Araceli Giles – Visual Communications.

For as long as I can remember I have been an artist, my childhood consisted of creative thinking, and artistic expression in many ways. Growing up, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing art teachers who constantly pushed me to be the best artist I could be. Specifically, when I attended Lake Travis High School, I was always encouraged to do more and take my work further – this helped me not only with competitions and winning awards, but it’s something that has given me the drive to dive into any field that was presented to me as an adult.

After getting a degree in Visual Communications I worked in graphic design and marketing for years, until one day I unexpectedly got a job offer to teach art in a classroom. For the last 2 years, I have been a K-8 Art Teacher for an Arts Integrated Charter School in Nevada. Teaching such a wide range of ages and mediums has made me a stronger artist and given me so much perspective, making a difference in someone’s life just like my art teachers did for me, is a privilege I do not take for granted. I love sharing my knowledge and passion for this subject and am so excited to be back in my hometown doing what I was meant to do!