Open to opportunities

Brianna Markley

@briannamarkley

Adjunct art professor and fiber-focused maker, translating papermaking and sculpture into rigorous, student-centered instruction.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to teach and build studio experiences that connect technical skill with conceptual growth—especially in papermaking, fiber processes, and sculptural design—with collaborative critique and process-based learning.

I’m an Adjunct Art Professor (appointed to teach Drawing I and 3D Design beginning Fall 2026) with a strong foundation in fiber arts and material-led learning. My practice centers on papermaking, sculptural form, and technical clarity—so students can build confidence and develop their own concepts through process.

At Cranbrook Academy of Art, I designed and led a sculptural knit workshop exploring knitted armatures as foundations for cast paper forms. I also developed and facilitated papermaking workshops for undergraduate and graduate students, demonstrating both Eastern and Western techniques while emphasizing two-dimensional sheet formation and sculptural casting applications.

Across library, gallery, and studio support roles, I’ve strengthened research, installation, and mentorship skills—supporting graduate artists and faculty with interdisciplinary inquiry, assisting critiques and exhibition installations, and photographing/documenting artwork to maintain professional continuity. I bring an educator’s focus on technical skill, conceptual development, and material experimentation—grounded in my MFA training and recognition through awards and accepted work.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Papermaking Workshop Assistant

ND-LEEF – Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility

Assisted in teaching sustainable papermaking workshops using locally sourced native plants. Prepared materials and demonstrated natural fiber processing techniques for community participants.

Papermaking Process Fiber Processes Workshop Assistance Demonstration

Plant Harvesting

Daly Farm

Harvested and processed regionally grown plant materials for use in natural papermaking, fiber, and dye research. Applied sustainable material-gathering practices to support environmentally conscious studio methods.

Dye Research Support Sustainable Material Gathering

Sculptural knit Workshop Instructor

Cranbrook Academy of Art

Designed and led a sculptural workshop exploring knitted armatures as foundations for cast paper forms. Guided artists through pulp preparation, casting techniques, and material experimentation.

Knitted Armatures Cast Paper Form Sculptural Knitting Pulping Process Casting

Adjunct Art Professor

Bethel University

Appointed to teach Drawing I and 3D Design beginning Fall 2026. Develops course curriculum emphasizing technical skill, conceptual development, and material exploration.

Drawing 3D Design Curriculum Development Material Exploration Teaching

Library Assistant

Cranbrook Academy of Art

Supported graduate artists and faculty in interdisciplinary research across fiber, sculpture, photography, and metalsmithing. Managed circulation and archival shelving and assisted during critiques and exhibition installations by coordinating research materials and studio resources.

Library Circulation Research Support Exhibition Installation Assistance

Circulation Assistant

University of Notre Dame

Assisted students, faculty, and researchers with architecture, design, and academic reference collections. Organized architectural drawings and special collections materials and maintained course reserves.

Library Circulation Course Reserves

Gallery Assistant

Moreau Galleries

Curated and organized exhibitions while maintaining institutional voice and artist intent. Installed 2D and 3D work, photographed and documented artwork, updated gallery pages, coordinated with artists, and supported lectures, receptions, and community events.

2D and 3D Installation Artwork Photography and Documentation Gallery Page Updates Artwork Coordination Event Support

Papermaking Workshop Instructor

Cranbrook Academy of Art

Designed and facilitated papermaking workshops for undergraduate and graduate students. Demonstrated Eastern and Western papermaking techniques, focusing on sheet formation and sculptural casting applications, and developed experimental pulp and dye recipes.

Eastern Papermaking Western Papermaking Experimental Pulp Recipes Workshop Facilitation

Volunteer

Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph County

Engaged children in creative activities and after-school programming. Supported literacy, art projects, and confidence-building exercises.

After School Programming Art Projects

Peer Mentor

Saint Mary’s College

Mentored first-year students through their transition to college. Facilitated workshops, discussions, and weekly seminars focused on academic success and community engagement.

Mentorship Academic Success Workshops Facilitation Community Engagement

Fibers Teacher Assistant

Saint Mary’s College

Mentored undergraduate students in fiber processes including weaving, felting, papermaking, surface design, and stitch-based construction. Demonstrated technical processes and supported conceptual development during critiques and studio instruction.

Weaving Felting Papermaking Process Surface Design Mentorship

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Cranbrook Academy of Art

Master of Fine Arts, Fiber

2024 - 2026

Activities and societies: Relevant coursework: Sustainable Textiles, Surface Design, Curatorial Studies, Fabric Printing, Surface Construction and Application.

Master of Fine Arts in Fiber at Cranbrook Academy of Art (Fall 2024–Spring 2026).

Saint Mary’s College

Bachelor of Arts, Art History & Fibers

Activities and societies: Relevant coursework: Sustainable Textiles, Surface Design, Curatorial Studies, Fabric Printing, Surface Construction and Application; Dean’s List (Fall 2020–Spring 2024).

Bachelor of Arts in Art History & Fibers from Saint Mary’s College, completed May 2024. Dean’s List (Fall 2020–Spring 2024) with cumulative GPA 3.85 and major GPA 4.00.