She/Her www.missheatherart.com missheatherart@gmail.com Fiber Arts, Interdisciplinary In-person, Online, Hybrid mentor BIO Heather Schroeder is an artist from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She received her BA in Art and Design Art from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2018. In 2022, Schroeder received her MFA from Montana State University, where she focused on trauma, the body, as well as her own personal story. Her work carries a strong narrative which invites the viewer to examine subjects relating to domestic violence, addiction, family matters, as well as personal growth. Her art and research are dedicated to bringing a voice to people who know these struggles, as well as finding solutions for proper rehabilitation with art at its center. She predominantly works in ceramic, textile, and watercolor. Schroeder has shown in group exhibitions around the United States. She currently lives and practices in Minnesota. TEACHING PHILOSOPHY & MENTORSHIP Being an educator requires a commitment to constant growth and learning. It asks us to not only help our students in the classroom, but also prepare them for beyond the walls of the University. When entering the classroom, it is important for me to create an environment which fosters growth and creativity for my students. Embracing failure as a part of learning is crucial as it offers an opportunity to learn effective problem-solving skills as well as finding positives in what one may have potentially viewed as a loss. My intentions through teaching are to build confidence within my student’s art, communication, and critical/creative thinking skills. What I enjoy most about mentorship is the conversations that transpire through art making and research.