ARTS BIO

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. My name is William Grant. I was born in Michigan and raised in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. I am a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. My art training began at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I studied graphic design, painting, sculpture and printmaking. My studies continued at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York where I studied architectural design. My employment history includes free-lance design and illustration, business ownership, teaching, lecturing and a position with the National Broadcasting Co. (NBC) where I was the managing art director of the Corporate Design Department.

EXPERIENCE

1999 - PRESENT Currently attending Columbia University, seeking Degree in Doctor of Art Education, in the teaching of studio arts at college level.
Lecturing, and developing programs for Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of the American Indian, NY, NY.
Developed and taught course: “Native American Artists as Teachers.” Teachers College, Columbia University, NY, NY.
Appointed as Professor at Livingston College presently teaching foundation course “Building Community”, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
1994 - 1998 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, NATIONAL MUSEUM of the AMERICAN INDIAN, NY, NY. Museum Educator - Teaching and development of interpretive programs. Guest Lectured at Brooklyn Museum, NY, and Heard Museum, AZ.
1991 - 1993 AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITY HOUSE GALLERY NY, NY. Gallery Assistant - Assisted Curator in all aspects of exhibition preparation.
1987 - 1992 FREELANCE - DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION, NY. Produced brochures, illustrations and posters.
1986 - 1987 HANDS AND FEET STUDIO -ADVERTISING & DESIGN STUDIO, NY, NY. Owner - Directed art ad campaigns, designed booklets, wrote catalog, copy writer and illustration.
1979 - 1986 NATIONAL BROADCASTING CO., NY, NY. Manager of Corporate Advertising Design - Managed and developed 1983 - 1984 print ad campaign. Managed corporate print and design work as well.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

CURRENT: I have been appointed as Professor at Livingston College Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
2002 Developed and taught Lecture Series: “Native American Artists as Educators” Teachers College, Columbia University, NY, NY.
1994 - 1998 Worked full-time as Museum Educator: Developed Interpretive Programs relating to Museum Exhibitions. Smithsonian Institutions, National Museum of the American Indian, NY, NY.
1995 - 1997 Taught Printmaking and Drawing course. RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, MASON GROSS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ.
1983 - 1995 Guest Lecturer Philosophy Class. Subject: “Philosophy of the First Americans,” Music of the Courting Flute, “Art Direction & the Illustrator,” Alumni Basic Design course. SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS, NY, NY.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

1999 - Present I am currently working at the research level for the degree of: Doctor of Art Education in The Teaching of Studio Art Education at the College Level. TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NY, NY.
1996 - 1998 MFA - Studio Arts RUTGERS UNIVERSITY NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ.
1994 - 1995 BFA - Advertising/Design SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS, NY. NY.
1993 - 1994 AFA - 2 D Design/Printmaking INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN INDIAN ART, NM.
1988 - 1989 School of Architecture PRATT INSTITUTE, Brooklyn, NY.
1977 - 1979 Advertising and Design SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS, NY, NY.

AWARDS

2000 THE SAMUEL TILDEN AWARD The National Arts Club. 1994 IAIA MUSEUM Founding Funders Recognition. 1993 IAIA INSTITUTE Purchase Award
1993 IAIA INSTITUTE Best in Show. 1983-1986 NBC - Annual Graphic Arts Exhibition Printing Excellence. NBC - BROADCAST DESIGNERS ASSOCIATION GOLD AWARD (Nominee) SILVER AWARD. NBC - BROADCAST DESIGNERS ASSOCIATION GOLD AWARD (Nominee). SILVER AWARD. NBC - Annual Graphic Arts Exhibition TYPE EXCELLENCE AWARD - GOLD AWARD (Nominee) Certificate of Excellence. NBC - TYPE DIRECTOR’S AWARD. NBC - BROADCASTERS PROMOTION AWARD - SILVER AWARD.