About the Artist

Megan Aly has been an artist since her childhood in Iowa.  In 2024, she completed her Master of Fine Art with Emphasis in Painting degree from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Studio Art in 2013.  Since 2013, Megan has been teaching Art to K-12^th grade and adults and holds teaching licenses in Art and Talented and Gifted Education, K-12.  Megan moved to California in 2020 and founded the online art school, Pacific Paintbrush. 

Megan’s artwork was exhibited at group exhibitions at the University of Iowa in 2011, 2012, and 2013.  In 2012, she was awarded the Art Inspires Writing Award and had a solo exhibition at The Writing Center in Iowa City, IA.  Her work was displayed at the Blanden Art Museum in Fort Dodge, IA in 2016.  The Academy of Art University Spring Show in 2022 and 2024 featured Megan's work at The Cannery in San Francisco, CA.  Her current artwork highlights the connection and complexities of women and nature in a contemporary light.

Education

2024 MFA in Fine Art Painting, summa cum laude, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA

2013 BA in Art with Honors in Studio Art, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

2013-Present Teaching License, Art (K-12), Talented and Gifted (PS-12)

Group Exhibitions

2024 Academy of Art University Spring Show, The Cannery, San Francisco, CA

2022 Academy of Art University Spring Show, The Cannery, San Francisco, CA

2016 Local Artists Exhibition, Blanden Art Museum, Fort Dodge, IA

2013 Honors in Studio Art Exhibition, Art Building West, Iowa City, IA

2012 Undergraduate Painting and Sculpture Show, Art Building West, Iowa City, IA

2011 Undergraduate Jewelry and Metal Arts Show, Visual Arts Building, Iowa City, IA

Solo Exhibitions

2012 Art Inspires Writing Award Winner Exhibition, The Writing Center, Iowa City, IA

Professional Experience

2020-Present Art Teacher (PK-12 & adult), Pacific Paintbrush, San Diego, CA

2020-2021 Virtual Art Teacher (K-12), Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, Cedar Rapids, IA

2016-2020 Art Teacher (5^th &6^th), College Community School District, Cedar Rapids, IA

2016-2020 Art Club Teacher (K-12), Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, Cedar Rapids, IA

2013-2016 Art Teacher (TK-6^th), St. Edmond Catholic Schools, Fort Dodge, IA

2013-2016 After-School Tutor (K-12), St. Edmond Catholic Schools, Fort Dodge, IA

2015 Art Workshop Teacher (K-12 & adult), Blanden Art Museum, Fort Dodge, IA

2010-2013 Writing Fellowship & Writing Tutor (undergraduate), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

2012 Art Club Teacher (K-12), United Action for Youth, Iowa City, IA

2011 Art Workshop Teacher (K-12), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Awards

2012 Art Inspires Writing Award, The Writing Center, Iowa City, IA

Publications as Author

“Fireflies, Lightning Bugs, Shimmering Insects”, Blurb Publishing, 2012.