Continuing Education Instructor Dana LeMoine

What are your roles at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)?

I work full-time in the Continuing Education (CE) office as the Enrollment and Marketing Coordinator as well as teach adult and youth printmaking courses through CE.

Intaglio print by LeMoine

What do you find rewarding about teaching youth and adult CE students?

I have taught in higher education in my past, and teaching in CE allows for more free expression without students worrying about grades. I find students of all ages are much more willing to take risks and try new media rather than staying where they feel comfortable or where they feel their work is the best. It provides many more opportunities for growth, and that is something that excites me.

CE has also given me the opportunity to teach multiple different classes and multiple different age-levels, which not every institution can offer. I have experience working with and teaching a variety of print, paper, and book techniques to students at a variety of age levels, and it is a pleasure to be able to put these skills to use at a place that is continually growing their course offerings based on student and instructor feedback.

"I make connections to others through the shared feelings and emotions my work evokes."

What do you do when you aren’t at MCAD?

I am very passionate about art and teaching, so I try to pursue both outside of my work at MCAD. I teach around the Twin Cities at other institutions, such as the Walker Art Center, the Minnesota Museum for American Art, and the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. I also make handmade paper, prints, and artist books out of the MCAD studios to show throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.

Intaglio print by LeMoine

Describe your own art practice. Where do you go or what do you look at for inspiration?

I find inspiration in the people around me, from friends to family, to the communities I am a part of. My work is very personal, yet I make connections to others through the shared feelings and emotions my work evokes. I often find myself unsure of ideas until I have the chance to bounce them off of folks in my communities through conversations and critiques.

"Make time for your art every week!"

What is your favorite print paper book technique?

Although I love all forms of printmaking and attempt to stay up-to-date with as many of them as possible, my favorite kind of printmaking is intaglio. I also love handmade paper and usually print my intaglio work on my own handmade paper, made from recycled fabrics, that have a connection to the subject of the piece.

Intaglio print by LeMoine

If you could condense your experience and knowledge into tips for artists, what would they be?

Set goals for yourself. Continuing an art practice when you do not have set deadlines can be difficult, especially when you have a lot going on in your life. Setting your own goals, whether they are for exhibitions, fellowships, or just for yourself, can really help you stay in your groove and not lose momentum.

On that note, make time for your art every week! Set aside time for creativity because, if you are like me, it is an easy thing to push aside. It can be tough to force yourself, but the push can lead to great ideas. Also, having some time and space for creative energy to flow every week gets you into a habit and allows for ideas to build.