Colleen Catherine Connolly started metalworking in 2001 under the instruction of metal artist, Leslie Leupp. After a time studying sculpture and art history at Pennsylvania State University and abroad in Rome, Italy, she moved to New York City.
In New York, Colleen continued studying metalworking, while working with various art galleries, such as co-curating a show of outsider artists with the non-profit, Rita Project. It was also in New York, where she developed her jewelry company, colleencatherine and designed her first collection, the plastic collection.
After moving to Philadelphia, Colleen settled into a studio at the Philadelphia Institute for Advanced Study (PIFAS) where she made jewelry for her company and began designing costumes for Workshop for Potential Movement, a Philadelphia-based Dance company. Also in Philadelphia, she expanded her interest in education by teaching a Jewelry Design & Metalworking class at the UC Arts League and sculpture at Fleisher Art Memorial. She also worked with the Children’s Literacy Initiative developing art-literacy projects for the Philadelphia Public Schools and coordinating content development for the organization.
September 2008, Colleen made a huge move across the US… jewelry equipment, sewing machine, & best friend in tow… to Portland, OR!! Since relocating, Colleen has setup a jewelry studio in Northeast Portland and offers private lessons in metalworking and sewing. She is also beginning research in Early Childhood Education and Art Curricula with plans to return to school for a M.Ed.
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