Alana is an enthusiastic educator with over 30 years of experience. Although she has not always taught art she has always used art as a teaching tool. Her background ranges from Special Educator in Baltimore City to teaching Artists' Books at MICA and most recently, a decade teaching teachers how to teach as a  Full-time lecturer at Towson University in the Department of Special Education. Now, this master teacher uses her years of acquired knowledge to help her students bravely embark on their own personal art adventures using watercolor, pen & Ink, colored pencil, and Acrylic Paint. Alana has taught learners of all ability levels ranging in age from 5 to 55 and beyond. She is delighted to bring her talents to her classes at TPW.

Alana's artistic style is darkly whimsical. She uses a multitude of mediums to capture the essence of the Irish countryside and the wee people who inhabit it. Look closely at the faces of her characters. If they have features, they are the faces of loved ones past and present. Her most recent body of work has been described as hauntingly beautiful. 

When not painting faerié folk and selkiés Alana strives to ensure that her students and staff feel valued and free to be their bravest most creative selves. Alana is particularly proud of the work she does in mentoring and teaching her teachers to meet the needs of all learners in a universally designed and inclusive manner. Alana wholeheartedly believes that art is for everyone.

Education:
Goucher College - BS in Psychology
Notre Dame of MD - MEd in Special Education & Leadership in Teaching
Maryland Institute of Fine Arts - PBC in Fine Arts