Hello! My name is Kirsten and I am a Former Admissions Officer with InGenius Prep, born in San Francisco, CA, and living in Florence, Italy. I received my BA from Dartmouth College where I graduated a Senior Fellow in electro-acoustic music and studio art, concentrating in sound sculpture, sound installation, and painting. I completed my MFA from JFKU in Arts and Consciousness Studies focusing on the intersections between contemporary art practice, feminism, and Buddhist philosophy. My love of art led me to Italy where I have lived for over 20 years dedicating myself to international education and contemporary art.
For 15 years I have taught at Syracuse University Florence, also serving as The Studio Arts Supervisor and The Studio Arts Coordinator. In recent years I was The Program Director for the MFA in Studio Art at Studio Arts College International (SACI) where I was responsible for graduate admissions and the assessment of applicants for the graduate program, conductive extensive interviews, portfolio reviews, and portfolio advising sessions. I’m a firm believer in making meaningful connections for students so much of my time is dedicated to facilitating student involvement in community projects and engagements with institutions and organizations throughout Florence and Europe. I am also on the Board of Paradox Fine Art Forum whose goal is to foster dialogue and advocacy for art education and art research from high school to PhD and beyond.
It thrills me to guide each unique student one-on-one as they focus, refine and articulate their intellectual, academic, and creative pursuits. Having lived most of my life between 2 countries, I am sensitive to what is involved in navigating diverse cultures and I value exploring ‘The Bigger Picture’ and seeing what it means to consciously and intentionally take the next step.
When I’m not teaching or working in my studio on upcoming projects, I take walks through the countryside with my children, visit local farms, and cook recipes from around the world with delicious Italian produce. We love to eat! I also love to ski, read contemporary philosophy, play games of strategy, and experience incredible works of art throughout Europe and the world.
