The Visual Arts Department at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts provides students with a solid foundation in the visual arts field. The course of study includes instruction in traditional media; drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and photography, as well as newer forms, such as digital media and mixed media. The curriculum provides a balance between technical skill acquisition and concept development through emphasis on art history, design, and aesthetics. Study in this program results in the development of an individualized artistic portfolio that prepares a student for further study in college or a professional career.
FACULTY
Todd Geiman
Todd Geiman has been a Visual Arts Educator since 1990 after graduating from Frostburg State University in Maryland, with a B.S. Degree in Art Education. He received his Interdisciplinary M.ED. from Frostburg State University in 2002. After teaching 11 years at Boonsboro Middle School he transferred to Boonsboro High where he taught for an additional 11 years. In 2012 he joined the staff of Barbara Ingram to become the second full time visual arts teacher.
Mr. Geiman truly believes in the transformative power of the arts. Being “saved” by finding himself through the creative process of ceramics and sculptural arts in college, Todd now uses his talents to help high school students discover their creative force.
Mr. Geiman is constantly involved in the creative process. His love of pottery and wheel thrown ceramics keeps him busy as he sells his work privately and commercially. He produces functional and decorative ceramics using a variety of building processes. His favorite of which is the potter’s wheel. “I find working on the wheel to be almost medicinal. It’s like I get lost in what I’m making. My focus becomes so deep. I’m completely engrossed in the process. It helps to center me as a person. It helps to make me feel complete.”
Mr. Geiman also enjoys creating sculptural works of art using a variety of media. His work often tends to be instrumental as he is very much interested in shifting perspectives and promoting positive social and environmental change. His effort is to create sculptural works of art that move people to act for the betterment of society. As an active exhibiting artist, Mr. Geiman has received recognition for two consecutive years for his sculptures. In 2017 and 2018 he received the People’s Choice Award from Washington County Art Council.
Todd feels very fortunate to have worked with so many amazing people. “Teaching is hands down the best occupation ever. It’s afforded me the opportunity to share the magic of art with so many people.” He is quite happy being a part of Barbara Ingram School for the Arts faculty and working with so many dedicated individuals, both colleagues and students.
Ms. Brandy Merchant
Brandy Merchant, head teacher of the 2D Visual Arts here at BISFA, has taught in Maryland schools for twenty- three years, the last 13 years for the International Baccalaureate Visual Art Program and is currently an examiner for IBO. Ms. Merchant attended Columbus College of Art and Design, Frostburg State University, and University of Maryland. Her passions include: traveling, spending time with family and friends. Her professional time is devoted to instilling a life long love for learning, creating, and enjoying art of all disciplines
Ms. Priscilla Howard
Visual Arts Adjunct Teacher
I am Priscilla Howard. I’ve been a Visual Arts Teacher for 28 years, with 26 years at Clear Spring Elementary School. I graduated from Frostburg University in 1995 with an Art Education degree. My masters is in Curriculum and Instruction from Frostburg State University and Shenandoah University. I also work as an artist painting creating custom pieces. My speciality is in enamel paints on porcelain. I don’t have any favorite artists, style, or medium because I just love everything about art. I want to instill an appreciation in my students how art connects us all as human beings and to the simple joy of creating something with meaning.
Mark Youngblood
Visual Arts Adjunct Teacher
Mark Youngblood, photography teacher at Barbara Ingram School for the Arts as an Artist in residence since the opening of the school in 2009. Classes include Digital Photography 1 and 2, Photography 2 and 3. Mr. Youngblood is the owner of Youngblood Studios and a professional photographer for over 30 years. Attended Hagerstown Community College and then Shepherd University. Mr. Youngblood holds memberships in several professional photography organizations, including being named commercial and portrait photographer of the year in the state of Maryland.
Stephen Sheredy
Visual Arts Adjunct Teacher
Stephen Sheredy, a full-time animator and video editor, has worked in advertising with major children’s brands, including Mattel, Nickelodeon and Fox, as well as developing independent projects. He works traditionally and digitally to create art for production, from drafting story ideas and storyboarding, to editing, keyframing, and color grading footage and visual effects.
An alumni from the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, Stephen was among the first students to officially graduate from the school in 2011 and now teaches part time, training students to use software to create art digitally, a very important skill in the publishing and entertainment industries such as illustration and animation. He has also taught classes at Hagerstown Community College and St. James. “I love bringing characters and their stories to life through my art. My vision is to use my creative and artistic experience to develop projects that tell a story and captivate an audience. It is an honor to be a part of the Barbara Ingram family again teaching students what I know to help them with their skills and bring their creativity into the digital space.”
Interests and hobbies include drawing, walking, history, photography and model railroading.