Dakota Aschittino 

Artist Bio:

Dakota Aschittino is a third-year student at Alverno College, majoring in Art Education. Dakota hopes to become an elementary school art teacher, as her true passion is helping younger children discover a love for art. Dakota completed the IB Diploma Program in high school, excelling in Higher Level DP Visual Arts. Her senior exhibition focused on LGBTQ+ experiences, aiming to educate others on the struggles that come with being queer.  In her free time, she focuses on Digital Art, using a tablet and pen to master digital painting. Currently, Dakota is living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, though her heart is with her hometown in Minnesota. 

For 3 years, Dakota has been working at local YMCAs, teaching swim lessons to younger children and adults with special needs, and coaching a competitive swim team. In the summer, back home in Minnesota, she is a camp counselor at YMCA Day Camp Heritage, where she's taken on the role of arts and crafts lead, and most recently head lifeguard. 

Dakota's biggest drive is to create a welcoming classroom, where all can learn regardless of experience or skill. Dakota struggles with ADHD, and because of that, she understands how difficult it can be to be in a traditional classroom. She hopes to create a space where students can thrive, highlighting each student's individual strengths.