Gianna Masi (b. 2004)
Artist Statement
Connection through imagery is something I strive to attain most. Using self portraiture, vibrant palettes, and perhaps unusual imagery I attempt to connect with my audience and provide commentary on life's abnormalities and mysteries. Most of my work explores my inner self, often featuring the parts of the world that are overlooked or considered undesired.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Artist and honors student completing Bachelors in Visual Arts at Montclair State University with effectiveness in fine art mediums, art history, a working proficiency in digital platforms, and experience in the education field as a current Preschool Assistant Teacher and former fine arts Studio Assistant. Thorough volunteer experience at various artist galleries and main contributor to forming OCC Art Club at Ocean County College. Striving to become a fine arts professor while maintaining involvement in creative communities and freelance artmaking.
SKILLS
Community Outreach, Project Development & Organization, Creativity & Innovation, Working Knowledge of Adobe Programs, Proficiency in Procreate, Teaching
EXPERIENCE
Preschool Assistant Teacher, June 2023 – Current
Farmingdale Christian Daycare Center, Farmingdale NJ
CPR Certified; American Heart Association
Pre-Kindergarten: Assist and educate within activities (storytelling, arts & crafts, STEM, real-world applications, motor skills, communication), assist lead teacher in classroom management.
Daycare & Summer Camp: Attend to children 2-12 years, provide safety, care (diaper changing, feeding, naptime, cleanliness), basic education, teach values, safety, health, and ethics. Using effective classroom management tools, as well as consistently and proficiently communicating with parents/guardians.
Associated Babysitter
Freelance Artist, July 2021 – Current
Clientele-based artwork on a consistent basis, engaging in custom creative requests
Portraiture, murals, graphic designs (logos, flyers, apparel) appeasing to the clients’ requests efficiently and realistically
Various publications, featured in college exhibitions, guest on artist podcast, community murals, thesis collaborations
Education & General Museum Intern, May 2026 – Current
Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University; Noyes Arts Garage, Atlantic City NJ
Assist with planning and implementation of art classes for adults and children in the Arts Garage & the Noyes Art Camp
Research and write exhibition educational guides while training to become museum guide
Begin professionally curating exhibitions & associated roles
Studio Assistant, Sept. 2024 – May 2025
Ocean County College Fine Arts Department, Toms River NJ
Assist and tutor fine arts and graphic design students with critiques, material technique, navigating studios to help excel their artistic needs
Maintain three studios in cleanliness, organization & performing required tasks: hanging artwork, creating class examples, attending and arranging events, curating flyers, assisting within classes, and helping organize exhibitions and events
Teen Arts Festival Student Adjudicator and Presenter connecting with high school students providing advice as a transitioning art student and advocating for community college as a valuable educational option
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s of Arts Degree, Visual Arts, May 2028
Montclair State University: College of the Arts
GPA 4.0; NJ STARS II, Phi Theta Kappa, John Martinson Honors EDGE Program
Associate’s Degree, Fine Arts, December 2025
Ocean County College
GPA 4.0; NJ STARS, Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Beta Honor Society, Sigma Kappa Delta
Honors by Contract Program: Curated Independent Artistic Research
Art Club Student Advisor: Product creation, conducting community outreach, workshops, flyers & design work, tabling events, collaborations, participate in student panel discussion, club projects, & social media management
Achievements: President’s Honors List 4/4, Awarded & Displayed in Summer Artwork Exhibitions, Excellence Honors by Contract 2nd Place Presentation
Jackson Art Academy, June 2023
GPA 4.72; Class Rank 7
National Art Honor Society President, AP Scholar Award, Senior Art Department Award, Teens Arts Festival Exhibition, Academy Internship teaching an oil pastel workshop
VOLUNTEERING
Ocean County Artists’ Guild Executive Board Recording Secretary; Member and Volunteer, gallery sitting, assisting at events, custom designs, recording secretary meeting minutes, flyer creation & goal to advocate for youth and diverse artist communities
TRAC Toms River Artist Community Volunteer and Member; assisting children’s art classes, maintenance of studio, role in Community Medical Center “Kindness” Mural
Ocean County Artist Network Member; attending artist networking events, assisting at events, community outreach
AWARDS, INSTALLATIONS/DISPLAYS, & FEATURES
2026
Awarded in the Ocean County College Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, "Maggot Migraine Pt. 1-3," & "Mini Me"
Awarded Scholarships: Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Art Scholarship, Who's Who Among Students at Ocean County College Elected & Scholarship, Dr. Blackwell Sawyer Memorial Scholarship (OCC Foundations)
Displayed in Ocean County College Student Run Photography & Fine Art Gallery, "Rotten Candy"
Featured in Ocean County College Seascape Art & Literary Magazine, "Set The Table;" "Whole;" "Perfect"
Featured in Paradox Flesh #2 Zine by IG: @endo__, "A Salt"
2025
Awarded 1st Place in the Ocean County College Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, "A Salt;" "Deficient" also displayed
Excellence Award & 2nd Place Scholarship in recognition for "The Impact of Goya's Artwork" Honors Project at Ocean County College, followed by a presentation of the project to the college
Awarded Scholarship: Joseph And Lydia Cilento Memorial Art (OCC Foundations)
President's Honors List x4 (2024-2025) at Ocean County College
Installation: Toms River Artist Community (TRAC) Collaborative "Kindness Grows" Mural at RWJBarnabas Health's Community Medical Center
Featured Cover of Ocean County College Seascape Art & Literary Magazine, "We Are Beautiful Too;" "Gust" & "The Perfect Tool" also featured
Featured in Ocean County Artists' Guild Art & Literary Magazine, "Mute"
Featured Interview on Sherri Keikilani's "Artist Talks"
2024
Awarded Scholarship: William Hess Scholarship (OCC Foundations)
Displayed in Ocean County College Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, "Abstract Portrait," "Negatively Happy," "Body," "Hands In Action," "Underwater Passport," & "Crash"
Displayed in Allaire State Park Photography Exhibit
2023
Awarded 2nd Place in Ocean County Mental Health Creative Expressions Art Contest, "Falling Out"
Awarded 3rd Place in Ocean County Advanced Placement Art Contest
Awarded as an AP Scholar
Senior Art Department Award at Jackson Memorial High School
Outstanding Academic Achievement x4 (2019-2023) at Jackson Memorial High School
Displayed in Ocean County Teen Arts Festival Exhibit
