Teaching Staff
Jim Van Farowe
Jim Van Farowe, Fine Arts Instructor
Jim VanFarowe is a certified K-12 art and math teacher who has been teaching full-
time since 2005. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in
painting in 1998, he spent a year working as an artist in Japan. Upon his return to
the U.S., he worked as a freelancer, photographing over 100 weddings. In 2004, he
completed a teaching degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan and
then began teaching art, aesthetics and math at a classical academy. He currently
teaches geometry and co-leads the art club at Person County High School.
Jim VanFarowe believes that all students can be taught to see with an artistic eye
and he seeks to inspire students to develop their creative abilities. He teaches
drawing based on observation and accurate measuring. He also leads students to
draw with depth and dimension through challenging visual exercises. In painting,
he passes on to students an understanding of color and strong composition. Proper
attention to detail is stressed whether it has to do with cleaning brushes or putting
the finishing touches on a masterpiece.
Jim VanFarowe is a certified K-12 art and math teacher who has been teaching full-
time since 2005. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in
painting in 1998, he spent a year working as an artist in Japan. Upon his return to
the U.S., he worked as a freelancer, photographing over 100 weddings. In 2004, he
completed a teaching degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan and
then began teaching art, aesthetics and math at a classical academy. He currently
teaches geometry and co-leads the art club at Person County High School.
Jim VanFarowe believes that all students can be taught to see with an artistic eye
and he seeks to inspire students to develop their creative abilities. He teaches
drawing based on observation and accurate measuring. He also leads students to
draw with depth and dimension through challenging visual exercises. In painting,
he passes on to students an understanding of color and strong composition. Proper
attention to detail is stressed whether it has to do with cleaning brushes or putting
the finishing touches on a masterpiece.
Van Farowe, original artwork
"Kate, Light"
Pencil on Paper
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Van Farowe, original artwork, Watercolor on Paper
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Chelsea Fields
Chelsea Fields, Director, Art Academy
While working as the Assistant Curator for Susanne Hillberry Gallery in her hometown of Detroit, MI, Chelsea Fields received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Drawing from Marygrove College.
Shortly thereafter, Chelsea left Michigan to attend the University of Illinois where she received her Masters of Fine Arts degree in 2006. The University awarded Chelsea with a teaching fellowship to instruct undergraduate Studio Arts courses at the University during her senior year in the graduate program. This ignited a love for the craft of teaching and led her to Toledo, Ohio to pursue an opportunity teaching high school art courses at the Toledo Museum of Art. The following year, Chelsea accepted another teaching opportunity at the British School of Chicago back in Illinois. This allowed her great flexibility to teach across the curriculum with students ranging from K-8th grade, and also serving as the chief designer for the school’s Learning Display Boards. Chelsea continues her private studio practice ranging from 2-D ink illustration, acrylic painting, to 3-D fashion sculptural work. Chelsea has been teaching with Champion Learning Academy since March, 2010.
While working as the Assistant Curator for Susanne Hillberry Gallery in her hometown of Detroit, MI, Chelsea Fields received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Drawing from Marygrove College.
Shortly thereafter, Chelsea left Michigan to attend the University of Illinois where she received her Masters of Fine Arts degree in 2006. The University awarded Chelsea with a teaching fellowship to instruct undergraduate Studio Arts courses at the University during her senior year in the graduate program. This ignited a love for the craft of teaching and led her to Toledo, Ohio to pursue an opportunity teaching high school art courses at the Toledo Museum of Art. The following year, Chelsea accepted another teaching opportunity at the British School of Chicago back in Illinois. This allowed her great flexibility to teach across the curriculum with students ranging from K-8th grade, and also serving as the chief designer for the school’s Learning Display Boards. Chelsea continues her private studio practice ranging from 2-D ink illustration, acrylic painting, to 3-D fashion sculptural work. Chelsea has been teaching with Champion Learning Academy since March, 2010.
Chelsea Fields, original, Pastel & Charcoal on Toned Paper
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Chelsea Fields, original, Oil on Canvas
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Suh Jong (Simon) Park
Simon recently moved to the Triangle area from Chesapeke, Virginia in pursuit of his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at North Carolina State University. In Virginia, he was enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he majored in Studio Arts. Simon has worked as a private tutor since 2007, teaching Drawing and Painting to elementary age children. He was also a participant in the Assistant Teaching program at Leesville High School, where he mentored young artists. Simon has a solid foundation of traditional Sketching, Painting, Photography and Illustration skills. He has won many awards for his Fine Art including 1st place in the State category for the PTSA 2012 Competition in Virginia. The previous year, he was awarded 1st place in the City category. Simon maintains a prolific studio practice and actively exhibits his artworks. Recently, he was a participant Artist in the juried exhibition "VIRGINIA ARTS DAY" where he was awarded an Honorable Mention. Simon is enthusiastic to work with Champion students and share his passion for drawing and helping students achieve.
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Carissa Mir
Carissa Mir graduated from Woodbury University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She has trained in Drawing, Painting and Fashion Design. Since graduating for the University, she has worked professionally as a Private teacher and also produces original designs for the Fashion Industry. Carissa also shares her passion for music with children as a private music tutor with Ferrante’s Music Academy. Carissa maintains her private studio practice including painting and fashion illustration.
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Alexis Price
Alexis Price received a Bachelors of Dance with a concentration in Private Studio Teaching from Meredith College in 2006. As a professional artist as well as a dancer, Alexis has been able to use her degree to teach multiple forms of dance and art classes over the past seven years to students ranging from 3 years of age through adulthood. She has instructed painting and drawing classes in private settings, Yates Mill Elementary School, and Arts Together.
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