I have grown up taking care of children. I'm the eldest of four, the oldest cousin on both sides, and I've been babyitting since I was 9. It makes sense I am a teacher. I love what I do. I came across an opening for a pre-school teacher in Brookline, MA. years ago. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me.   

 I am now the Art teacher for Saint Joseph's School in Fairhaven and Saint Stanislaus School in Fall River. I also currently teach art of all mediums to all ages out of my home studio. 

 I am the illustrator for the children's book, "Three Ducks and a Goose". The cd attached includes the title song, sung by the chldren's choir of Saint Margaret's. Involving my students is a very touching aspect of this project. This book was a blast to draw, and including my students has made it more memorable.  

https://books.google.com/books/about/Three_Ducks_and_a_Goose.html?id=KaXGMQEACAAJ&hl=en

I also drew illustrations for "Matilda". It's the tale of a donkey whose life changes for the better. 

https://www.amazon.com/Matilde-Donkey-Lorraine-Gilmore-2015-09-10/dp/B01K3MOD0W

I have a deep respect for nature. I love the organic treasures I find on a walk or hike... the way clouds dance and swirl; creating colors in layers. I get excited watching things grow in my garden. I believe all of this reflects in my creations. 

I love listening to audiobooks in my studio. SO MUCH FUN. I get lost in my little world and have a blast. 

Again..... I love what I do.

I have participated in a large number of regional shows, auctions, and fairs throughout my years as a professional artist. Galleries as far as California have exhibited my sculptural clay work, as well as my pencil drawings.

Awards are listed below.

My pottery can be seen at Cape Cod Art Center in Barnstable, Ma., Echo in Wareham, Ma., and Whimsical Wishes in the Village Landing in Plymouth, Ma. My Etsy shop is Urchinware.
Commissions are available for portraits...(people and animals), landscapes, illustrations, sculpture and pottery. Actually, any idea you have, I can accomplish. 

 Make an appointment for studio classes or to buy some art.
arturchin@verizon.net        

ATTENTION:
My main focus lately is creating new pieces of work. I haven't entered any competitions recently, but here are awards I've collected in my years as a professional artist. I look forward to entering some exhibits soon.                       
   
                                                           AWARDS
2014 Best in Pottery, 4th Annual Summer Fine Craft Exhibition, Plymouth Guild For The Arts

2012 Best in Sculpture, Cape Cod Art Association National Exhibit               
2012 Honorable Mention, Plymouth Guild center for the Arts, Annual Juried Exhibit
2011 Best in Sculpture, Fall Juried Exhibit, Falmouth Art Center
2010 Best in sculpture, All Media Fall Juried Art Show, Falmouth Art Center
2010 Blue ribbon for drawing at the Bourne Beautification Organization spring exhibit
2008 Second place for Drawing in the National Exhibit at Cape Cod Art Association
2008 Third prize in the National Drawing show at the South Shore Art Center
2007 First prize in Sculpture at the Cape Cod Art Association
2007 First prize in Pastel at the Cape Cod Art Association
2007 Third prize in Drawing in the Mid Summer Art Show at the Duxbury Art Association
2004 Second place for Drawing in the Winter Juried Art Exhibit at Cape Cod Art Association
1986 Blue Ribbon for Drawing at the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards
1986 Blue Ribbon for Drawing at the Plymouth Art Exhibit
1985 Blue Ribbon for Drawing at the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards
1985 Blue Ribbon for Drawing at the Plymouth Art Exhibit