Locations
Resource Links
Education
Master of Art Education, Indiana University Herron School of Art
Bachelor of Arts in Art Education and Fine Arts, Purdue University
Bio
Rachel Nicholson is currently teaching global studies online in collaboration with two other instructors specializing in music and literature. With expertise in fine arts, Nicholson helps coordinate course material across the three disciplines to align with weekly themes. She works closely with her colleagues to design course content, develop instructional methods, and create assessments that foster interdisciplinary connections.
Before joining Marian University, Nicholson taught art for seven years in the Avon Community School Corporation, where she instructed courses including Ceramics I–III and Introduction to Two-Dimensional Art, Levels I and II.
Courses Taught
Teaching Philosophy
Nicholson’s objective as an art educator is to cultivate in students the ability to recognize, interpret, and appreciate the presence of art in their lives.
Instruction emphasizes art history, aesthetics, criticism, and production to foster an understanding of what art is, how it acquires value, and why it is created. She believes that developing an informed appreciation of art is essential to understanding its influence on contemporary society and to nurturing lifelong engagement with learning.
Professional Service and Affiliations
Member of National Art Education Association
Member of Indiana Art Education Association
Personal Info
In her free time, Nicholson enjoys spending time with her family, creating art, and connecting with friends. While she experiments with many media, her primary focus is ceramics, sewing, and occasionally watercolor. Each of these mediums offers unique materials and processes that she enjoys shaping and exploring through hands-on work.
Nicholson considers herself a maker at heart, and working with her hands is not only a creative outlet but also a meaningful way for her to relax and recharge. She also loves sharing her passion for art with family and friends, whether by creating together, gifting handmade pieces, or simply sparking conversations about the beauty of art in everyday life.
