Tara Carpenter Estrada

Tara Carpenter Estrada is an Associate Professor of Art Education at Brigham Young University (BYU), specializing in the intersection of artistic practice, teaching, and motherhood. She holds an MFA from the University of Utah (2012) and is affiliated with BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications. Her work explores how artists, educators, and mothers navigate overlapping roles, emphasizing teacher well-being, arts integration, and sustainable career pathways.

Research & Publications: Her research focuses on teacher self-care, scheduling challenges in elementary art education, and the impact of motherhood on creative practices. She has co-edited books such as An Artist and a Mother and Give and Take: Motherhood and Creative Practice. Her articles span journals like Art Education and Visual Inquiry.

• Awards:
  • Excellence in Teaching, College of Fine Arts and Communications (BYU)
  • Utah Art Educator of the Year, Utah Art Education Association

Exhibitions & Residencies: Tara regularly exhibits mixed-media and ceramic works and has participated in residencies in Tennessee, Utah, and Vermont. She advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, such as integrating music and visual arts in education, and emphasizes gratitude practices to support teacher resilience.

Labs & Affiliations: She contributes to BYU’s Art Resource Center and Design Print Lab, fostering student creativity through hands-on learning environments. Her work aligns with initiatives like Jumpst(ART), promoting innovative art education strategies.