Resume

27 Maple Ave   •  Ballston Spa, NY 12020   (518) 542-1897  •  YOURTOYPORTRAIT@GMAIL.COM

JENNIFER MAHER COLEMAN

EXPERIENCE

Your Toy Portrait — Proprietor/Fine Artist

2008 – PRESENT

  • ▪  Painting portraits of favorite toys, pets, homes and people by commission 
  • ▪  Exhibiting paintings featuring vintage and classic toys and iconic music gear
  • ▪  Hosting toy portrait-painting events for children and adults
  • ▪  Maintaining a user-friendly business website

Malta Montessori, Malta, NY — Art Instructor

2018 – 2020

  • ▪  Taught art and crafts to children grades preschool-5 in a classroom setting
  • ▪  Created and implemented a curriculum that includes painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpting, and cartooning

Ballston Area Recreation Center, Ballston Spa, NY — Art Instructor

2017 – 2020

  • ▪  Taught art and crafts to children grades 1-6 in a classroom setting
  • ▪  Planned projects, sourced and purchased materials, demonstrated processes
  • ▪  Created and implemented a varied art curriculum.

Uncommon Grounds Coffee, Saratoga Springs/Albany — Art Coordinator

2004 – 2014

  • ▪  Scheduled monthly art exhibits at two locations, curating exhibit content
  • ▪  Installed exhibits or assisted with installation 

L’esperance Tileworks, Rock City Falls, NY — Tile Maker

1997 – 2008

  • ▪  Hand-painted artisan ceramic tiles in Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Victorian motifs
  • ▪  Oversaw tile production, mixing glazes
  • ▪  Customer service, design assistance 

EDUCATION

Knox College — Bachelor of Arts

1992, Galesburg, IL

SUNY Albany — Master of Arts

1995, Albany, NY

SUNY Albany — Master of Fine Arts

1997, Albany, NY

27 Maple Ave   •  Ballston Spa, NY 12020   (518) 542-1897  •  JENNIFER@YOURTOYPORTRAIT.COM

JENNIFER MAHER COLEMANA long, thin rectangle to divide sections of the document

SELECTED SOLO SHOWS

Classic Music Gear Portraits – Paper Moon Bookstore, Troy NY

4/3/2024 – 4/29/2024

Check Out My New Toy – Collar Works/FlockArt, East Greenbush, NY

11/9/2023 – 12/19/2023

Storied Playthings – Brookside Museum, Ballston Spa, NY

9/3/2014 – 11/31/2014

Art of Play – Spring Street Gallery, Saratoga Springs NY

7/2/2014 – 8/8/2014

Toy Portraits, Spectrum 8 Movie Theatre

1/8/2014 – 2/16/2014

Uncommon Grounds Coffee and Tea, Saratoga Springs — Annual Show

2004 – 2013

SELECTED GROUP SHOWS

Art of the Hills – Berkshire Museum, Pittfield, MA

10/5/24 – 12/5/24

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop – Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop – Albany Center Gallery, Albany, NY 

8/1/23 – 9/2/23

Toys – Finding Your Inner Child – Athens Cultural Center, Athens, NY

5/25/2019 – 7/25/2019

Artful Play – I.D.E.A Museum, Mesa, AZ

6/15/2018 – 9/9/2018

Mix it Up – Woodstock Framing Gallery, Woodstock, NY

12/9/2017 – 2/4/2018

Memento – Albany International Airport Concourse A Gallery – Albany, NY

7/14/2017 – 2/7/2018

Riotous Babes – Dead Presidents Lounge, Rensselaer NY

5/4/2012 – 6/4/2012

Group Show – Colonie Town Library, Loudonville NY

9/4/2009 – 9/28/2009

Artist’s Statement

My exploration of toys as subject matter began with an interest in iconic design, nostalgia, and the idea of honoring beloved companions. But the things we turn to for creative play expand far beyond the plush and plastic. As musicians, the shining, architectural beauty of our instruments and tools inspire the same child-like delight and we reach for them seeking catharsis, beauty, and fun.