Ty (he/they) Visual Art | is a multimedia visual artist with a strong connection to Ceramic and Fiber Arts. Ty received a BFA in Ceramics from the Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, and has ventured into the education world through museums, community spaces, and public schools. His work takes form through characters called “monsters”. These monsters are naïve, colorful, eccentric creatures who are living in a modern society without any real knowledge of what any of that really means. Their version of the world comes alive in the form of ceramic and fiber sculpture, which is then used for larger video installation pieces. Ty is currently working on two projects: a video project of these monsters attending a fancy dinner party, as well as developing a board game with two family members of his. When not making art or teaching, Ty is out enjoying nature, playing video games, and connecting with friends.
Kaity Lacy Visual Art | is both an art educator and artist residing in the West Chester borough. She teaches children the joys of art and enjoys seeing the enthusiasm spark as the kids' excitement for their work grows . Kaity enjoys working primarily with two dimensional media, donating many of her colorful and expressive animal paintings to animal rescue organizations, thus helping these always cash-strapped nonprofits raise funds for their many medical cases. Before becoming a Teaching Artist at Darlington Arts Center, Kaity served as a humane educator across Pennsylvania and Delaware. Previously, she was a Visual Arts Teacher of middle and high school students. A certified art educator for students in grades K-12, you’ll often find Kaity’s works in local art shows, gallery walks and community art events. When she’s not painting, drawing or teaching, you’ll find Kaity spending time with her partner Kris, her family, their dog, Oakley and a host of shelter cats they continue to foster, caring for them until they find their forever homes. You can view some of Kait's works on her website Shelter Art or social media accounts at Etsy or Instagram.
Bea Kaplan (she/her) Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Printmaking | B.F.A., Carnegie-Mellon University, concentrations in printmaking and drawing. Bea has a range of experience in the art world including being an art teacher, gallery director, mural project coordinator, and therapeutic recreation program instructor. She has provided art instruction at multiple schools in the Tri-state region of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey including Westtown School, Tower Hill School, Friends School of Mullica Hill, NJ; The Winchester Thurston School, Pittsburgh, The Carnegie, Museum of Art, The Children’s Room, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County – Association for Children.
Erika Matyok Drawing, Painting | Erika has enjoyed a passion for painting big, vibrant flowers throughout her life. She takes pleasure in large-scale painting projects and has worked on several popular murals that adorn landmarks scattered throughout Philadelphia, including one that appeared on The Rachael Ray Show. She currently teaches aspiring young artists at an elementary school in Broomall and runs Fancyhands Designs, a company that specializes in custom murals, faux finishes, kids’ rooms, and hand-painted furniture. In 2014, Erika led a community mural project in Northern Liberties Philadelphia for “Clean Up Day”. Her large-scale murals emit energy. They are filled with imagery and impact. "I feel vibrant, alive, and more connected every time I complete a work of art. Each piece contains a unique meaning, process, or look. It's an affirmation and deeply personal feeling that comes with completion," exudes Erika. "It's a natural desire for me to paint, draw, and design."
Tiye Pulley (he/him/his) Visual Art | Tiye is a multimedia visual artist from New Jersey. He is a 2019 Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Film & Media Studies from Swarthmore College and is a 2019 Thomas J. Watson Fellow. His work includes ink drawing, analog photography, filmmaking, and apparel design. Tiye currently lives and works in Philadelphia.
Jessica Rogers Visual Art | is a ceramic and painting artist originally from Sparta, New Jersey. She graduated with a B.A. in studio art and psychology from Providence College, and received her M.S. in secondary education from Saint Joseph’s University. She loves exploring all mediums, and is always finding ways to incorporate new techniques into her artwork. In her free time, Jessica enjoys cooking, being with family, going to the beach, and spending time with her cat Sadie. Jessica is so excited to meet the talented students here at Darlington, and to join a welcoming community that shares her love of the arts! She is looking forward to teaching within the beautiful art spaces and campus at Darlington, and working with students in a fun and creative environment!
Jennifer Roman (she/her) Visual Art | Jennifer has been teaching both visual and performing arts for over 20 years. She holds an M. ED in Special Education and Pennsylvania certification in Art K-12 and Special Education. Jennifer taught ada
pted art and music to both school age students and adults with significant special needs for close to 15 years, as well as typical and gifted children and adults in community centers, after school programs, and arts organizations. Currently she works as a contract teaching artist at the Delaware Art Museum and the Darlington Art Center. When she is not teaching Jennifer is an active in community theater, as a musical theater performer and costume designer. As an artist she is deeply inspired by world cultures and mythology, responsible stewardship of the earth’s resources, and color and texture, and loves working in textiles and mixed media.