. The class focuses on portfolio development, series work, art theory, design work, presentation and personal critiques.
The “Young At Art: Artist in the Schools Program” gives your students the unique opportunity to interact with a professional artist from their community who shares her talents and enthusiasm with the students in your classroom.
“Stories To Tell” is a collection of adult workshops designed as a means of searching for, and creating, personal symbolic narratives utilizing various modes of artistic expression. Emphasis is placed on content and the creation of objects that relate to ones own life experiences.
“Summer Fun!” Half day and full day art camps designed to stimulate the creative energies of your child. Classes are offered at Off The Wall Studio in Minneapolis and at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin.
The Annual “Spring Art Festival” is the student exhibition highlighting students art work produced during the year. The opening reception, held at Off The Wall Studio the first Saturday after Memorial Day, is a grand affair eagelry anticipated by all. The public is invited to attend.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
1983- Present Director / Instructor: Art Enrichment Programs at Off The Wall Studio, Minnesota
2007- Present Art Resource Instructor, Marine Elementary School, Marine On St. Croix, MN
2006- Present Art Resource Instructor, Stonebridge Elementary School, Stillwater, MN
2005- Present Art Resource Instructor, Withrow Elementary School, Withrow, MN
2004-Present Art Resouce Instructor, Alternative Learning Program, Stillwater, Minnesota
2004-Present Art Resource Instructor, Lake Elmo Elementary, Lake Elmo, Minnesota
2002-Present Instructor, Phipps Center For The Arts, Hudson, Wisconsin
2001, 2002 Art Teacher, Field Middle School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
1999- Present Minnesota Artist -In-the -Schools Program: K - 12, integrated art enrichment
1999-2000 Art Teacher, Clear Springs Elementary School, Minnetonka, Minnesota
1997,1998 Instructor: Summer Shades Art Camp, Edina Comminity Center, Edina, MN
1994-1996 Lecturer: University of Hawaii-Hilo, Department of Womens Studies
1994, 1996, 2000 Lecturer / Instructor, National Symposium / Fibre Forum, Mittigong, Australia
1983-1995 Hawaiis Artist in the Schools Program K - 12, integrated art enrichment
1992-1995 Director /Instructor: Off the Wall: Home-School Program , Hilo, Hawaii
1989-1992 . Instructor: Very Special Art, State of Hawaii-Program for the handicapped
1988 ..University of Hawaii-Hilo, Center for Continuing Education and Community Service
1988 . International Paper Makers Conference, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
1987 .Art Specialist: Moonani Kanyaku Imin Centennial Exhibit, State of Hawaii,
.Department of Education
SPECIAL:
Publication: 2004 Creating Personal Shrines, Carol Owens, Lark Press, China
Publication: 1995 Fire And Shadow: Spirituality in Contemporary Australia Art, Nevill Drury ..............................and Anna Voight, Craftsman House, Gand Book Art International
Publication: 1993 Textile Fiber Forum: Vol. 12, 1993, Australia.
Publication: 1991 Hawaii Island Arts, Malama Arts Inc., Kailua , Kona, Hawaii
Publication: 1991 Aloha Magazine, Looking Good on Paper, June 1991.
Publication: 1989 Dimensional Paper, Carolyn A. Dahl, Houston, Texas
Publication: 1989 Alternatives in Papermaking, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Eve Reid
Publication: 1988 Ampersand Magazine, Alexander and Baldwin, Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii
Publication: 1988 Retrospective 1967 - 1987, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Hawaii
Publication: 1988 Art Reach Magazine, Spring
Publication: 1988 Paper Making in Basketry, Press de la Plantz, Yorkville, Illinois
Publication: 1987 Honolulu Magazine, June 1987, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Invitational Research
Collection: ................Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.,
Featured: Good Morning Hawaii, KHBC-2, Hilo. Hawaii, December 1989.
Featured: Spectrum Hawaii, National Public Television: People of Hawaii, 1988
Representation: 1985 Design Conference, North Carolina School of Design, March 1986.
SELECTED COMMISSIONS:
2002....................... Fiber Work: Johnson Foundation, Racine, Wisconsin
2001 Fiber Work: Johnson Foundation, Racine, Wisconsin
PRECIOUS CD Design Logo, TEI Record Company,Tokyo, Japan, 1992, 1994, 1996,1998
1996 Fiber Work: State Chiropractic Association; Executive Offices Honolulu, Hawaii
1991 Fiber Work: Lehua Bay City Bar and Grill, Hilo, Hawaii
1990 Fiber Work: Hawaii Chiropractic Centre, Hilo, Hawaii
1989 Fiber Work: Japan Travel Bureau, Kalakawa Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
1989 Fiber Work: Ala Moana Hotel Corporation; Rumors Disco, Honolulu, Hawaii
1989 Fiber Work: First Bank Corporation, Wisconsin
1988 Fiber Work: Sheraton Hotel Corporation; Executive Offices, Honolulu, Hawaii
1988 Fiber Work: Daiichi Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
1981 Fiber Work: Mutual Insurance Company, Minnesota
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS:
Inagural Exhibition: Honolulu Art Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii , 2003 *Permanent Collection
Group Exhibition, MCAD Gallery, Calhoun Square, Minneapolis, Minnesota 2000 *Invitational
Hawaii Craftsmen 1995, Honolulu, Hawaii 1995 *Invitational
Pacific Rim Sculpture Exhibition, The Contemporary Muesum, 1995 *Invitational
Hawaii Craftsmen, Honolulu, Hawaii 1983, 1984, 1990, 1994
New Directions, Pegge Hopper Gallery, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1993 *Invitational
Art For Healing Violence Against Women, Grand Marais Art Center, Minnesota 1993 *Invitational
Alumni Invitational Exhibit, University of Wisconsin-River Falls 1993 *Invitational
Stories To Tell, Featured Artist Exhibition, Del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, California 1992
2 x 4 II, Hui Noeau Arts Center, Maui, Hawaii 1992 *Invitational
Spring Arts Festival, Wailoa Center, Hilo, Hawaii 1984, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
Anniversary Exhibition: Hawaii Craftsmen, Amfac Plaza, Honolulu, Hawaii 1992 *Invitational
National Paper / Fiber XV, Iowa City Arts Center, Iowa 1992
Artist Of Hawaii, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Hawaii 1992
Stories To Tell, Stones Gallery, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 1991 *One Woman Exhibition
State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Anniversary Exhibit, Contemporary Muesum,
Honolulu, Hawaii 1990
Paper As Art, Cypress College Fine Art Gallery, Cypress, California, 1990 *Invitational 1990
Fiber Hawaii, Honolulu, HAwaii 1989 *Invitaional
Microcosims: Small Scale Textiles, National Traveling Exhibit 1987 - 1989
Hawaii Craftsmen 1989, Amfac Plaza. Honolulu, Hawaii 1989 *Jurors Award-Best in Show
Artist of Hawaii-Ampersand Project, East Hawaii Cultural Center, Hilo, Hawaii 1988 *Invitational
Spring Arts Festival, Wailoa Center, Hilo, Hawaii 1988 *Jurors Award-Mixed Media
International Paper Makers Exhibit, Studio 7 Gasllery, Holualoa, Hawaii 1988*Invitational
Caterwauls, One Woman Exhbition, Potters Gallery, Hilo, Hawaii 1987 *One Woman Exhibition
Retrospective 1967-1987: 20th Anniversary, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts,
Honolulu, Hawaii 1987
Featured Artist Exhibtion, Del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, California 1987
Lieutenant Governors Exhibtion, Hawaii State Capital, Honolulu, Hawaii 1987 *Invitational
Made Of Paper, Octogan Center for the Arts, Ames, Iowa 1987 *Invitational
Made Of Paper, Waterloo Municipal Galleries, Waterloo, Iowa 1987 *Invitational
Hawaii Craftsmen 1986, Amfac Plaza. Honolulu, Hawaii 1986 *Jurors Award-Traveling Show
From 3 Vats, Volcano Arts Center, Volcano, Hawaii 1986 *Three Woman Exhibion
Paper Exhibition, Mendocino Art Center, Mendocino, California
Spring Arts Festival, Wailoa Center, Hilo, Hawaii *Jurors Awards: Mixed Media, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Acquisition Award
Group Show, The Artloft, Honolulu, Hawaii 1986 *Invitational
Dog Daze, Gallery Unique, Pahoa, Hawaii 1986 *One Woman Exhibition
Hawaii Craftsmen 1985, Amfac Plaza. Honolulu, Hawaii *Jurors ward for Excellence, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Acquisition Award, National Traveling Show
Fiber Connection, Wailoa Center, Hilo, Hawaii 1985 *Invitational
Minnesota Scene, Rochester Art Center, Rochester, Minnesota, 1985 *Invitational
Spring Arts Festival, Wailoa Center, Hilo, Hawaii 1983 *Jurors Award, Outstanding Individual Work Award
intuitives/mystic narratives, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 1983 *Two Person Exhibition
Fiber Exhibition, University of Minnesota-Rochester 1981
Fragments of Ziox, Hamline University, Minnesota 1981
REVIEWS & CLIENT COMMENTS
"Karron is a accomplished artist and an amazing teacher. Unlike many art teachers who have a formula on how to teach art techniques, Karron focuses on developing the unique gifts and talents of each child. She doesn't underestimate the creative maturity of children, but helps them embrace it. Karron treats chidren with respect as individuals and artists, creating an environment that is "safe" for kids to experient and grow creatively without fear of criticism or failure. But most of all Karron is FUN! Kids just love the crazy projects and it shows in the smiles as well as the cool art that they create. All children can benefit from time spent at Off The Wall."
Off The Wall Parent
"The Off The Wall Studio classes that I took from Karron Nottingham literally changed my life. From Karron, I learned new techniques and skills, I was exposed to numerous new materials, and I experienced self-expression in new and exciting ways. Most importantly, my inner creative spirit came alive, due to the instruction, guidance, critique, and encouragement from Karron. As a professional educator, I appreciate working with gifted teachers. I realize that a master teacher is driven by passion and ability. Karron Nottingham is the persona of both. I highly recommend classes at the Off The Wall Studio for anyone who is interested in the joy of learning and artistic expression in a supportive and creative environment. Karron is very capable of teaching all levels of experience and ability."
Anna Erbes
“Karron’s dynamic personality and no nonense instructional style make art lessons fun and accessible for all. Her enthusiam for art is contagious as she inspires her future student artists. Each lesson she prepares is well tought out and organized. Her rapport with the students is wonderful and she is always willing to share her creative ideas with teachers. Her motto: FEAR NO ART! says it all! Lake Elmo School LOVES having Karron as their art teacher!”
Lake Elmo Elemtary School Teacher
“Karron brings out the best in each and every student, inspiring their creativity and encouraging their explorations into new materials and concepts.”
“Karron’s enthusiasum for artmaking is contagious! This positive attitude combined with an incredible depth and breadth of knowledge of art techniques and materials provides rich and meaningful experiences for students of all ages and skill levels.”
Anastasia Shartin, Visual Arts Director, Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, Wisconsin
“I have been a student of Karron’s Off The Wall Studio’s Young at Art program for the past five years. She is entusiastic, fun, experienced and an amazing artist/woman. She has inspired me to grow as an artist. Without her, I would never have gotten accepted to study at the Chicago Art Institute! Thanks Aunty Karron!”
Off The Wall Student
“Karron and her art classes have been a tremendous gift to our family! My kids have been part of Off the Wall art classes for the past 5 years, gaining exposure to art theory, history, a myriad of different media - all in a hands-on way. Karron has not only helped expand their minds, but also, and more importantly, has helped build their self-esteem.”
Off The Wall Parent
“ I’m not sure how Karron does it! I’ve seen her in action with kids and teens, and miraculously everyone seems powerfully engaged, self-motivated, happy and learning not only about art but also about themselves along the way. Off the Wall has helped raise my kids and for that I’m truly thankful!”
Off The Wall Parent
“ Both my husband and I were college art majors and I’m sure that neither of us were exposed to the wonderful kind of learning that Karron offers until college—or perhaps not even there! Hands-on exposure contact with art as you learn history, theory, many media and grapple with understanding and expressing your own thoughts. Amazing!”
Off The Wall Parent
"Karron Nottingham inspires and challenges children artistically. She incorporates a wide variety of art mediums and techniques in her camps, while providing creative motivation. It is always a surprise and a treat to see the creations that come out of her camps. When asked if he would take her class again, our son replied, "YEAH""
Off The Wall Parent
2007 Off The Wall Studio - All Rights Reserved
