Hi, I’m J Pilar Garra, an illustrator and designer based in New Canaan, CT. I specialize in vibrant, narrative artwork for galleries, educational programs, and brand campaigns, with a strong track record in exhibit installation, PR materials, and event promotion. Over the years I’ve collaborated with venues like Chelsea Piers and the Wolf Conservation Center, designed posters and show cards for gallery openings, and led art activities for teens. I’m proficient in digital illustration, layout, and a range of Adobe tools, and I love turning ideas into visuals that engage and inspire.

J Pilar Garra

Hi, I’m J Pilar Garra, an illustrator and designer based in New Canaan, CT. I specialize in vibrant, narrative artwork for galleries, educational programs, and brand campaigns, with a strong track record in exhibit installation, PR materials, and event promotion. Over the years I’ve collaborated with venues like Chelsea Piers and the Wolf Conservation Center, designed posters and show cards for gallery openings, and led art activities for teens. I’m proficient in digital illustration, layout, and a range of Adobe tools, and I love turning ideas into visuals that engage and inspire.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m J Pilar Garra, an illustrator and designer based in New Canaan, CT. I specialize in vibrant, narrative artwork for galleries, educational programs, and brand campaigns, with a strong track record in exhibit installation, PR materials, and event promotion. Over the years I’ve collaborated with venues like Chelsea Piers and the Wolf Conservation Center, designed posters and show cards for gallery openings, and led art activities for teens. I’m proficient in digital illustration, layout, and a range of Adobe tools, and I love turning ideas into visuals that engage and inspire.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Pre-K Lead Teacher at Pipers Hill Learning Center
September 1, 2023 - Present
Follow and execute art curriculum; teach children how to use art tools; interact with preschoolers; execute crafts/projects from curriculum; guide and monitor children during lessons from beginning to end; grade children.
Art Teacher at Studio Institute
January 1, 2023 - Present
Teach art classes as part of the curriculum; support studio-based learning and art projects.
Party/Event Assistant Manager at Chelsea Piers CT
December 31, 2018 - October 1, 2025
Promote, schedule and book events for children ages 1 to 12 years old; oversee and manage email, phone calls and multiple parties/events simultaneously; respond to email inquiries and questions.
Assistant Director and Graphic Designer & Media Specialist at Outback Teen Center
December 31, 2014 - October 1, 2025
Design summer and fall online and printed catalogs to advertise upcoming classes; design fundraising marketing collateral including Casino Night and Poker Tournament; collaborate with local artists to create installations for fundraisers; create posters and flyers to advertise community events and activities for kids; develop and teach after-school art activities for teens; develop theme parties and activities year-round for grades 5-8; monitor activities and rentals for adults and kids; maintain social media on Facebook and Instagram.
Pre-K Lead Teacher at Pipers Hill Learning Center
September 1, 2023 - Present
Lead and implement preschool art activities; follow and execute art curriculum; interact with preschoolers; guide and monitor children during lessons; supervise craft projects from start to finish; assess and support student progress.
Art Teacher at Studio Institute
January 1, 2023 - October 1, 2025
Teach art classes aligned with the program curriculum; demonstrate art tools and techniques; engage with students and manage classroom activities.
Party/Event Assistant Manager at Chelsea Piers CT
January 1, 2018 - October 1, 2025
Promote, schedule and book events for children ages 1 to 12; manage email, phone inquiries and multiple events simultaneously.
Assistant Director and Graphic Designer & Media Specialist at Outback Teen Center
January 1, 2014 - October 1, 2025
Design online and print catalogs; create marketing materials for fundraisers; collaborate with local artists on installations; develop and teach after-school art activities; oversee events and rentals; maintain social media presence.
Fundraiser Advocate at Wolf Conservation Center
December 31, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Fundraised for the Wolf Conservation Center; supported WCC NY Wine and Wolves 2018 Fundraiser and Art Auction; assisted with fundraising initiatives and event planning.
Party/Event Assistant Manager & CPKids Teacher Assistant at Chelsea Piers
December 31, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Promoted, scheduled and booked events for children ages 1 to 12; coordinated with clients and department heads; managed inquiries, emails and phone calls; facilitated customer experience; assisted teachers across multiple classrooms; led crafts and activities; supervised children during sports and field activities; supported post-event billing and payment.
Sampling Studio Artist at Conair
December 31, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Deadline-driven projects; collaborated with graphic designers and marketers; promoted mockups and displays to marketing for approval.
Assistant Director & Media Specialist at Sorelle Gallery Fine Art
December 31, 2015 - December 31, 2015
Managed and aided in exhibit installation and opening night shows; distributed press releases; researched PR and social media opportunities; designed monthly artist gallery cards and gallery show cards.
Assistant Director and Graphic Designer & Media Specialist at Outback Teen Center
December 31, 2014 - December 31, 2014
Designed summer and fall catalogs to advertise classes; created fundraising event materials; collaborated with local artists for installations; produced posters and flyers for community events; developed and taught after-school art activities for teens; led theme parties; supervised activities and rentals; managed social media and captured event photography for promotion.

Education

BFA in Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
BFA in Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
BFA in Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Other, Non-Profit Organization