Carly Lyon.

Howdy! Have we met? Perhaps. I think I may be equally part extrovert/introvert. I love the energy of my fellow people and practice giving my own energy freely to others. I crave community involvement and working towards understanding others as well as making room for a sense of belonging for those I meet. I love a good live musical performance and the energy of a vibrant dance party! But I also love a good long concentration session where I can focus my energy and time into creating. Over time I’ve had the fortune to work with a variety of art mediums and have been blessed with an 11 year career working with children to build their artistic confidence and skills. I’ve recently decided to shift my artistic priorities to music and venture out on my own as an artist.

I have been working with vocal teacher Nina Tolins for over a year, and feel like my vocal knowledge and abilities have grown tremendously. I’ve been able to extend my range tremendously, create a smoother mixed voice, and find the “sweet spots” in my voice that feel unique to me. I have been studying jazz and blues musicians with her such as Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn and Bessie Smith, as well as diving deep into songwriting legends such as Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush for writing inspiration. I feel like my voice moves between jazz, blues and soul vibes. I love performing regularly at Songwriter events and events within my community. I am able to sing a variety of cover songs as well. I am also working towards recording my original music professionally.

Teaching and Guiding.

As a painfully shy kid at school, I never thought back then that I would be in a position to bring out the confidence of learners in a way that my own Elementary Art Teacher did. Mrs. Stutsman took notice of the little voice inside of me that spoke through images and song, silent words written and big ideas eventually expressed. Several teachers since then have made their mark on me. There were my favorite High School English teachers Mr. Bailey and Mrs. Blomquist who shared their passion for what they taught. There was Mrs. Lozier, my favorite childhood piano teacher, who introduced me to music editing software. And my aunt “Muggy” who taught me how to sing and hear music scales at an early age. Plus my favorite Ceramic Graduate TA who led the class through making a multimedia diorama called “Dracula’s Birthday Party Through The Ages.” It was a welcomed break from the academic norm. Not to mention the fact that he also formed a band with some of his students and was the original Jack Black. What about Mrs. Pinneau? She welcomed me into her Art room as a student teacher and poured into me, lighting me on fire with the joy of teaching Art. And there were more, many more teachers that guided me, helping me to where I am today. And to know that I may have done, can do and still will do that for someone else is profound joy.

Professional Experience.

Teaching:

I received my BFA from the University of Georgia and my MFA from The Ohio State University. While at OSU I was able to spend two years teaching in the Ceramics department as well as teaching drawing classes in the Foundations department. Deciding that I wanted to option to teach all ages, I also then received my PK-12 Art Education teaching certification from the University of Georgia.

I have 11 years of experience teaching Art in public school at Shallowford Falls Elementary School as well as experience teaching at The Art Place in East Cobb, The Atlanta Botanical Gardens In Atlanta Georgia, The Wexner Center For The Arts in Columbus Ohio, The Wexner Medical Center in Columbus Ohio, and the Reggio Emilia-based Atlanta Progressive Preschool which inspired what is now The Turning Sun School. In my early twenties I began working with children as a camp counselor at the YWCO and YMCA in Athens, Georgia.

For a full and detailed resume, please reach out here!

redhivestudio@gmail.com

Visual Art Making

In addition to having a Bachelors and Masters in Fine Arts, I also received a Make Up Arts Certification in 2018 from the Industry Make Up Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to teaching, I have also spent time developing my skills and knowledge in various mediums. I have experience selling my work at Arts festivals, on Etsty, and have also done painting and ceramic commissions over the years.

Musical Interests

I have had the pleasure of working with 6 different piano teachers throughout the years and am loving finally working with my vocal coach, Nina Tolins. I perform at open mics around the Atlanta area and am beginning to play regularly at Mzizi Coffee in East Cobb, Ga. I am interested in branching out and helping small businesses attract customers through my original music and arrangements of cover songs. Please reach out if you are interested in working with me!