Christy Kosmicki

Christy Kosmicki is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), specializing in Elementary Art Methods. She transitioned to this full-time role after 33 years as a K-12 art teacher and Visual Arts Curriculum Chairperson in Holdrege Public Schools, having served as adjunct faculty at UNK since 1993. Her academic foundation includes a BAE in Art Education (1980) and Music Education (1978), an MAE in Art Education (1987) from UNK, and an MFA in Painting and Mixed Media from Fort Hays State University (2013).

Research Focus: Christy's expertise spans art pedagogy, studio practice, and curriculum development. Her primary research areas include Art Education methodologies, Painting techniques, Sculptural practices, and K-12 arts integration. She emphasizes art as a transformative tool for intellectual and creative growth, influencing her curriculum design and teaching philosophy.

Awards and Service: She holds leadership roles in the Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA), including past President and current Higher Education Liaison. Her honors include:

• Art Educator of the Year
• Secondary Art Educator of the Year
• NATA Roscoe Shields Service Award
• Multiple NATA exhibition awards for painting, sculpture, and mixed media

She co-developed Nebraska's State Visual Arts Standards and regularly presents workshops at national (NAEA) and state conferences.

Artistic Practice: Christy maintains an active studio practice, exhibiting across Nebraska since 1987. She is represented by Lincoln's Burkholder Project, with group shows (2015) and a solo exhibition (2016).