This event is part of our How to Look at Contemporary Art series, which pairs local experts with Kimball Art Center’s thought-provoking exhibitions to offer unique reflections and engaging discussions.

This event is free to attend; RSVP is encouraged.

Melissa Chang

Melissa Chang is an ardent advocate for fostering curiosity, imagination, process-oriented art, and student-centered experiential learning. She holds a BA in Art History from Cornell University and an MA in Art and Arts Education from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Education, Teachers College. She also earned an MPS in Design Management from Pratt Institute. Her graduate studies and research conducted at Teachers College, coupled with her experience as an Arts Specialist at the Bank Street School for Children in New York City have significantly shaped her approach to arts education and teaching.
The exploration and understanding of the “whys” as well as context and multiple perspectives play a significant role in how Melissa engages with her students. She is continuously encouraging her students to think critically and to reflect upon the reasons behind their choices and decisions when generating concepts, visualizing creative ideas, solving problems, and responding to new challenges.
Melissa’s teaching philosophy and values also extend beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her work in design and product development. By prioritizing and integrating the user’s experience, perspectives, and needs throughout the design process, Melissa champions the significance of empathy and adopting a human-centered approach to product development.