animation director, illustrator, multimedia artist; handmade motion studio

TEACHING

Anne Beal has taught at leading art institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). She loves to teach animation to people of all ages and stages who are excited to learn and experiment with the wonderful medium of animation.

Classes, Workshops and Lectures

I was fortunate to teach Experimental Animation at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Animation 1 at the Rhode Island School of Design, two of the leading US art schools. But some of my most valuable teaching and public speaking experience came from my first job out of college, when I taught Painting at a paint-n-sip company. I traveled to venues across Chicagoland teaching people who had never held a paintbrush how to complete a painting in under three hours—all while ensuring everyone had a good time!:) This prepared me for the delightful challenge of giving animation workshops to strangers whose skillset is a total surprise.

In my teaching practice I emphasize play and experimentation. I encourage participants to immerse themselves in their creative process by muting their inner editor, and letting the materials spark curiosity.

Animation is a time-based medium with endless opportunities for learning. Whether I am teaching in person, on Zoom, lecturing, or presenting my work—I love to share how handmade animation can be a catalyst for creativity and experimentation.

Animation workshop at Girls Write Now, NYC.

Animation workshop at the Gathering Place of Saluda, NC. Photos by Helen Joy.

I provide online classes at Skillshare. Soon I will offer live Zoom workshops and pre-recorded classes on my Patreon page.

Animation workshop at Graveside Variety in Woodstock, NY.

Anne was a presenting filmmaker at Animation Speakeasy, a community-based animation program in Brooklyn. Photo by Michael Dondero.

Pictured: Jeremiah Dickey, Anne Beal, Pilar Newton-Katz, speaking at the Animation First Festival, L’Alliance New York.