Victoria Smits: Ritual 1

Victoria L. Smits | victorialsmits.com

Education
2019 – Present | Structured mentorship under Lenka Clayton
1993 University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY | Master of Arts, English Education, emphasis in Creative Writing
1988 Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI | Bachelor of Arts, English, Art, Secondary Education

Published Work
2021 ‘Finding Light’ For Women Who Roar Art & Photography
2020 Day 12: Light, Love, and Toilet Paper Rolls | Social Distancing: A Global Community Publication, Mar-Apr 2020 | Design Arts Utah ’20 exhibition
2020 Mother/Daughter and Claire Margaret’s Liminal Move | Home-works | Spilt-Milk Gallery
2012 Adirondack Visits | Literary Life Center Chapbook | Grand Rapids, MI, Volume 3

Residency/Awards
2020 Artist Residency Project | School of Visual Arts
2020 Integrity: Arts and Culture Association | September mini-grant
2019 Artist Residency in Motherhood | September 2019 – Present | Eugene, OR
2005 Grandville Education Foundation Grant

Teaching Experience
1995-2010 Art Instructor, Grandville High School, Grandville, MI
Developed syllabi and course structure for thematic-based art courses rotating on a three-year sequence in a variety of media to include drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking. Developed syllabi and course structure for Honors Art, Independent Study, and Advanced Placement Art Supervision.
1995-2006 English Instructor, Grandville High School, Grandville, MI
Developed syllabi and course structure for Creative Writing, College Writing, American Literature, Senior Writing, World Literature, Freshman Language Arts, and Independent Study. Chaired development of revised junior year curriculum into new yearlong World Literature course.
1991-1994 English Instructor, Williamsville East High School, Williamsville, NY
Developed syllabi and course structure for thematic-based, 10-week and 20-week English courses grouped heterogeneously, based on academic classification and varied grade-levels to include instruction on 24 different novels over three years.
1990-1991 Substitute Instructor, Greater Buffalo Area
1988-1990 6th/7th Grade Blended Class Instructor, BCS, East Los Angeles, CA
Developed syllabi and course structure for sixth and seventh-grade language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, and art with students from socio-economically compromised backgrounds. Developed Outdoor Education Program to include one-week overnight camps near Big Bear Mountain.

Professional Experience
2018-2019 Commissioned to design and create artwork and welcome materials for Upstream, women’s retreat of rest, play, and growth.
1995-2010 Successful support of students in Scholastic Arts Competitions
2004-2006 Grandville High School Literary Magazine Editor, le raison d’�tre
1997-2000 Grandville High School Junior Class Advisor
1991-1993 Williamsville East High School Junior Class Advisor
1992-1993 Williamsville East High School Amnesty International Advisor
1992 Just Buffalo Literary Center Writing Workshop Contributor
1992 Williamsville District Professional Development Presenter, Heterogeneous Whole Language Instruction in Grades 9-12

Teaching Certificates
Michigan Art and English Certificate, grades 9-12, All subjects, grades 7-9
New York State Language Arts Certificate, grades 9-12