Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa Owens

Sydney,NSW

Summary

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in arts application and education and community social services. Talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Exam Invigilator

Janisons and Cliftons
02.2022 - Current
  • Maintained a quiet and orderly testing environment for optimal student focus and concentration.
  • Conducted thorough inspections of examination rooms before and after tests, identifying potential security breaches or instances of cheating.
  • Assisted in the setup and breakdown of examination rooms, adhering to strict guidelines for proper seating arrangements and materials distribution.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between exam sections by announcing time remaining updates periodically throughout each session.
  • Ensured exam integrity by meticulously monitoring student behavior during test sessions.

Arts Tutor

Claypool NSW
03.2021 - 03.2022
  • Instructed classes in the artistic and technical applications required to design and make ceramic and clay functional art pieces

Community Rehab Support Worker

NEAMI
09.2018 - 11.2019
  • Provided community-based support to people living with a mental illness and exiting homelessness
  • Provided a range of rehabilitation and support to consumers, tailored to meet their individual needs
  • Engaged clients in a trusting and professional relationship
  • Worked closely with clinical case managers to deliver a comprehensive and holistic service to clients
  • Met the needs of clients, family, care givers and other members of the community to provide culturally appropriate service delivery
  • Sourced educational opportunities and volunteer roles for clients that would meet their needs and interests
  • Provided health, legal and welfare advocacy and housing support

Outreach Activities Officer

City of Sydney Local Council
01.2002 - 07.2019
  • Developed and facilitated the delivery of short courses and longer term arts programs for adult learners, marginalised community groups, outreach organisations and children
  • Developed students’ skills and understanding of arts practice
  • Maintained a safe working environment, implemented OH&S work practice off and on site from Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, and delivered programs in ceramics, painting and drawing to adults, youth and children
  • Arts administration for ordering ceramic materials, kept Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) up to date, liaised with Pine Street management, colleagues, and external partners to work within policy guidelines to meet deadlines and expected outcomes
  • Developed a comprehensive risk management plan for all activities, accounting for potential hazards and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.

Art Tutor

The Junction Neighbourhood Centre
01.2012 - 01.2014
  • Facilitated drawing and painting classes with artists living with a mental illness.
  • Curated annual exhibitions, and organised art excursions.
  • Arts administration to manage budget for materials, outings, and incidentals, advocated and maintained access to studio for all abilities.
  • Reconciled term budget and costs.
  • Worked creatively with budding artists and adapted tutoring to fit unique learning styles and personal student needs.
  • Improved student understanding of complex artistic concepts through clear explanations and relatable examples.

Fine Arts Teacher

Tafe Nsw
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • Fostered a supportive learning environment by addressing individual student needs and modifying lessons accordingly, resulting in higher levels of achievement across the board.
  • Continuously refined teaching strategies through ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on trends within the field of fine arts education.
  • Identified students' creative needs and collaborated with other staff for fine arts development.
  • Developed and delivered course modules for students enrolled in Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts; OH&S in an Art Studio Environment, Professional Practice, Exhibition Practice, Colour Theory and Drawing
  • Contributed to the development of tuition, teaching, grading and assessing student’s achievements and participation according to the Board of Studies curriculum and learning outcomes
  • Worked alongside teachers aids to support students with learning needs
  • Guided students in development of resumes and portfolios to further their art practice and/or further education
  • Curated end of year Graduating TAFE Fine Arts student exhibition

Curator - Art in The Park

Marrickville Council
01.2004 - 01.2007
  • Selected artists to exhibit sculptures for a one-day annual exhibition event in Maundrell Park, Stanmore, which developed into a biannual event
  • Managed finances to meet with budget constraints, including artist payment, outsourcing of catalogue and printers
  • Created catalogue content and invitations
  • Managed deadlines and working within a scheduled timeline
  • Organised press and media release, invitations and speakers
  • Liaised with park caretakers, Marrickville Mayor, Council staff, artists and public attendees

Mentor Artist

Inner West Council
01.2003 - 01.2005
  • Designed, delivered and managed a community art project for Youth at Risk
  • Mentored youth to engage in a community ‘Art Traffic Signal Box’ project
  • Promoted the art program to engage participant outcomes, to design and paint ‘traffic signal boxes’ along King Street Newtown; an idea that was eventually adopted by Sydney metropolitan councils
  • Organised and presented all participants with a visual portfolio and participation certificate
  • Acquitted project with documents including feedback from RMS, local businesses, participants, Council, and document outcomes and organised photographic media release

Education

Certificate IV - Training & Assessment

Inspire Education
01-2012

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts

National Art School
Sydney, NSW
12-2001

Associate Diploma - Fine Arts

National Art School
Sydney, NSW
12-1998

Certificate - Studio Ceramics

TAFE NSW
NSW
01-1993

Skills

WORKPLACE TRAINING

  • Advanced First Aid Certificate 2024
  • Mental First aid Certificate 2020
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Training 2018, Mental Health First Aid Australia
  • Training and Assessment Trainer Certificate 2017, MCI Solutions
  • Emergency Response Co-Ordinator 2015, Australian Football League Sydney
  • Disability Awareness Training 2013, Accessible Arts, Sydney
  • Prison to Community Workshop 2012, Community Restorative Centre, Sydney

Timeline

Exam Invigilator

Janisons and Cliftons
02.2022 - Current

Arts Tutor

Claypool NSW
03.2021 - 03.2022

Community Rehab Support Worker

NEAMI
09.2018 - 11.2019

Art Tutor

The Junction Neighbourhood Centre
01.2012 - 01.2014

Fine Arts Teacher

Tafe Nsw
01.2008 - 01.2010

Curator - Art in The Park

Marrickville Council
01.2004 - 01.2007

Mentor Artist

Inner West Council
01.2003 - 01.2005

Outreach Activities Officer

City of Sydney Local Council
01.2002 - 07.2019

Certificate IV - Training & Assessment

Inspire Education

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts

National Art School

Associate Diploma - Fine Arts

National Art School

Certificate - Studio Ceramics

TAFE NSW
Vanessa Owens