Artist Statement
I often feel lost and down on myself because of my disabilities. There are many things that I cannot do anymore. I was once in good physical shape and had few health problems. The possibilities for my future career were almost limitless. Now I have to concentrate on things I am able to do. Although my artistic skills suffered and my style changed I can still create art. My skills continue to improve every day and I hope to soon be an even better artist than I was before my brain injury. My favorite subject matter for my art is by far, animals. I am a big animal lover and animals make me very happy. I draw animals both realistically and abstractly. I will often create watercolor paintings of animals in bright colors such as purple. I work with a wide variety of materials that range from watercolors and pastels all the way to oil paint and digital media.
When I was in the hospital for my brain injury art was a huge part of my recovery. I had already been planning on pursuing a career in art therapy but I thought that might be subject to change. After seeing how much art helped me during my recovery I knew what I wanted to do with my life. My goals with my art are to make people smile with my artwork and maybe help people to not feel so alone in being disabled or having depression and anxiety.
My art has gotten me through some rough times. Art helped me when I was being bullied in school long before my brain injury. Creating art makes me feel like I have power and control over my life despite my physical limitations and learning disability. It also helps me express what I am feeling during the times that I am depressed. Art is proven to be good for the mind, body, and soul.
Resume
Education
Saint Mary of the Woods College 2021
Degree:MA in counseling with an emphasis in Art Therapy
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University of Tampa 2016
Degree: BA Art Therapy
Minor: Psychology
University of Tampa - Disney Leadership Alternative Spring Break 2015
Alliance of the Arts - Art class with Doug McGregor (Ft. Myers newspaper cartoonist) 2010-2011
Evangelical Christian School 2012
Employment
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Big Arts Sanibel
Summer 2018
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Created Art Projects
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Taught Art Class
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Supervised Children
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Glazer Children's Museum-Camp Counselor
Summer 2017
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Supervised Children
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Supervised activities
Vida-Artist
March 2017-present
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Created Art
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Uploaded art to website
University of Tampa Art Department-Gallery Assistant
August 2015-December 2016
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Greeted Guests
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Installed Exhibits
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Removed Exhibits
Pepin Academy-Art Therapy Intern
January 2016-April 2016​
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Helped teach art class
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Created Projects
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Supervised Children
University of Tampa-Costume Assistant
August- December 2013
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Created costumes
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Repaired costumes
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Hand sewed
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Sewed on sewing machine
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Organized the costume room
Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Custodian
2011-2012
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Swept
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Mopped
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Vacuumed
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Cleaned Bathrooms
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Cleaned Kitchen
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Cleaned Windows and mirrors
Mark Cooper’s Cleaning Service-Custodian
2009-2011
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Swept
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Mopped
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Vacuumed
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Cleaned Bathrooms
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Cleaned Kitchen
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Cleaned Windows and mirrors
Bethlehem Lutheran Day Care-Care Giver
2006-2008 (Seasonal)
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Cared for children ages 2-6
Awards
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Sigma Phi Lambda - Most Pro-Active Member 2015
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University of Tampa - Spartan Academic Scholarship 2012-2016
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Self-Storage Association - Scholarship 2012
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Evangelical Christian School Band - Most Courageous 2012
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Girl Scouts - Leader in Training Award 2011
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Ft. Myers Taste of the Town - Drawing Contest-3rd Place 2011
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Girl Scouts - Native American Award 2010
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Girl Scouts - Gold Award 2009
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Evangelical Christian School - Science Fair 3rd place in category 2009
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Evangelical Christian School - Swimming Letter 2009-2010
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Girl Scouts - Silver Award 2008
Exhibitions
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University of Tampa-Scarfone/Hartley Gallery-Senior Ehibition-2016
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Evangelical Christian School- Art Display-2011
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Ft. Myers, FloridaTaste of the Town Junior Drawing Contest- 2011
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Evangelical Christian School - Auction- Art Display Ft. Myers, Florida-2011
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Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools Competition- Jacksonville, Florida-2010
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Ft. Myers Parks and Recreation Junior Photo Contest-third place-2008
Memberships
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University of Tampa – Healing Arts-Member 2014-2016
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Sigma Phi Lambda -Member 2012-2016
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Intervarsity Christian Fellowship– Member 2012-2016
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Girl Scouts - Lifetime Member- 2012-present
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Girl Scouts – Member 2004-present
Extracurricular Activities
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Evangelical Christian School - Band 2011-2012
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Evangelical Christian School - Pep Band 2011
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Evangelical Christian School - Swim Team 2007-2011
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Girl Scouts-2004-2012
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Volunteer Work
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Galisano's Children's Hospital-2017-present
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Center For Girls-2015
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Keep Florida Beautiful-2015
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Glazer’s Children’s Museum 2013-2014
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Intervarsity Christian Fellowship - Women’s Bible Study Secretary 2013
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Evangelical Christian School Theater Department Costume Design 2012
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Grace Church - Mission Trip to Orlando 2011
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Center for the Arts Ft. Myers – Art Teacher’s Assistant 2011
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Evangelical Christian School Theater Department Set Design 2010- 2011
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Evangelical Christian School - Thespian Society Stage Manager 2011
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Grace Church - Mission Trip to South Carolina 2010
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Harry Chapin Food Bank - Volunteer 2006-2010
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Publications
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SMWC's Aurora Magazine-4 poems-2019
Skills
Digital Art
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Adobe Illustrator
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Adobe Photoshop
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Corel Painter 2015
Drawing
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Pencil
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Colored pencil
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Oil pastels
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Chalk pastels
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Markers
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Pen
Microsoft Office
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Word
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Power Point
Painting
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Acrylics
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Watercolors
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Fabric Paint
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Oils
About Me
Name: Jessica Nicole Gross
Birthday: July 3,1994
Hometown: Ft. Myers, Florida
Current City: Ft. Myers,Florida
School: Saint Mary of the Woods College
Degree: BA in art with a concentration in art therapy and a minor in psychology
Favorite Artist: Van Gough
Favorite Place: Disney World
Fun Fact: Animal Lover