Shannon Newby

Experienced Founder, Teaching Artist, and Visual Arts Innovator

Professional Overview

Shannon Newby is a dynamic and accomplished arts professional with a diverse background spanning education, program development, and artistic instruction. As the Founder and Executive Director of Kid Lab, she leverages her exceptional creative and organizational skills to cultivate engaging learning experiences that inspire children's artistic expression and foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Founder and Executive Director, Kid Lab (2018 - Present)

• Oversees the strategic vision, program development, and operational management of Kid Lab, a pioneering arts education non-profit organization

• Designs and implements innovative curricula and immersive learning experiences that encourage children's creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking

• Builds and leads a team of passionate teaching artists to deliver high-quality art-based programs and workshops

• Secures funding, develops partnerships, and grows the organization's reach and impact within the local community and beyond

Teaching Artist, United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County (2016 - Present)

• Provides engaging and enriching arts instruction to students in various settings, including schools, community centers, and museums

• Collaborates with school administrators and educators to align arts programming with academic standards and curricular objectives

• Develops and facilitates dynamic, hands-on workshops and residencies that foster creativity, self-expression, and a deeper understanding of the arts

Artist in Residence, Portland Children's Museum (2016 - Present)

• Creates and delivers interactive art-making experiences for children and families

• Collaborates with museum staff to conceptualize and implement special events, exhibitions, and educational initiatives

• Serves as a ambassador for the museum, promoting the importance of the arts in early childhood development

Career Progression

Prior to her current roles, Shannon held several positions in the arts and education sectors, including:

• Launch Facilitator at Visual Art Exchange (2016-2016)

• Artist in Residence at Marbles Kids Museum (2015)

• Pop-up Project Coordinator (Contract) at Artspace (2014-2015)

• Recreation Leader at Sertoma Art Center (2012-2013)

• Assistant to the Director at Grunewald Guild (2010-2011)

• Gallery Assistant at Lookout Gallery, Regent College (2010)

• Residential Program Coordinator at Indiana Academy of Science, Mathematics and Humanities (2006-2007)

• Summer Program Co-Director at Taylor University (2004)

These experiences have allowed Shannon to develop a well-rounded skill set in arts education, program management, and community engagement, all of which she applies to her current leadership roles.

Academic Background

Shannon holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Arts from Taylor University, where she graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

• Arts education program design and implementation

• Curriculum development and instructional delivery

• Creative youth development and mentorship

• Nonprofit management and organizational leadership

• Community partnership building and stakeholder engagement

• Visual arts instruction and artistic practice

Professional Impact

• Established Kid Lab as a respected and innovative arts education non-profit, serving over 5,000 children annually

• Designed and implemented award-winning arts-integrated learning programs that have been recognized for their impact on student engagement and academic performance

• Collaborated with local schools, museums, and community organizations to expand access to high-quality arts education opportunities

• Presented at numerous conferences and workshops, sharing best practices and advocating for the transformative power of the arts in early childhood development

Conclusion

With her deep commitment to arts education, proven track record of successful program development, and unwavering passion for inspiring young minds, Shannon Newby is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families through her work at Kid Lab and as a teaching artist in the broader community.