Taylor Stein

BACKGROUND
Art Form: Visual Arts
Experience: From 2016-2025, Taylor taught creative writing and arts classes in jails and prisons with the Free Verse Writing Project
MFA in Fiction Writing from the University of Montana
Exhibiting artist working in painting, sculpture, artist books, children's books, playwriting, and shadow puppetry
In 2025, Taylor used AISC grant funds to provide free, sustainable arts workshops at Free Cycles for all ages

RAPID-FIRE Q/A
Three words to describe you? Creative, Effusive, Whimsical

What was your first arts "aha" moment, including how old were you? Stories of me and the arts stretch beyond my memory. When I was four, my mom got me a bug-eyed Boston Terrier puppy. She became my companion in the backyard, my favorite place to be. One day, my mom found me and my puppy in our makeshift fort with a book. As the story goes, I was trying to teach the dog to read.

Why are you a teaching artist? For me, the arts are a compass. Making and teaching art points me toward joy, connection, and authenticity. I love to design lessons that encourage play, curiosity, experimentation and gently dialogue with our shared human condition.

In five words or less, why do you love your art form? The endless, unique possibilities!

Finish the sentence: "Because of Arts Ed..." I was able to find my community and myself.

What does success look like during your residency? Success looks like a room full of kids trying something new together. I hope my lessons are a source of warmth for the kids and support for our teachers.

What’s an important life skill you gained through the arts? Empathy.

Who is an artist that changed your life? Remedios Varo

If you were entering a talent show, what would be your specific talent? My sense of direction. If the budget allowed you to blindfold and drop me and a talent show into an undisclosed location, we'd probably be fine?

Do you have a secret (or not so secret) obsession? Ghost stories!