Lena B. Ellis-Boatman
rhizome.artstudio@gmail.com rhizomeartstudio.com
Education
2014 Master of Fine Arts, Printmaking | Michigan State University; East Lansing, Michigan | University Distinguished Fellowship Recipient
2008 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art, 2-D Studies, Printmaking and Painting | Bowling Green State University; Bowling Green, Ohio | Summa cum laude | University Honors thesis: making up meanings
Teaching
2020- Adjunct Professor | Art & Design Department; Adrian College | Courses taught:
- ART 209: Weaving & Fiber Construction – Spring 2021, Spring 2022
- ART 101: 2D Design – Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022
- ART 210: Textile Design – Fall 2020, Fall 2021
- ART 203: Non-Acid Intaglio Printmaking – Spring 2021
2020- Part-time Faculty | Humanities, Languages & Arts Department; Washtenaw Community College | ART 101: Intro to Art
2020- Teaching Artist | REACH Studio Art Center | Lansing, MI | Programs taught:
- Art & Nature: Drawing & Printmaking youth camp, June 21-25, 2021
- Relief Printing Extravaganza, March 7, 2020
2020 Adjunct Faculty | Art Department; Saginaw Valley State University | ART 224: Intro to Printmaking
2015-2019 Assistant Professor (fixed term) | Department of Art, Art History, and Design; Michigan State University | Courses taught:
- STA 491B: Collagraph/Relief – Spring 2019
- STA 330: Lithography – Spring 2018, Spring 2019
- STA 335: Etching – Fall 2018
- STA 113: Color & Design – Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018
- STA 110: Drawing I – Spring 2016, Fall 2017
- STA 114: 3-D Form – Fall 2015
2018 Instructor | Linocut Print Workshop | MSU Broad Art Lab, East Lansing, MI | July 21, 2018
2014 Instructor | High School Summer Residency | Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum, Michigan State University | August 4-15, 2014
2012-2014 Instructor (as graduate student) | Department of Art, Art History, and Design; Michigan State University | Courses taught:
- STA 113: Color and Design, Spring 2013 & Spring 2014
- STA 110: Drawing I, Summer 2013
- Substitute Instructor for STA 432: Lithography, Fall 2013
- Teaching Assistant for STA 112: Contemporary Practices in Art | Design, Fall 2012
2013 Workshop Leader | Summer Printmaking Workshops | Printmaking + Installation Association, Michigan State University | July–August 2013 | Workshops taught:
- Low Tech Screenprinting: Drawing Fluid, Screen Filler, and Stencils
- Reduction Relief Printing: One Block/Three Colors
2013 Workshop Leader | Sense of Site Studio Workshop Series | Department of Art, Art History, and Design; Michigan State University | Spring 2013 | As Research Assistant to Dr. Karin Zitzewitz | Click here for video documentation of student exhibition
2010 Assistant Instructor | Young Artists at Work (YAAW) summer program | Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, in Toledo, Ohio | June-August 2010
2009-2010 Assistant Instructor | TSA Artisans’ Guild (TAG) after-school program | Toledo School for the Arts; Toledo, Ohio | October 2009 to May 2010 | As AmeriCorps Member
2003-2006 Art Education Major | Bowling Green State University; Bowling Green, OH | Coursework:
- Education in a Pluralistic Society, Spring 2006
- Expression and Response in Art Education, Spring 2006
- Educational Psychology, Fall 2005
- Foundations in Art Education, Spring 2005
- Intro to Education, Spring 2004
Solo Exhibitions
Our Natures | Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | April 16 – August 7, 2016
Works of Fiction: visual divergences | written narratives | Kresge Art Center, Michigan State University; East Lansing, Michigan | October 16–26, 2012
Selected Juried and Group Exhibitions
Adrian College Faculty Exhibition | Adrian College Gallery; Adrian, MI | October – December 2021
Really BIG PRINTS 4.0 | Steamroller relief prints | Organizers: Berel Lutsky (University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc), Ben Rinehart (Lawrence University), and Katie Ries (St. Norbert College) | Venues to date:
- Rahr-West Art Museum | Manitowoc, WI | August 4 – September 17, 2021
Washtenaw Community College Faculty Exhibit | Ypsilanti, MI | November 2020 – January 2021
Cataclysm | Exchange portfolio traveling exhibition | Organizer: Sukha Worob (Montana State University) | Venues to date:
- Mid-America Print Council conference, Univ. of Wyoming; Laramie, WY | Oct 2018
- Holter Museum of Art; Helena, MT | Sept – Oct 2018
- Glass Gallery, Lamar Dodd School of Art, Univ. of Georgia; Athens, GA | Aug 2018
- Salt Grass Printmakers; Salt Lake City, UT | July 2018
- Rocky Mountain Printmaking Alliance conference in Pullman, WA | April 2018
Really Big Prints Again! | Steamroller relief prints | Organizers: Berel Lutsky (University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc), Ben Rinehart (Lawrence University), and Katie Ries (St. Norbert College) | Collaboration with Rachel C. Allen | Venues to date:
- Wriston Art Center Atrium, Lawrence University; Appleton, WI | Dec 2016 – May 2017
- Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum; Two Rivers, WI | Oct 7 – Nov 30, 2016
- Rahr-West Art Museum; Manitowoc, WI | July 31 – Aug 28, 2016
Unique Impressions: The Bluegrass Printmakers’ Cooperative | Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Gallery, Georgetown College; Georgetown, KY | March 23 – May 2, 2016
Edinboro National Print Competition | Bruce Gallery, Edinboro University; Edinboro, PA | February 3–26, 2016 | Juror: Karen Kunc (Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
Mid America Print Council Juried Members’ Exhibition | Elmhurst College; Elmhurst, IL | October 26 – November 22, 2015 | Juror: Nicole Hand (Professor, Murray State University)
ReallyBIGPRINTS!! | Steamroller relief prints | Organizers: Berel Lutsky (University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc) and Ben Rinehart (Lawrence University) | Venues:
- Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum; Two Rivers, WI | Sept 10 – Nov 22, 2014
- Rahr-West Art Museum; Manitowoc, WI | August 10–17, 2014
Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition | Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, Michigan State University; East Lansing, MI | April 3–13, 2014
2012: Unknown Endings | Traveling exhibition | Organizer: Nicole Geary, University of South Dakota; Vermilion, SD | Venues:
- Black Door Gallery, 124 South Spanish St.; Cape Girardeau, MO | Nov, 2012
- The Printmaker’s Gallery, University of Arkansas; Jonesboro, AR | Jan–Feb, 2012
- College of Fine Arts, University of South Dakota; Vermillion, SD | Nov–Dec 2011
Glass Fashion Show | Glass Arts Society Conference; Toledo, Ohio | June 2012 | Collaboration with Emily Finkel.
Navigating Currents: 100 Inkteraction Reactions | Traveling exhibition | Organizers: Christopher Clark of Inkteraction and Jonathan Stewart, University of Dallas; Irving, TX | Venues:
- The 567 Center for Renewal; Macon, Georgia | April 6-30, 2012
- Cedar Valley College; Lancaster, TX | Jan 24 – Feb 21, 2012
- School of Art, Texas Tech University; Lubbock, TX | Jan 17 – Feb 19, 2012
Artomatic 419! | 407 Washington; Toledo, OH | April 2011
Toledo Emerges | Curator: Wynn Perry, Walter E. Terhune Gallery, Owens Community College; Toledo, OH | June 14 – July 29, 2010
Toledo School for the Arts Faculty & Staff Exhibition 2010 | Gallerie 333, Toledo School for the Arts; Toledo, OH | February 5 – March 2, 2010
The Black Flag on the Moon | Curator: Joseph Loccisano, Fine Art Gallery, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota; Bradenton, FL | May 29 – September 24, 2009
Artomatic 419! | 201 Morris Street; Toledo, OH | April – May 2009
Spring Show 2008 | Artspace/Lima: Lima, OH | April 18 – May 31, 2008 | Jurors: Melissa Eddings and Robert Lepo
Selected Workshops, Trainings, and Seminars Attended
University Graduate Certification in College Teaching Institute | Michigan State University | May 8-9, 2014 and May 9-10, 2013
How People Learn: A Cognitive Science Perspective | Center for Academic and Future Faculty Excellence, Michigan State University | April 4, 2014
Dr. Amy Driscoll, Assessment Leaders Colloquium | The Graduate School, Michigan State University | February 11, 2014
Sherri Harper Woods, MSSA, Good Youth, Difficult Behaviors (Youth Behavior Training) | The Community Partnership; Toledo, OH | May 19, 2010
Sarah Smelser, Monoprint Workshop | School of Art, Bowling Green State University | Fall 2006
Arts Administrative, Gallery, and Other Professional Experience
Assistant to the VRL Technology Coordinator | Visual Resource Library; Department of Art, Art History & Design; Michigan State University; East Lansing, Michigan | September-October 2015
Preparators’ Assistant for Naiza Khan: Karachi Elegies exhibition | Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, Michigan State University | February 2013 | As Research Assistant to Dr. Karin Zitzewitz
Creative Community Data Specialist | Arts Commission of Greater Toledo; Toledo, Ohio | November 2010 to February 2011
Studio Worker for Visiting Printmaker Crystal Wagner | Installation project: Tropic | School of Art, Bowling Green State University; Bowling Green, OH | November 5, 2010
TAG Program Coordinator | TSA Artisans’ Guild (TAG) after-school program | Toledo School for the Arts; Toledo, OH | October 2009 to October 2010 | As AmeriCorps Member
Gallery Coordinator | Gallerie 333, Toledo School for the Arts; Toledo, OH | October 2009 – October 2010 | As AmeriCorps Member
Gallery Installer | Parkwood Gallery, Arts Commission of Greater Toledo; Toledo, OH | October 2009 – October 2010 | As AmeriCorps Member
Gallery Consultant & Installer | Decisive Moment Studio and Gallery, 1113 Adams Street; Toledo, OH | September 2010
Art Show Assistant and Salesperson | Elemental Earthworks Studio for artist Corky Dunsmore | Bowling Green, OH and Hart, MI | August 2007 to August 2011 (seasonal)
Studio Worker, Printing with Visiting Printmaker Karen Kunc | Print edition: Solid Illusion | School of Art, Bowling Green State University | November 4–7, 2008
Membership in Professional Organizations & Studio Membership
Southern Graphics Council International, 2007 – Present
Mid America Print Council, 2008 – Present
Member, Bluegrass Printmakers’ Cooperative; Lexington, Kentucky | 2014-2017
Member, Wayne Professional Print Workshop, Wayne State University; Detroit, Michigan | Fall 2008 to Spring 2009
Residencies & Travel
Really Big Prints 4.0 | Participant in steamroller printing event | University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc; Manitowoc, Wisconsin | July 14-17, 2021
Really Big Prints Again! | Participant in steamroller printing event | University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc; Manitowoc, Wisconsin | July 15-17, 2016
Really Big Prints! | Participant in steamroller printing event | UW-Manitowoc; Manitowoc, Wisconsin | July 21–25, 2014
Artist Residency | Stone Trigger Press; Abiquiu, New Mexico | June 10–18, 2014
Self-Directed Summer Travel Abroad | Contemporary Art and History of Place | London, Oxford, Glasgow, Scottish Highlands, and Edinburgh; United Kingdom | June 2013
Artist Residency | London Print Studio; London, England | June 6–16, 2012
Self-Directed Summer Travel Abroad | Contemporary Art and History of Place | London, Glasgow, Deal, and Dover; United Kingdom | June 2012
Presentations & Visiting Artist Experience (Outreach)
Seeds of South Dakota | Designed and directed collaborative installation project with area printmaking students (in conjunction with Our Natures solo exhibition) | Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center; Sioux Falls, South Dakota | April 12 & 13, 2016 (installation remained on view through October 2016)
Gallery Talk: The Nature of Reality | Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition | Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, Michigan State University; East Lansing, Michigan | April 9, 2014
Slide Lecture: Contemporary Printmaking: Print Media, Techniques, Artists, and Trends II | With Rachel C. Allen | Printmaking Area presentation delivered to STA 112: Contemporary Practices in Art & Design, Michigan State University | December 6, 2013
Slide Lecture: Contemporary Printmaking: Print Media, Techniques, Artists, and Trends | Printmaking Area presentation delivered to STA 112: Contemporary Practices in Art & Design | Michigan State University | Fall Semester 2012
Studio Demo Assistant, Integrating Digital Imaging and 4-Color Printing Using Photopolymer Printing Plates | Demonstrator: Professor Janet Ballweg | Command Print: The 2008 Southern Graphics Council Conference | Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, VA | March 27, 2008
Panelist, Living and Sustaining Life as a Woman Artist | Moderator: Gallery Director Jacqueline Nathan | The Women’s Center, Bowling Green State University; Bowling Green, Ohio | March 30, 2007
Panelist, Socially Engaged Art: Environmental, Ecological & Activist Art | Art Conversation Event | Moderator: Brad McCombs | School of Art, Bowling Green State University | September 21, 2004
Selected Exchange Portfolios
Twelve on Twelve Exchange | Organizer: Peter Lusch, MFA Candidate in Graphic Design, Michigan State University; East Lansing, Michigan | 2013
The Interdisciplinary Exchange | Organizer: Taiki Fujimori, BFA Candidate in Ceramics, Michigan State University | 2013
The Big Ten Print Exchange: Round 3 | Organizer: John McCaughey, Lecturer, The Ohio State University; Columbus, Ohio | 2013
2012 | Organizer: Nicole Geary, MFA Candidate, University of South Dakota; Vermilion, South Dakota | 2011
Curatorial Projects & Exhibitions Organized
MFA All Media Exhibition | 18 artists | Kresge Art Center, Michigan State University; East Lansing, Michigan | August 26 – September 13, 2013
Sense of Site | nine artists | Kresge Art Center, Michigan State University | April 8-12, 2013 | As Sense of Site Workshop Facilitator and Research Assistant to Dr. Karin Zitzewitz | Click here for video documentation
explorative journeys + substances | Co-curated with Steven Stradley | twelve artists | Kresge Art Center, Michigan State University | April 9-20, 2012
screen | print: student works | Kresge Art Center, Michigan State University | December 16, 2011 – January 13, 2012
Toledo School for the Arts Parents’ Exhibition | Inaugural parents’ exhibition | 30 artists | Toledo School for the Arts; Toledo, Ohio | October 1-25, 2010
Looking Forward and Back: Work by BGSU Students and Recent Graduates | five artists | Gallerie 333, Toledo School for the Arts | July 22 – September 24, 2010
Toledo School for the Arts Faculty & Staff Exhibition 2010 | seven artists | Toledo School for the Arts | February 5 – March 2, 2010
Selected Awards & Fellowships
Fellowship for Research / Travel / Professional Development | Department of Art, Art History, and Design; Michigan State University | To attend the Southern Graphics Council International conferences in 2014 (San Francisco, CA), 2013 (Milwaukee, WI), and 2012 (New Orleans, LA)
University Distinguished Fellowship | Michigan State University | 2011 – 2014
The Feminist Future Symposium Student Scholarship | To attend The Feminist Future: Theory and Practice in the Visual Arts symposium | The Museum of Modern Art; New York, NY | January 2007
Works in Collections
- Anchor Graphics at Columbia College Chicago Archives; Chicago, IL
- Bowling Green State University Printmaking Archives; Bowling Green, OH
- Mid America Print Council Archives
- Printmaking Education and Research Studio (PEARS) Archives, North Dakota State University; Fargo, ND
- Southern Graphics Council Archives
Service & Community Involvement
Member of Organizing Team for Mystical Womxn’s Magic Fest 2022, September 2021 –
Member of Social Justice Task Force & Co-leader of Racial Justice Discussion Group | Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton | Brighton/Howell, MI | June 2020 –
Member of Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism Workgroup | AAHD | Michigan State University | Spring 2018
Volunteer | Bluegrass Printmakers’ Cooperative | 2016- 2017
Member of College Advisory Council Subcommittee charged with writing faculty/staff survey for Review of the Dean | College of Arts & Letters, Michigan State University | Spring 2014
Graduate Student Representative | College Advisory Council | College of Arts and Letters, Michigan State University | October 2013 – May 2014
Founding President & Leadership Team Member | MSU Printmaking + Installation Association | Department of Art, Art History, and Design; Michigan State University | 2012-2014
Secretary | Graduate Student Exhibitions and Events Committee | Department of Art, Art History, and Design; Michigan State University | 2011-12
Student Member | Graduate Committee | Department of Art, Art History, and Design; Michigan State University | 2011-12
Volunteer | One Bowling Green Campaign (to extend local protections in housing and employment) | Bowling Green, Ohio | Fall 2010
President | Two-Dimensional Artists’ Association (2-DAA) | School of Art, Bowling Green State University; Bowling Green, OH | 2007-08 (Member 2006-07)
Treasurer | Print Society | Bowling Green State University | 2007-08 (Member 2006-07)
Volunteer & Youth Committee Member | Equality Toledo | Toledo, OH | 2006-07
Board Member | LGBT Advisory Board | Bowling Green State University | November 2004 – May 2006
Vice President | Vision (LGBT+ student organization) | Bowling Green State University | January 2005 – April 2005 (Member 2004-06)
Rhizome Studio 