Jesse Blumenthal

CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: jmblumenthal@gmail.com
Phone: 4062180101
Organization (if applicable): 
*can create original residencies

BACKGROUND
Art Form: Visual Arts
Experience: 2020-Present; Education Director; Missoula Community Radio
2017-2019; Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation; Artistic Director
2017-2019; University of Montana; Schools of Art and Theater
Instructor of Record; Foundations Drawing 
Teaching Assistant; Foundations 3D Design 
Technical Assistant; Stage Craft 202

RAPIDFIRE Q/A

Three words to describe you? Persistent, compassionate, engaged

What was your first arts "aha" moment, including how old were you? As a fan of cartoons, my kindergarten graduation cap featured a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Leonardo was to be sporting an L on his belt but, seeing my classmate's cap, I realized I had drawn it backwards. Though I still occasionally mount my work backwards, I learned to use early that as motivation...and mount it correctly the next time

Why are you a teaching artist? I am here to provide engaging, alternative perspectives that allow for new interpretations and experiences. I work in ways that I hope improve my community.

In five words or less, why do you love your art form? Spontaneous options for serendipitous expression

Finish the sentence: "Because of Arts Ed..." my role in my community has grown and the demographics I have been able to reach have broadened.

What does success look like during your residency? Success is when the class values their peer's creative expression as well as their own. 

What’s an important life skill you gained through the arts? Trust

Who is an artist that changed your life? Marcel Duchamp: the absurd as an inherent element to art (and hence life)

If you were entering a talent show, what would be your specific talent? Electric kazoo solos while riding an 8’ bicycle

Do you have a secret (or not so secret) obsession? Community Radio and all of the noise that comes with the lo fidelity broadcast of your local citizen's ideas and musical selections!