2026 Master Teacher Nomination

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Slideshow

Nomination Presentation by Chris Matusek

Public View Link

Further Exploration

A list of links that further explain elements in the presentation above.

Detailed Resources

The Design Process, full article | VisuallyClear.info
Ceramics I — Illuminated Sculpture Project, some details
Design Squiggle, Damien Newman

Our College

Our college's Student Maker Studio
DAD Advisory Committee website

A bit more about me below.

A condensed timeline of events
More student testimonials

Community Partners

1992

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I started classes before the FPAC was built, in art trailers where Building D stands.

Applied to Moraine Valley Community College
Awarded a scholarship with two-year tuition paid; I begin taking classes.
As a first-generation college student do not yet understand the impact this will have on my life.

FUN FACT: I drove a forklift for 10 years to put myself through school.

1994

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Self-Portrait, BW Photograph

Earned an Associate in Art, Moraine Valley Community College

1996

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League for Innovation Exhibit Catalog Page
FUN FACT: My mother still has this painting.

1996-1997 accepted in the League for Innovation exhibition, National Juried Student Art Competition for my Yellow Still-Life, Diptych--Acrylic Painting.
1997 accepted to Skyway Art Competition for my Self-Portrait, Digital Art and Yellow-Still Life, Diptych--Acrylic Painting.
Hired as a Student Aide for art & design studios.

1997

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Scholarship Award Ceremony

Café Toulouse, Volunteer

Volunteer at many Foundation Fundraising Event
Applied to Northern Illinois University, was accepted with grants and scholarships.
Recipient Robert F. DeCaprio Memorial Scholarship on April 20, 1997. This scholarship was based on academic achievement, portfolio review, and an interest in pursuing a career in the visual communications field.

2000

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BFA Thesis, Treasures in Exotic Terrain,
Ferric Venom, Ceramic

Earned my BFA, major 3D Studio with Ceramic emphasis with minor in Art History, Northern Illinois University

2001

—2004

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Chris, Nikki, Gerri, 2001

Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery

Art Gallery Directory, 2003–2004
Art Gallery Assistant Director, 2001–2003
Art Gallery Student Aide1996–1997

FPAC Theater—Hospitality, House Manager, Box Office and Tech Crew

2001

—2018

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Teaching children's ceramics course.

FUN FACT: A young student gifted this to me. She said, "It's you, see the big smile!" My heart melted!

Art Adjunct Instructor

Taught credit courses: Art Appreciation, 3D Design, Ceramics, Digital Photography, Digital Illustration, Digital Imaging, Design I: Layout, Design II: Interface, Digital Design Internship, Digital Portfolio Development, Advanced Computer Art, Independent Studio: Ceramics, Independent Studio: Design
Taught non-credit courses: Arts Camp for Kids, Pottery Hand-building, Potter Wheel Throwing, Pottery, Best of Both

2002

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Food Frame, Digital Painting, 2002

Earned my Associate in Applied Science, Digital Art/Design, Moraine Valley Community College

2005

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Earned MFA in Digital Art, Indiana University

MFA Thesis Exhibit, Va Va Venus, Installation

Nominated Adjunct Professor of the Year 2005

Tri.Spective, 3-Person Exhibition

Moraine Valley Community College

2019

June 18

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Appointed Assistant Professor & Coordinator, Digital Art/Design, full-time faculty

2020

Pandemic

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Online coordinator meeting with Lynn.

Volunteered to assist Fine Arts & Humanities faculty in moving their classes online.
Built 6 of my own fully online courses over the course of the first year of the pandemic.
Continued and completed my Nontenured Faculty processes during the pandemic!