About Me.
Mariana Tonini Vilas Boas is an art teacher, and a digital and traditional artist from Curitiba (Brazil), working and residing in Richmond VA. She has a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Paraná from Brazil, and an MA in Art Education from City College of New York.
Mariana is an anthropologist by heart, she is fascinated by human nature and she seeks to understand and look for extraordinary human beings. She focuses her work on producing portraits of people of interest.
Education
Master's of Art Education
City College of New York CUNY
2018 - 2020
In my thesis, I explore the potential of art education to foster eco-literacy in students. During my research, I observed a significant amount of plastic waste in a school setting, which led me to argue that students need to understand the importance of all life forms and shift from an anthropocentric to a biocentric philosophy in order to understand and avoid waste. I believe that the arts can guide human beings toward a more informed and responsible engagement with the natural world. In my study, I examined the criteria used by eco-artists and recycled artists to select materials and how they develop art.
Based on my findings, I suggest that successful eco-literacy education should involve both natural resources and recycled materials, involve the local community, and include indigenous art in the curriculum. My objective was to find successful ways in which students can develop eco-literacy through art education, even in a virtual setting.
Due to COVID-19, I modified the study and focused on exploring recycled materials only. The unit culminated in creating a piece of art using reusable materials found by the students in their homes, plus any art materials they had at the time. Finally, I conducted an assessment to determine the progress of the students’ eco-literacy development at the end of the study.
Bachelor's of Graphic Design
Universidade Federal do Paraná - Brazil
2007 - 2012
Learning the letters of the alphabet is the initial stage for children to master written language and understand the culture and world they live in. However, the performance of this task is as essential as it is difficult: during this period, the child sees the world with eyes full of fantasy, preferring play to study.
The presentation of the letters should respect the child's rhythm and interests. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to present the Alphabet in the form of an illustrated children's book, with a fantastic narrative that uses printed graphic resources as a means of immersing the little future reader in the created story, creating a taste for the educational activity in which they find themselves.
Zupi's story takes place in the world of the Alphabet, a curious and magical place where each letter has its own world. The illustration of each world brings several elements whose names, indicated in writing, begin with the letter of that world - and three of them are missing a piece. They must be filled with adhesive labels in the form of puzzle pieces that bring their names. Thus, the child is encouraged to relate the recognized image, the word that represents it, and the letter being presented.
Work Experience
VOICE Charter School
Art Teacher
Aug. 2021 - Mar. 2022
As an art teacher, I conducted live art demonstrations and created detailed lesson plans aligned with the NYS Visual Arts standards. To ensure student success, I assessed their skills and collected data to grade their work. For those struggling with the material, I provided differentiated instruction with personalized 1:1 guidance. To accommodate students in both virtual and in-person settings, I prepared and conducted lessons in a variety of formats.
In addition to teaching artistic techniques, I also emphasized the importance of mindfulness and breathing exercises to help students prepare for their creative endeavors. I successfully utilized the art-in-a-cart classroom model, which demanded preparation and organizational skills to provide effective and engaging classes on-the-go.
Lastly, I planned and executed an impressive end-of-year decoration project that showcased students' artwork. Each grade contributed to a different aspect of the project, resulting in a cohesive and beautiful final product that looked like a tree in a garden.
Assistant Teacher
Oct. 2019 - Aug. 2021
As an Assistant Teacher, I have experience working with children in various settings, including in-person and online. I have worked with K-2nd-grade students, both in the classroom and virtually, providing guidance and instruction in mindfulness, guided reading, and art. I have also assisted in monitoring transitions between classes and assisted with music lessons. In the absence of an Art Teacher, I have substituted and assisted in lesson planning and preparation.
With my experience in both in-person and online teaching, I am comfortable adapting to various learning environments and providing a safe and engaging atmosphere for students.
Digital Illustrator - Freelancer
Currently Freelancer
2013 - 2017 | Professionally at Mundo Circus Ltda.
As an illustrator, I have created various digital illustrations for textbooks and books aimed at different education levels, ranging from elementary to high school. One of my notable projects includes illustrating the cover and providing illustrations for Carlos Roberto Bacila's "Nos Bastidores da Sala de Aula" book. I have also actively communicated with clients, managed briefings, and ensured that all of their illustration needs were met. In addition to this, I have had the opportunity to work on branding for Gattara Accessories. As an artist, I am proficient in various art media, including watercolor, silkscreen, etching prints, and gouache paintings.
I have a diverse range of experience in the illustration field. I have designed logos and brands for various clients and created illustrations for educational textbooks and children's books. Additionally, I have managed the briefing and development of illustrations. I am proficient in both digital and traditional media illustrations and have experience with lettering and calligraphy.
For more details, see Digital Art.
Caregiver - Nanny
2017 - Oct. 2019
I was responsible for ensuring the safety and healthy development of children while also teaching them problem-solving and self-regulation skills. Additionally, I provided homework tutoring for elementary grade students and created fun and engaging activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, and play-dates. I have experience working with children with learning disabilities and have worked with children ranging from 6 months to 12 years old.
Exhibitions
Marielle Franco Presente
AnkhLave Arts Alliance, Inc. works to highlight Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in contemporary art. AnkhLave selected six Queens-based female artists of color, the 2020 AnkhLave Garden Fellows, to create site-specific art installations throughout the grounds of Queens Botanical Garden (QBG). They consist of five immigrant artists and one first-generation US citizen.
This portrait of Marielle Franco is an homage to her life and work. Marielle was murdered on March 14th, 2018 while returning from a speech. She was a politician, a feminist, and human rights activist fighting against police brutality in Brazil. Mixing her portrait with that of the crabapple trees is a way to say “Marielle presente!”
Certifications and Licenses
Public School Teacher Certificate
Visual Arts
University of the State of New York |Eduation Department
Teaching Assistant
University of the State of New York |Eduation Department
Certificate of Completion | Dyslexia Awareness Module
Completed: 1/26/2023
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Completed: 3/29/2023
Valid for 2 years
Form: INITIAL
Effective Date: 08/10/2021 TO 08/31/2026
Form: LEVEL ONE
Effective Date: 07/22/2021 TO 08/31/2024
5 Professional Development Points
Conducted by: Virginia Department of Education
Conducted by: Virginia Commonwealth University
Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment
Completed: 01/06/2020
School Violence Prevention Workshop
Completed: 01/06/2020
Dignity for Al Students Act (DASA) Workshop
Completed: 12/18/19
Valid for 2 years
Training in Harassment, Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Discrimination in Schools: Prevention and Intervention
Conducted by: New York Institute of Technology