Patricia Kavanaugh

Patricia Kavanaugh is an Adjunct II Professor in the Animation department at California College of the Arts (CCA). She has held roles as Part Time Faculty and Visiting Artist at CCA, with prior teaching experience at UCLA, Academy of Art, and The Art Institutes Los Angeles. Her professional background includes work at major visual effects studios like Industrial Light and Magic, Tippett Studios, and others, spanning over 15 years in the industry. Kavanaugh is also a filmmaker, musician, and multi-instrumentalist, creating experimental films and composing scores for short films.

Education highlights include a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, where she studied under influential filmmakers like Lawrence Jordan and George Kuchar, followed by an MFA in Animation from UCLA. Her artistic practice blends traditional film techniques with digital innovation, reflecting her experimental roots and industry expertise.

Outside academia, Kavanaugh continues creating art and music, including collaborations with Oakland-based bands. Her career bridges professional VFX work, academic teaching, and independent artistic projects, emphasizing interdisciplinary creativity.