Expressive Art for All
Transforming emotions into art through creative experiences.
Expressive Art for All
Transforming emotions into art through creative experiences.
About Molly Ann McKeefery, MSED
Education & Profession
Molly Ann McKeefery earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Therapy from Beaver College/Arcadia University where coursework consisted of Fine Art/Studio Art, Art Therapy, Psychology, Education, and Liberal Arts classes. Molly began her Master's Degree in Student Personnel Services from Rowan University just before receiving her Teacher of Art Certification for grades Kindergarten-12 in 2007.
Molly worked full time in the mental health field for ten years, helping children and families develop and achieve their personal goals through art therapy and counseling. After leaving the position as Program Coordinator for a mental health agency, she developed a series of book-based art lessons for preschool and school-aged students. Later, she added jewelry making and held workshops for non-profit groups and taught private classes at both small and large venues. Molly was contracted to develop art programs and teach art "Kids Kamps" for many summers and was also affiliated with public library systems and created art classes and jewelry making programs for adults, as well as taught youth art classes for several years.
In addition to these community art programs and classes, Molly has also worked in public and private school systems, developed gifted and talented programs and art therapeutic after school initiatives, created courses such as Art Appreciation, and wrote curriculum with a Social-Emotional Learning focus for three different art classes at the high school level. Being drawn to a career in education, she completed her Master's of Science in Education in 2020 and became a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success. Molly is New Jersey K-8 Certified Art & AP teacher. Molly has spent most of her classroom instruction time teaching Fine Art at the high school level as well as pre-K through 8th.
Development & Accomplishments
Molly is passionate about programming and creating enriching art related opportunities with a focus on youth and education. There have been several programs that Molly has been credited for planning, sourcing, and activating. The stand out parts of this aspect of her professional career are:
Program Development & Proctoring: After School Art Therapy, Woodbine Elementary School, AVID Grant funded
Program Development & Education: After School Gifted & Talented Art, Dennis Township Elementary School
Program Development & Education: Summer "Kids Kamp" Art Enrichment Morey's Piers
Program Development & Education: Preschool Art Club, KD Studios & Dynamic Center of Fine Arts
Curriculum Development & Education: Youth & Adult Continuing Education, Cape May County Library System
Curriculum Development & Education: Art Appreciation, Wildwood Catholic High School
Curriculum Development & Education: Pe-K through 8th grade Art, Compass Charter School
Program Development & Education: Youth & Adult Art Enrichment, Ocean Isle Camping Resort
Program Development & Education: Youth & Adult SEL Summer Art Camp/Enrichment, Luna Souls & Bowls Yoga Studio
Program Development & Education: SEL Summer Camp with Art Integration, Ocean City School District
Curriculum Development & Education: Introduction to Studio Art, 2D Studio Art, Honors Portfolio Development, Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District
Program Development: After School Art Enrichment, Big Brothers Big Sisters & Wynnewood Walls Foundation
Program Development & Education: After School SEL Art Integration, Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District
Program Development & Education: Summer Art Camp, Sea Isle City Methodist Church
Artistic Philosophy
Confidence
An important part of growing artistic skill is the ability to relate art to the real world. Art appreciation is achieved through understanding the elements and principles of art and design. These are the foundations for how art exists, how we value art and identify it in the world around us. Articulation and the use of art related vocabulary brings fortitude and pride. When we can speak about the art we create or that is made by others, a level of confidence becomes present.
Community
Art integration in the community is key. Youth and adults equally should have access to artistic opportunities, whether it is to create or appreciate. I have worked with non-profits, school systems, and public municipalities to bring art programs that I have developed to communities. Discovering the different needs for who they are serving helps me tailor programming that supports goals we develop together.
Education
Building a set of artistic skills is something anyone can hold onto and use for the rest of their lives. To make art on their own, for others, for employment, to relax or keep as a hobby. It is not always about learning how to draw the perfect eyeball or paint miraculous water color landscapes, however. It is also about learning how to problem solve creatively, be solution focused, and take risks. Gaining executive skills like goal-setting and time management help in the art studio and in life.