Teaching Artists at Articulture

Our classes are led by professional artists who share real-world, hands-on experience that goes beyond any video tutorial. These artists are active contributors to Twin Cities’ arts scene, and generously share their unique knowledge with students of all ages.

Each instructor goes through a rigorous vetting process to ensure they have both a teaching experience and professional art skills. In their sessions, they often balance structure with freedom, teaching tangible skills while encouraging creative exploration in a supportive environment. Here is our current roster! Please welcome:

Laura Juul

She/her/hers

I am a silversmith, jewelry artist and fine crafts-person who has been creating silver jewelry for over thirty 30 years. Starting out on my own, I began taking classes in the Jewelry Manufacturing Program at Minneapolis College. Then I taught at the college for seven years, and have continued as an educator for more than 20.

I teach adult precious metal clay, traditional silversmithing, fused glass and mosaic classes. I find inspiration from all aspects of life, nature, human emotions, architecture, history and other teaching artists, but mostly from the people who take my classes. I love and am astounded by my students when they have creative breakthroughs. 

Morgan Babl

She/her/hers

I am a Minneapolis-based multimedia artist originally from Wausau, Wisconsin.

My work wanders across disciplines, from photography to abstract sculpture, following the whimsy of my inner child. As a teaching artist, I love working with elementary-age children who encourage me to tap into my own uninhibited imagination and exploration, and it’s my aim as an arts educator to nurture these qualities in students.

I graduated with my BA Arts degree in the spring of 2024 and will get my Masters of Education in Visual Arts in the spring of 2025, both from the University of Minnesota.

Tasia Islam

She/her/hers

I have been a teaching artist at Articulture for two years. Intergenerational classes and grades K-12 are my primary areas of focus, but I've also been teaching in classrooms for English, art and other subjects for close to 20 years now.

I have a BA in Art & Advertising from Winona State University (1999), and a MA in Teaching from University of St. Thomas with Graduate Certificates in Gifted Ed & Autism Spectrum Disorders (2005). My teaching experience, work as an artist, and education have given me the expertise to create inclusive art experiences for all ages and abilities, and the flexibility to make adjustments in the moment when needed.

As a teaching artist my approach has always been one of discovery, experimentation, process over product, and reflection. In my own practice as a working henna and mixed media artist I follow the same approach, but of course I often have a finished product as the goal. Above all, I've always believed that art is part of that innate human need to create and make things with our hands, so I'm always happy to facilitate artmaking!

Bethany Mae

No pronouns/ all pronouns

I’m a multi disciplinary artist. Primarily I screen print, paint with acrylic, paint murals and I’m also a spoken word artist and poetess. I love painting portraits and have a couple of ongoing projects; one dealing with hand mudras and another is StrawberryPropaganda, working with the idea of love and how to spread positivity throughout the world. 

I received my BFA from Syracuse University for Costume Design in Technical/ Design Theatre and went to Aveda Institute for a cosmetology license. I’ve lived in several areas around the US and abroad, studying and living with locals to gain insight and experiential knowledge. I am an avid meditator and founder of Breakfast at Bethany’s. I also host experiences and concerts in my studio in South Minneapolis. 

My philosophy of teaching is allowing people to explore materials within a structured environment. The key to creativity is curiosity, so by allowing our minds to be fresh, we can access our greatest potential and create unique ideas and experiences.

Helen Dolan

She/her/hers

I earned my bachelor’s degree from Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota with a double major in digital media arts and studio arts in May 2021. I also completed my masters in art education at the U of M in 2023.

I play with size and scale, creating unique pieces and multiples. My sculptural works in cardboard, textiles, and metal, combined with videography, explore the ways in which the sculptor can become performative.

I currently have been teaching ceramics and media arts at Burnsville high school since 2023. When not making art, I’m most likely in running shoes or working with kids, encouraging them to build clay pots, color outside the lines, and use glitter creatively yet responsibly.