Check Out David Modler’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Modler.

Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got started in art education while in university, I was initially a BFA major then switched to art education after reading an article about art teachers getting jobs in the region. My 20 year old self thought, when I graduate in two years it sure would be a good idea to have a job. I started teaching in Northern Virginia, I earned my MEd in art education while working there for 1o years. I exhibited my work frequently in local galleries and Baltimore, and began doing a lot of conference work during this time. In the summers I worked at a local YMCA day camp where I met and be came good friends with many other soon to be artists and educators. I then moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where I continued to teach, make work, and exhibit. After 5 years, I knew I wanted to spend more time on my studio work, so I went back in graduate school working on my MFA. Since completing my MFA, I have worked in higher education at three different institutions. I have published two books and several articles, been involved with lots of conference work and professional development initiatives, exhibited my work nationally and internationally, and currently fully tenured, coordinate an art education program and serve as chair of my department.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been many personal and professional struggles along the way, and quite a bit of fortunate situations as well. Making the decision to quit my job and pursue the MFA created many unforeseen financial problems, most have been resolved but some still linger. Finding a job in higher education is difficult, I was applying for 20 or more jobs for several years until I landed the tenure track position I am in today. Working full time and maintaining a studio practice is always challenging, but I have been able to manage at least one major exhibit every year.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is rooted in social practice methods and community engagement. I am the co-founder of two international art making initiatives. One is the Journal Fodder Junkies; as part of this project I have published two books, facilitated dozens of workshops, and keynoted multiple conferences. Another project is tet[R]ad: Draw and Play Here; this project started as a one-to-one journal exchange project and has grown to include curriculum development and large scale, immersive, site responsive installations/exhibitions.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My artistic accomplices have played a big role in my success. Eric Scott is the other half of the Journal Fodder Junkies and co-author of all the work I have done with that project. Sam Peck is the co-founder of tet[R]ad; he and I have collaborated on over a dozen exhibitions and several publications.

Curator Caitlin Gill has been a key ally, advocate, and promoter of the work I have done. She has curated several exhibits of my work and is a huge supporter of my studio/exhibition practices. She was one of the first to see the larger scope for my work, and provide venues for the exhibitions.

The Colorado Art Education Association have been tremendous supporters and cheerleaders for my work. They have financially assisted me, and my projects, for several years and made it possible to attend and present at their annual conference five times and deliver a keynote lecture twice!

Pricing:

• Workshops: $500 per three hours, plus travel, lodging, and expenses
• Consulting: $1500 per day, plus travel, lodging, and expenses
• Lectures: $250 per hour, plus travel, lodging, and expenses
• Exhibitions: $1000 artist’s fee, plus reimbursement of shipping, travel, lodging, and expenses
• Residencies: $1000 per week, plus travel, lodging, and expenses

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drawandplayhere.com
• Instagram: drmodler