1. Who is Liz?
Originally from upstate New York, Elizabeth (Tecza) Van Allen was an art educator in
inner-city Philadelphia for twelve years before moving to Tampa, Florida. An active Art
Education writer/blogger with strengths in classroom management and program
development, Liz has led her students to create award-winning projects in drawing,
ceramics, weaving, book arts, painting, and more. You can visit her blog at
scribblesbyartteachervanallen.blogspot.com.
How qualified is she?
Liz was educated at the University of the Arts, where she earned both a BFA in
Drawing & Painting and an MA in Art Education. During that time she also completed
an art and culture study in Indonesia. Liz has worked with students of all ages in
varied environments including private and public schools, single- and mixed- gender
classrooms, and in both traditional daytime and boarding school situations as well as
camps and workshops. Her passion for education has also led her to teaching
workshops, education based presentations, and being a guest lecturer in museum,
university, and library settings to both student and adult populations. You can also
view her website and resume by visiting www.artteachervanallen.com.
What makes her special?
Collaborating with other artists, institutions, and teachers is one of Liz's strengths.
She has worked with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Moore College of Art & Design,
FreshArtists, ArtWell (previously the Arts & Spirituality Center), ArtsRising, and the
Barnes Foundation. In her classroom Liz has also hosted future teachers from Temple
University, the University of the Arts, and the Moore College of Art & Design in both
short and long-term experiences.
Liz has also been accepted into and nominated for programs with the National
Museum of Women in the Arts, the Delphi Program, the International Institute for
Restorative Practices, and the University of Pennsylvania.
What does she do to keep her teaching fresh?
An active member of the Philadelphia Art Teachers Alliance and the NAEA, Liz
collaborates with other artists, art teachers and classroom teachers regularly. She is
constantly searching out new learning opportunities through professional development
and skill building workshops around the country in a variety of subjects.
Does she still make art for herself?
Yes! Liz is a working artist with a passion for drawing, book arts, and printmaking, but
will work in any medium that fits the imagery she is working towards.