Ayla Gibbons

swept.stardust@gmail.com | Brookhaven, GA 30329

Experienced studio artist and educator with a strong background in fine art techniques and collaborative creation, honed through work with the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. Taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I inspired student learning, fostered creative growth, and enhanced visual storytelling through dynamic instruction and clear communication. Recognized for designing innovative puppets and curating engaging exhibits.

Skills

●  Fine art and printmaking techniques (sculpting, casting, painting, fabric manipulation)

●  Puppet and scenic structure design using reed and other natural materials

●  Visual storytelling and artistic collaboration

●  Classroom and studio management

●  Student engagement and individualized learning support

●  Lesson planning, instructional support, and educational documentation

●  Exhibit coordination and art installation

●  Communication with students, teachers, and parents

●  Studio organization and workflow optimization

●  Safe and efficient use of power tools, eg, (Bandsaw, Dremel, Heat Gun)

●  Mechanical rigging, stringing, and silhouette cutting for shadow puppets

●  Cake design, decorating, and customer service experience

Experience

Studio Artist, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival

Aug 2023–Dec 2024 | Chicago, IL

Collaborated closely with directors and performers to design and construct dynamic puppets for several high-profile productions, including Drury Lane’s The Little Mermaid (2024), Little Amal Visits Maggie Daley Park (2023), and Tom Lee’s Sounding the Resonant Path at La MaMa Puppet Festival. Supported the creation of 10 Bunraku-style rehearsal puppets for Blair Thomas. Assisted with the arrival and setup of stages for foreign puppet companies and pop-up events.

Assistant Classroom Teacher, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Jun 2022–Nov 2024 | Chicago, IL

Co-taught specialized art courses (Painting, Comics, Illustration, Worldbuilding) while providing comprehensive classroom support, including lesson planning and material preparation, student records management, and field trip coordination. Professionally documented student work and organized exhibitions for middle school classes (ages 10-13). Served as substitute teacher across K-12 levels and earned multiple teacher requests for classroom assistance within the first semester of teaching.

High School Capstone Mentor and Academic Advisor, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Aug 2023–May 2024 | Chicago, IL

Mentored a cohort of 11 high school seniors in the SAIC early college program through their capstone year, providing guidance on both academic projects and college applications. Managed class budget and secured grant funding for supplies and field trips tailored to student interests. Developed individualized academic plans, coordinated student exhibitions, and maintained professional documentation of student work. Organized extracurricular bonding activities to strengthen group cohesion. Achieved 100% college acceptance rate, with all mentees gaining admission to at least one of their target institutions.

Assistant Manager – Cake Decorator, Taj Ma-Hound Bakery for Dogs

Aug 2020–Jun 2021 | Decatur, GA

Piped wholesale cake and biscuit decorations, advised customers, packaged and shipped orders, maintained workstations, wrote employee schedules, placed U-Haul and FedEx orders, took orders over the phone, and managed large quantities of inventory during a post-pandemic business boom.

Education and Training

Bachelor of Fine Arts

School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL — May 2025

Certifications

Mandated Reporter – Department of Children and Family Services

References

●  Alex Dahm – Co-teacher – adahm@saic.edu (612) 716 -2401

●  Nika Gorini – Assistant Dean, Continuing Studies – ngorini@saic.edu (617) 504-7114

●  Caitlin McLeod – Project Manager, Chicago Int'l Puppet Festival – studioprojectmanager@chicagopuppetfest.org (716) 474-0049