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Ariel Wills
Artist / Educator
Education
2024
MFA in Illustration,
Rhode Island School of Design
(RISD), Providence, RI
Specialized in 2D/3D visual storytelling, stop-motion, book arts, fabrication, fiber arts.
Focused on integrating traditional techniques with contemporary media, exploring
narrative and conceptual development. Studied under faculty including Calef Brown,
Dylan Dewitt, Susan Doyle, Andrea Dezso, Masha Ryskin, and Amy Kravitz, cultivating
a practice rooted in materiality, storytelling, and interdisciplinary exploration.
Certificate in Collegiate Teaching in Completed the Certificate in Collegiate Teaching with Nancy Friese, focused on
Art and Design, RISD,
Providence, RI
inclusive pedagogy, curriculum development, and mentoring undergraduates and
graduates. Served as TA and instructor of record while maintaining an active studio
practice. Department of Teaching and Learning in Art and Design.
2021
MA in Liberal Arts:
Nature-Culture Sustainability Stud-
ies, RISD, Providence, RI
Interdisciplinary study in environmental humanities and political ecology with faculty
including Ijlal Muzaffar and Kate Irvin. Focused on material research, environmental
ethics, and sustainability, developing skills in guiding student research and inquiry.
2018
Masa independent academic participant in intensive study of Israeli contemporary
dance, spoken and written Hebrew. Internship at The W.F. Albright
Archaeological Institute
Hebrew University, Jerusalem Acad-
emy of Music and Dance, Jerusalem,
Israel
2014
Interdisciplinary Humanities with combined Spanish and
art concentration.
Bachelors in Arts, The University of
Oregon, Eugene, OR
2011
Universidad Autónoma de
Querétaro (UAQ), Mexico
Semester completed in Mexico studying Spanish language, Mexican and
Indigenous art and cultural histories.
Teaching Experience
Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), AICAD Post-Graduate Teaching Fellowship
Spring 2026
ILL 464B ILLUSTRATION:
A senior-level course focused on contemporary themes and concepts, designed to
help students develop their final project portfolios for the illustration industry. The
course emphasizes translating thematic vocabulary into inventive visual solutions,
while preparing students for the professional world by fostering industry-ready visual
awareness and skills.
Final Project Portfolio
2025-present
ILL 205 ILLUSTRATION I
A course focused on concept-driven and job-simulated illustration assignments,
emphasizing contemporary themes, professional habits, and industry-aligned work-
flvows.
2024-present
FNDN 150B STUDIO DISCOVERY:
Visual Fieldwork
This class provides the opportunity to explore, discover interests, realize personal
inclinations, and investigate new concepts to better understand the wide range of
offerings at CIA. Integrated into the foundation year, this class offers an interdisci-
plinary exposure to studio subjects, mediums, faculty, and facilities.
2025-Spring 2026
FNDN 131 LIFE DRAWING
Taught life drawing to foundation students, emphasizing observation, proportion,
anatomy, and expressive mark-making. Students developed skills in charcoal, conte,
graphite, and watercolor through in-class exercises, museum visits, and collabo-
rative projects that fostered critical thinking, visual literacy, and cross-disciplinary
engagement.
2024
FNDN 130 OBSERVATIONAL
DRAWING
Taught foundational 2D drawing and life drawing, developing students’ skills in
charcoal, conte, graphite, watercolor, and other media. Combined in-class and
experiential learning, including museum visits and collaborative projects across class
sections, fostering technical skill, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary engagement.
Rhode Island School of Design, Instructor of Record
2024
ILLUS 3770 101 EMBROIDERY:
Material as Storyteller
Designed and co-taught undergrads and graduate students with Wénrán Zhào This
all-level course to explore narrative potential of traditional and digital
embroidery, equips students with a comprehensive skill set in embroidery, textile
materials, and narrative techniques.
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