Biography and Artist Statement

J. Christopher Williams is an artist and instructor who creates a variety of mixed media works that include elements of collage, drawings and paintings, in addition he creates graphic design pieces, puppets and masks. As an artist and educator Williams embraces exploration, imagination and a dedication to the creative process in order to achieve high levels of artistry. Williams’ personal artwork is inspired by his Catholic faith, but celebrates inclusive values, social justice, and activism. During the creative process Williams investigates his subjects, develops sketches while he responds to and includes elements of his environment. As artworks progress, he enhances and fine-tunes the work with precision to create carefully crafted composition.  He is dedicated to his craft and translates these qualities to his teaching philosophy. Williams is inspired by the Studio Habits of Mind from Lois Hetland and Harvard’s Project Zero. Studio Habits of Mind are creative habits that are employed on a daily basis in the work place but are especially present in the artistic process. Williams encourages his students to stretch and explore beyond their abilities while building skill and observing their surroundings. He fosters their creativity and skill development through a critical eye that pushes his students to strengthen their abilities without room for being adequate but more exceptional. Williams strives to engage students in developing their craft, envisioning their work from conception to reality, and learning about themselves and the creative process by reflecting.

J. Christopher Williams is a West Virginia native who moved to New York City to pursue his artistic career in visual and performing arts in 2012. He earned a M.A. in Art Education from West Virginia University in 2011 and a B.F.A in Graphic Design from WVU in 2005. During his time in NYC he has grown creatively by working for Teatro SEA, a Latino theater for young audiences on the Lower Eastside of Manhattan. At Teatro SEA Williams has produced graphic design work for marketing purposes, refurbished and constructed puppets, collaborated on scenic painting, built masks and painted puppets for numerous productions. Williams has also taken the stage with Teatro SEA as a puppeteer who acts, sings and dances in My Superhero Roberto Clemente, The Toothache of King Farfán| La muela del Rey Farfán, and Los Grises.

Williams started working for Studio in A School in 2013, as an artist instructor in their Long Term Program. He taught at a public school in the north Bronx. Williams was the lead artist instructor and curriculum developer in Studio Institute’s Expanding the Frame for Student Success, an Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination Project funded by the U. S. Department of Education Office of Innovation and Improvement. In 2019, Williams stepped out of the classroom to work as a Program Manager for Studio Institute. There he strengthened and lead the Teen Apprentice Program that gives teens the opportunity to work as an art teacher at NYC summer camps. He was innovative throughout the pandemic engaging teens to teach online through live classes and tutorial videos. In addition, he managed an outreach program to lay the foundation for Studio Institute’s artist residency programs in Cleveland, Ohio.

Williams now teaches full time as an Art teacher at Austin Road Elementary in Mahopac, NY. He creates his own work and teaches workshops out of his studio in Tarrytown, NY. He is currently working on his own new artwork focused on mandalas, exploring his deeply rooted artistic and religious upbringing. His accolades include the Innovative Learning through ETD (Electronic Thesis and Dissertation) in 2012 awarded by the International Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) international consortium. He was awarded a Creative Learning Grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council to create and found Pride Puppets, a troupe of 10-foot tall LGBTQ historical and contemporary heroes and activists.