Pekin Academy of Fine Arts Artist of the Week

- April 13, 2015

Erica Ziegenbein

Erica became interested in art at a very young age and hasn't looked back since. While attending Midwest Central High School, she took every art class they had to offer including Advanced Studio Art. She also completed an independent art study her senior year. While there, she was President of the Spanish Club, Yearbook Business Manager, held multiple positions in Student Council, and was a member of the National Honor Society among other organizations. After graduating from Midwest Central High School with multiple scholarships, she studied art for a brief time at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, GA. She later returned to Pekin, IL and began taking classes at Illinois Central College. She is currently focusing Ceramics.

Erica resides in Pekin with her daughter, Raegan. Her inspiration for art projects and lesson plans comes from everything that surrounds her. She likes to work with many different mediums, but mostly enjoys making crafts in her spare time.

She teaches the Young Artists class at the Speakeasy Art Center on Tuesdays nights for children 5-12 years old. These kids get to experience making art of all kinds with a variety of mediums. Some of her student's favorite mediums include paint, clay, and chalk pastel.

Erica also runs the Crafty Kids Club which meets twice a month on Wednesday nights. This is geared towards children 5-12 years old, but all children are welcome to join. They make and take home a new craft at each meeting and receive newsletters in the mail with crafts ideas to make at home with their families.

"I really love working at the Speakeasy Art Center because there is so much opportunity to grow. Most of the kids in my classes have been with me for over a year and they love it, which make me very happy. I always love getting cards and hugs from the kids because it shows me that I'm really making a difference in their day when they come to art class. I love these kids like they were my own and the Speakeasy and I have worked with many families to make sure that all kids have the opportunity to come here and create."

Erica teaches the following classes at the Pekin Academy of Fne Arts. She also hosts many workshops, a summer art camp and she is hosting a Craft Supply Swap on May 2nd.