I enjoy working with my hands and the multi-layered steps of design – from the concept to the creation, I live for the process of building out a plan that guides a piece to completion. It is the process that moves me to create. I love to get lost in the stitches of a garment, in the construction of a ring, in the possibilities…
I believe the process of making speaks to my ultimate joy. There are no rules to follow. Shared experience from one maker to another can guide knowledge and skill – but the process isn’t required to have a formal path. In all of my works, there is a common thread of steady practice, growth, and curiosity. The process of making allows me the space to ponder, pause, and reflect. I find gratitude in my abilities and strength in these moments. My work is a gift to myself, a gift of healing that digs deep into my core and grounds me to the present moment.
Much of my work is made for functional purposes – to wear, to adorn, to gift. In making my work available to you, I hope to pass along the freedom to dig into your own process, have gratitude for yourself, and also enjoy a beautiful handmade creation.
EDUCATION
Portland Fashion Institute, Portland, OR | 2021
Coursework in Sewing, Textiles, and Patterning
Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR | 2011
Master of Arts in Teaching
Reading Endorsement, Lewis & Clark College
Studio Jewelers, Ltd, Manhattan, New York City | 2005
Jewelry Making and Design
Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA | 2004
Bachelors of Arts in Art History
Minor in International Studies, Concentration in Metal Working and Design
Temple University, Rome, Italy | 2003
Coursework in Art History and Sculpture
EXHIBITIONS
Paths and Patterns: Art by Colleen Connolly and Shannon Johnson, 2018 | Portland, OR
Faculty Exhibition, Multnomah Arts Center, 2010 | Portland, OR
Faculty Exhibition, Multnomah Arts Center, 2009 | Portland, OR
Bicycle People Ideas in Motion Exhibition, Moore College of Art & Design, 2009 | Philadelphia, PA
Bike Part Art Show (collaboration w/ Steve Bozzone), Neighborhood Bike Works, 2008 | Philadelphia, PA
Bike Part Art Show, Neighborhood Bike Works, 2007 | Philadelphia, PA
Faculty Exhibition, U. C. Arts League, 2006 | Philadelphia, PA
Faculty Exhibition, Fleisher Art Memorial, 2006 | Philadelphia, PA
FELLOWSHIPS AND OTHER PROJECTS
Visiting Artist, Alameda Elementary School | Spring 2009
Visiting Artist, East Gresham Elementary School | Spring 2009
Visiting Artist, Khemissett Artisan School, Morocco | 2007
Hurricane Katrina Documentary Film Project, Partnership w/Philly Independent Media, LINK HERE | 2008
WORK EXPERIENCE
Jewelry Designer, colleencatherine | 2004 – current
Sewist + Custom Tailor, colleencatherine | 2019 – current
Education Coordinator, Modern Domestic | 2022 – current
Studio Manager, barre3 | 2018-2021
Co-Founder + Designer, Nurtured Spaces | 2016-2019
PreK & Kindergarten Teacher – Various Locations
KairosPDX Learning Academy | 2015-2016
Childswork Learning Center | 2012-2015
Opal School | Spring 2013
Catlin Gabel School | 2011-2012
Art Teacher – Various Locations
Sewing Instructor, The Bicycling Seamstress | 2012-2018
General Youth Arts, Catlin Gabel School | 2012-2013
Metals and Youth Arts, Multnomah Art Center | 2009-2010
Youth Arts, Mt. Scott Community Center | 2009-2010
Clay, Fleisher Art Memorial | 2006-2008
Clay, Philadelphia Art Museum | 2006-2008
Metals and Clay, U. C. Arts League | 2005-2008
School Garden Coordinator, Growing Gardens | 2009-2010
Content Coordinator, Children’s Literacy Initiative | 2006-2009
Freelance Costume Designer, LiveArts Fringe Festival | 2006-2009
After-School Arts Coordinator, U. C. Arts League | 2005-2006
Gallery Assistant, Ubu Gallery | 2004-2005
Volunteer & Exhibition Coordinator, The Rita Project, NYC | 2005
Gallery Assistant Internship, Max Protetch Gallery + Staley-Wise Gallery, NYC | 2004
Museum Art Historian Fellowship, The Museum of the Great Plains, Oklahoma | 2003