As a firm believer that Art plays an integral role in the human experience, Susan Heggestad develops residency projects that highlight personal experience, inventive expression, and the potential for collaboration. Specializing in basic printmaking, bookmaking, drawing, textile collage, and collaborative murals, Susan brings nearly 20 years of experience working in a wide variety of settings. Whether working with youth in the school classroom, the college studio classroom, healthcare and eldercare settings, or in workshops with individuals of varying ability, she encourages students to explore art as a means to develop and celebrate their identities. Visual art can empower students to analyze and express the ways that family, religion, gender, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, and other cultural influences help shape their sense of self. Art reflects what is going on in society and enables individuals to have some influence over their environment - it is a process of communication and discovery. It can have significant educational impact by encouraging expression of issues that are important to students.
Susan received her MFA in Printmaking from SUNY Buffalo in 2002 and her BFA from the University of South Dakota. Her work has been showcased in numerous venues all over the country, and she is the recipient of a number of awards, grants, and artist residencies. She lives and works in Vermillion where she is active in advocating for the Arts and community engagement.
Contact Susan by email at artist@susanheggestad.com