Through public art collaborations across Minnesota, Moira Villiard (pronounced “Miri”) is a multidisciplinary artist who uses art to uplift underrepresented narratives, explore the nuance of society’s historical community intersections, and promote community healing spaces. She is proficient in a variety of artistic mediums and genres, including public art, painting, digital and graphic design, animation, photography, and poetry. She has been leading and designing workshops and collaborative art experiences across Minnesota for over a decade.
Teaching Artist Statement
I see art education as a collaborative, creative process where exploration matters more than perfection. I aim to create spaces where students feel free to take risks, express themselves, and develop their own approaches to making. I typically build curriculum around one or two technical skills, then allow students the freedom of choice to explore, revise, or even completely rework a piece once they accomplish the skill. Art becomes a space where mistakes are expected and welcome, where discomfort is safe to experience, and where learning often happens because of those moments.
I use a variety of learning formats in each session to adapt to each classroom’s needs, recognizing that no two learners approach art in the same way. I emphasize that there are many possible paths to creative outcomes, not just one. And although I can provide step-by-step guidance when necessary, my teaching is not about following directions or making participants’ work look uniform. It is about helping students find ways of creating that are useful to them and leave them with a sense of accomplishment.
My facilitation style is hands-on and responsive. I offer one-on-one support to students who feel stuck or frustrated; if one approach is not working, we adapt and find a way to pivot. Humor and spontaneity are always welcome in my workshops, especially during the brainstorming period. In all settings, I meet students where they are and encourage them to follow their ideas.
Program Offerings
Workshop
Galaxy Paintings
Participants will create their own interpretation of a galaxy or night sky using acrylic paint on black canvas. The night sky serves as a compelling subject because it teaches the concept of layering and encourages personal interpretation. There is also no “wrong” way to paint a galaxy, allowing participants to explore freely while still gaining foundational skills in acrylic painting.
Goal 1: Develop comfort using acrylic paint, learning how water interacts with paint, and creating texture using sponges.
Goal 2: Understand the concept of layering and visual light relationships. Students will explore how stars appear brighter against darker backgrounds and will learn the flicking technique to create a starry sky.
Goal 3: Foster creative exploration and problem-solving. Participants are encouraged to test methods such as blotting with paper towels or dragging sponges to see various outcomes.
Goal 4: Make creative decisions about composition, such as whether to include foreground elements or keep the focus on the night sky.
Duration: 1 session, between 45 minutes to 3 hours.
Participant type customizations:
It can be a group project or a solo project (i.e. we could do a mural with constellations as a group, or each person can create their own individual canvas).
This project works as a standalone activity, as well as one that can be paired with other programming. Examples include inviting Ojibwe elders to share appropriate star teachings or pairing it with science/astronomy/constellation curriculum in a classroom.
In addition, this activity is accessible for all ages and adaptable based on the skill level of the group. It is often used as an introductory session to help participants become comfortable with acrylic paint and painting techniques. This has been a favorite activity of groups ranging from preschool to senior citizens.
Create a Grid Mural
In this collaborative art project, participants will contribute to a larger mural composed of individual grid squares derived from a unified image. Each person or group is responsible for interpreting and recreating a section of the image on their own square. When assembled, the mural reveals a collective artwork that highlights both individual creativity and teamwork. This group project is completed in one extended (2 hour minimum) session and can be customized for all ages and grade levels.
Participant type customizations: Content can be built around other programming; as an example, students in an environmental science class could create a mural depicting animals in a specific biome, or the mural design could reflect certain cultural values within a community. Design can be created by Moira or developed in tandem with the participants. Can be done on canvas with paint or with paper / other materials. The premise is assembling the final image. Can be done as a collaboration with a single group or asynchronously across multiple classrooms/spaces.
Residency
Create a Grid Mural
In this multi-session collaborative art project, participants will contribute to a larger mural composed of individual grid squares derived from a unified image. Each person or group is responsible for interpreting and recreating a section of the image on their own square. When assembled, the mural reveals a collective artwork that highlights both individual creativity and teamwork. This group project is customized for all ages and grade levels and is completed over a series of sessions.
Participant type customizations: Content can be built around other programming; as an example, students in an environmental science class could create a mural depicting animals in a specific biome, or the mural design could reflect certain cultural values within a community. Design can be created by Moira or developed in tandem with the participants. Can be done on canvas with paint or with paper / other materials. The premise is assembling the final image. Can be done as a collaboration with a single group or asynchronously across multiple classrooms/spaces.
