karlarima.art

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, I grew up surrounded by color, culture, and a little bit of chaos – in the best way. As the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, I proudly identify as Latina, and that influence shows up in everything I do, from the way I create to the way I connect with my students. My work is rooted in identity, community, and the beauty of everyday life…with just enough structure to keep it from completely unraveling.

I’m a wife, a mom of two, and someone who has learned (over time, not overnight) that patience and compassion are not just nice ideas, they’re survival skills. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that what I do, both in and out of the classroom, should have purpose. I try to lead with that in mind, even on the messy days…especially on the messy days.

As a millennial, I like to think I bring a balance of real-world perspective, adaptability, and just enough humor to keep things interesting. I’ve had the time to grow into my role, not just as an artist, but as someone who is genuinely ready to work with and support young artists. I meet students where they are, whether that’s full of confidence or convinced they “can’t draw,” and help them realize they absolutely can (just maybe not perfectly, and that’s kind of the point).

My professional experience includes working in leadership roles, where I’ve planned, organized, managed, and learned how to pivot quickly when things don’t go as expected, which, in both art and life, is often. If you like a more detailed look at my qualifications, you can view my resume here, Karla Rima.

As I approach graduation, my goal is simple: to be the kind of art educator who makes students feel seen, capable, and inspired. I want my classroom to be a space where creativity is taken seriously, but not too seriously, where students can explore, experiment, and maybe even surprise themselves. At the end of the day, my work is about connection, growth, and making something meaningful…even if it starts a little messy.