I am a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores social inequities and the full spectrum of human emotion through a variety of mediums. I create engaging pieces that invite conversation and reflection, from sculptural installations to intimate portraits and puppets. I am passionate about craftsmanship and bring a high standard of workmanship to every project. Beyond my studio practice, I mentor students as an art instructor, restore and preserve paintings and sculptures, and design participatory projects for community spaces. I thrive on collaboration and am committed to making art accessible while pushing creative boundaries.

Tia Etu

I am a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores social inequities and the full spectrum of human emotion through a variety of mediums. I create engaging pieces that invite conversation and reflection, from sculptural installations to intimate portraits and puppets. I am passionate about craftsmanship and bring a high standard of workmanship to every project. Beyond my studio practice, I mentor students as an art instructor, restore and preserve paintings and sculptures, and design participatory projects for community spaces. I thrive on collaboration and am committed to making art accessible while pushing creative boundaries.

Available to hire

I am a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores social inequities and the full spectrum of human emotion through a variety of mediums. I create engaging pieces that invite conversation and reflection, from sculptural installations to intimate portraits and puppets. I am passionate about craftsmanship and bring a high standard of workmanship to every project.

Beyond my studio practice, I mentor students as an art instructor, restore and preserve paintings and sculptures, and design participatory projects for community spaces. I thrive on collaboration and am committed to making art accessible while pushing creative boundaries.

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Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Owner at Whatever Comes to Mind Art Studio
January 1, 1989 - Present
Design and produce commissioned pieces, including sculptures, murals, portraits, puppets, banners, posters, and custom work based on client requests. Work with diverse materials such as wood, plaster, plastics, acrylics, paints, and metal. Maintain the gallery's appearance both inside and outside. Handle marketing initiatives for the studio. Estimate and prepare quotes for client work. Manage all incoming and outgoing payments and invoices. Supervise staff and oversee daily operations.
Art Teacher at Beverly Arts Center
January 1, 1999 - June 1, 2022
Facilitated art classes for students from pre-K through 12th grade. Maintained classrooms and managed art supply inventories, including ordering new supplies. Developed lesson plans that aligned with the content of other classes.
Certified Welder at American Welding Society (AWS)
January 1, 2019 - Present
AWS D9 Credential; experience with Lincoln and Miller MIG, TIG, and stick welding tools. Proficient with plasma cutters, chop saws, circular hand saws, and scroll saws. OSHA certified. General blueprint reading skills.
Art Restoration at Independent / Private Practice
January 1, 2000 - Present
Repair holes in paintings; restore wood sculptures; repair ceramic sculptures; clean paintings; retouch paintings.

Education

BFA at School of the Art Institute of Chicago
January 11, 2030 - March 29, 2026

Qualifications

AWS D9.1 Credential
January 1, 2019 - March 29, 2026
OSHA Certification
January 11, 2030 - March 29, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Manufacturing, Professional Services