Author visits to schools and libraries
Visual and literary arts workshops
Creative consulting for organizations and individuals
My main goal as a teaching artist is to help students of all ages express their unique visual and literary vision. I fan the creative flame while teaching craft and provide an artful, inclusive learning environment.
I teach poetry, fairy tales, book arts, illustration, and mask-making. Browse the teaching galleries to see the types of projects students have enjoyed creating in the past.
In my poetry sessions, students learn how to use valuable tools from the poetry tool kit, while being introduced to poets from around the world. I teach a magical fairy tale writing class using the universal template of the hero’s journey. In a curriculum titled ROOTS, students explore their cultural heritage through writing and bookmaking.
My offerings include several visual arts classes: book arts, illustration, and mask-making. I often combine art forms and custom-design projects in support of curricular themes related to language arts, social studies and/or STEM activities.
I am represented by COMPAS, the Loft Literary Center, ArtStart, the East Side Arts Council, Metronet Libraries, and work independently as well.
"Interdisciplinary artist and mentor Marie Olofsdotter has the profound ability to connect with your true nature. With her keen artistic sense of beauty, she assisted me in including all the necessary pieces for a complete representation of my true self in my book, 'Embracing Menopause Naturally.' I recommend her mentorship highly."
– Gabriele Kushi, Author, www.kushiskitchen.com
"We really liked writing poetry with you. Definitely, because in poetry you can just write what's in your heart and you don't have to be all fancy or stuff like that."
– Mrs. Smart's Second Grade Class, Fairview Elementary
"Marie has inspired the students to write wonderful creative poetry, original folk and fairy tales. Her love of the written word and its power is transferred to the students with whom she works. I would highly recommend Marie as a teaching artist at any grade level."
– Jacque Cramer, Challenge Coordinator, Glen Lake Elementary
"Marie is an immensely talented and giving artist, but even more than that, she is a careful, patient and caring educator."
– Stephen Houtz, Education Director, The Minnesota Opera