Suzy Gonz谩lez, MFA
Visiting Assistant Professor of Visual and New Media Arts
Program Head of Visual and New Media Arts
Convent, Room 100
210-528-7050
sbgonzalez@ollusa.edu
Areas of Expertise
- Studio Art: Painting, Drawing, Mixed-Media, Public Art/Murals, Zines, Stop-Motion Animation, Color Theory, 2D Design
- Art History: Modern, Contemporary, Mexican American, Feminist, Activist and Social Justice, BIPOC & LGBTQAI+
- Art Theory: Issues in Contemporary Art, Feminist Theory, Critical Response Process, Curatorial Activism
- Creative Practice: Grant Writing for Artists, Professional Development, Curation, Event Organizing, Community and Collective Art
Teaching Philosophy
All students should see themselves represented in art to have the confidence to become professionals in the creative fields. Cultural and social justice movements have always had ties to the arts and it takes a multitude of perspectives to imagine our futures; change must first be imagined before it can be enacted. A well-rounded Visual Arts education prepares students to enter the art world upon graduation in both their creative and business endeavors. I instruct not only through technical forms of studio art, but also by encouraging students to formulate opinions around art history, theory, and their own creative visions.
Outside Interests
I am a visual artist, muralist, writer, curator, self-publisher, and organizer. I鈥檓 a member of various creative collectives including San Anto Zine Fest, Dos Xicanx, Breathe Collective, the Water Writers, and Artists for Radical Imagination. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, and practicing traditional plant medicine.
Certifications and Memberships
- Adult Mental Health First Aid (2024)
- Certified Adjunct Faculty (2024)
- LGBTQ+ Safe Zone Training (2021)
- National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (since 2015)
- Teaching Excellence Certification (2024)
The Rating System for Teaching Excellence is a faculty evaluation tool focusing on teaching strengths and a commitment to continuous improvement. It assesses instructors based on four key criteria, each rated on a scale of 1-5 stars. These criteria include the clarity of instruction, organization of course material, ability to engage students, and availability and helpfulness outside of class. Instructors are evaluated on their clarity in explaining concepts, the organization of course materials, their ability to engage and involve students, and their accessibility and responsiveness outside of class. This system helps showcase and recognize exceptional teaching while promoting ongoing enhancement of teaching skills.
Awards
- City of San Antonio Individual Artist Project Grant (2021, 2023)
- Luminaria Professional Development Grant (2021, 2023)
- Culture and Animals Foundation Grant (2022)
- Intercultural Leadership Institute Fellowship (2018-2019)
- National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures Leadership Institute (2018)
- National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Fund for the Arts Grant (2017)
- Rhode Island School of Design Grad Studies Grant (2015)
Education
- MFA - Painting, Rhode Island School of Design
- BFA - Studio Art: Painting, Texas State University