Aileen N. Nichols

Hello, and welcome!

Aileen (pronounced: A-lean) is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, nature enthusiast, and library geek.  Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she has loved creative processes since she was a child.  Mostly self-taught, she was inspired by draw-along television programs and watching Bob Ross paint “happy little trees” on PBS.  She remembers trying to follow along with colored pencils and watercolors. Her favorite art mediums include drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and music.

After completing her Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in Art & Music at the University of California, Davis, Aileen became a public school teacher in California (K-2nd).  She also took classes at community colleges, earning her associate degrees in Fine Arts, Graphic Communications, and a printmaking certificate.

For over six years, she has shared the joys of art-making with little humans, from classrooms to community programs.  Passionate about transdisciplinary learning, Aileen has designed storytime art programs for the Railroad Book Depot, as well as Geometric Art classes for the “College for Kids” summer program at Diablo Valley College.   She has exhibited artwork at city halls, community centers, county fairs, art walks, and painted “happy little trees” as window murals for small businesses.  One of her favorite public art projects was painting an electrical box mural (“Love Grows Here”) in Brentwood, California.

Most recently, Aileen enjoyed integrating art lessons with outdoor education for students in the IslandWood Student Overnight Program, on Bainbridge Island.  Her love of nature, creative expression, and social justice has led to interests in community-based education.  A Star Wars Jedi at heart, Aileen also enjoys foodie excursions, hiking, and hanging with her tortoise, Buddy.