Bio
Born and raised in Somerville, NJ, Kasey DeSaro has loved art for as long as she can remember. Her passion took root in childhood, where creativity became a natural way to understand and express the world around her. By kindergarten, she already knew she wanted to become an art teacher—an early dream that has continued to shape her path.
Kasey first pursued her love of teaching by earning an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Union County College. She then deepened her artistic practice at Kean University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Blending both worlds, she is currently taking the alternate route to become an art educator, dedicated to bringing both technical skill and emotional expression into the classroom.
As both an artist and aspiring teacher, Kasey is driven by the belief that creativity has the power to inspire confidence, self-discovery, and connection. Her work and her teaching philosophy reflect a lifelong commitment to nurturing artistic curiosity in others—just as it once grew in her.
VMS
Teaching is an extension of my artistic practice—an act of creation, connection, and curiosity. Just as I approach my artwork with intention and sensitivity, I approach the classroom as a space where ideas are shaped, explored, and transformed. I believe that teaching is a collaborative art form, one that requires openness, empathy, and a willingness to see the world through many perspectives.
In my work with students, I focus on nurturing their ability to observe deeply, think critically, and express themselves with confidence. I view every lesson as an opportunity to guide them through the same creative processes that inform my own studio practice: exploring materials, embracing mistakes, experimenting with techniques, and discovering personal meaning in their work.
My role as an educator is not to provide all the answers, but to spark questions—to help students recognize their own voices and trust the value of their imagination. I strive to create an environment that celebrates individuality while fostering a sense of community, where learning is both reflective and hands-on.
Ultimately, teaching allows me to witness the transformative power of art in real time. The classroom becomes a living studio, filled with growth, risk-taking, and discovery. For me, the act of teaching is not separate from my identity as an artist; it is an integral part of it. Through guiding others, I deepen my own understanding of creativity and reaffirm the belief that art has the power to shape not just images, but people.