Susan Banks
2006

Title: Senior Associate Professor

Department: Visual Arts - New World School of the Arts

Home: 305.856.0506

Work: 305.237.3593

Cell: 786.281.8221

Since childhood beautiful Florida gardens and ocean have inspired the imagery and creative spirit of Susan’s work. Encouraging students to study nature, to empower perception and develop a dynamic design aesthetic are characteristic of Susan’s teaching philosophy. Her commitment to teaching goes beyond the fundamental content and course material of a career in the arts. “Learning takes place on so many levels. My responsibility is to help students become aware of him / herself;to learn how to learn through the eyes of an artist but also through the heart, as one who lives responsibly in the world community.”

Susan has been teaching at the New World School of the Arts for 20 years. Her early days with students began in storefront facilities leading to a state of the art clay and glass studio. Progress toward this high level of academic experience is typical of Miami Dade’s commitment to students. This award of an Endowed Teaching Chair marks a significant achievement in her career as an educator and artist. “An Endowed Chair honors the community and student support of Miami Dade College faculty.”

She is an alumnus of the North Campus of Miami Dade College where her study of art began followed by a Bachelors degree from Florida International University and Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Miami. Her area of expertise is Ceramics and she also considers herself a colorist.

Her reputation as a professional ceramic artist spans over 2 decades. Achievements include two Individual Artist Fellowship Grants from the State of Florida along with an extensive listing of national exhibitions. Her work is included in notable individual and corporate collections. Susan has developed numerous community and large-scale public artworks which have taken her work as an educator and artist beyond the studio. Susan’s work will continue to grow and evolve through her understanding that knowledge is the key to possibilities. This appreciation and commitment to the rich diverse natural heritage and community of South Florida is the defining message felt in her work and teaching.