Debra Disman

Debra Disman has had a diverse range of work experiences. Debra has worked as an Artist in Residence for the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs since 2017. Prior to that, they were an Art Instructor for the Marlborough Summer School, teaching book arts classes to children of various age groups. Debra also worked as a Teaching Artist for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the City of Santa Monica, providing arts instruction to diverse populations. Additionally, they have their own business called ArtiFactory Studio, where they provide custom decorative painting, murals, and color consultation/design services. Throughout their career, Disman has also worked as a Studio Artist in Residence, Artist in Community Service, and Artist in Residence for various organizations, designing and teaching art classes and workshops for children, youth, and adults. Debra has experience in color consulting and has worked as an In-store Color Consultant for Creative Paint and as a Color Consultant for Modamas Fine Painting. Lastly, Disman has served as an Arts Specialist for the Rosenberg Early Childhood Center, facilitating creative arts experiences for preschool-aged children.

Debra Disman has a diverse education history with a focus on art, business, and education. In 1997 to 2001, Debra attended the University of Iowa, where they studied Fine Arts, English, and Creative Writing. Debra then went on to earn a Certificate of Program Completion in Painting, Drawing, Art History, French Language, and Literature from the Institute for American Universities, L'Ecole des Beaux Arts.

In 2005 to 2009, Debra received a Certificate of Completion in The Business Planning Class from The Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, where they studied Entrepreneurship and Business Planning. In 2009, they became a Certified / Associate Member of the International Association of Color Consultants/Designers (IACC) after completing their program on the study of color in all its aspects for color consultants and designers.

Furthermore, Debra completed several additional certification programs. In 2013, they obtained a Social Emotional Arts (SEA) Certificate from the UCLA Arts and Healing, Social and Emotional Arts Certificate Program (SEA Program). This program focused on Art Education, Education, Arts and Healing, and Public Health, with a specific emphasis on Mental Health. Debra also completed the Art Biz Coach/Art Biz Bootcamp in 2015, which provided their with marketing and business training for artists. That same year, they undertook the Inner City Arts Professional Development Program, which offered courses in "Creativity in The Classroom" and "Creativity Practicum."

Debra also pursued specific workshops and courses to expand their skills. These include a 2013 workshop on Bookmaking: Sewn Books at The Word is Art Gallery and a 2012 workshop on Book Arts: Handmade book structures at The Long Beach Museum of Art.

Overall, Debra Disman has acquired a wide range of education and certification experiences, blending their passion for art with business and education.