Camille Grimshaw Artist & Educator

Mrs. Grimshaw has been an amazing teacher to me ever since I started taking ceramics in 10th grade. I've always loved making things, so when I joined, she was happy to help me...

Mrs. Grimshaw has been an amazing teacher to me ever since I started taking ceramics in 10th grade. I've always loved making things, so when I joined, she was happy to help me. I've always struggled on the wheel in ceramics, either adding too much water and making a mess, or not being able to center it. Instead of telling me to give up, Mrs. Grimshaw helped me learn, adapt, and grow. She always knows how to bring a smile to everyone's face, how to make the classroom a second home, and how to respect us all as our own people. I've been in many art classes, but never one so fun and cheerful to be in. We all know we can go to her when we need anything, and know we won't get laughed at for simple mistakes. She makes art feel fun for each person.

If any teacher could be credited with completely changing my high school experience, it would be Mrs. Grimshaw. In the many years I have had her as a teacher, I have not once met someone more supporting or thoughtful regarding each of her students...

If any teacher could be credited with completely changing my high school experience, it would be Mrs. Grimshaw. In the many years I have had her as a teacher, I have not once met someone more supporting or thoughtful regarding each of her students. Speaking from my own experience, Grimshaw is almost always able to ensure each and every student receives one on one time with her, helping those who are dedicated thrive in her classroom. I have never gone a day in her class where I felt neglected or not recognized for my efforts. Each question is answered patiently with care, while still maintaining a lighthearted, free-spirited energy in the room. Being in one of Mrs. Grimshaw's classes is not only an extremely rewarding and incredible opportunity for growth, but one of the most enjoyable classes I have ever had the pleasure of being in. Each time she begins to tell a story of her own artistic experiences I watch as she captures the entire classes attention, no matter if the student enjoys art or not. Its these stories that I feel define her artistic passion and outreach. Grimshaw is more than just an art teacher, mainly because I have never seen an art teacher as committed to showing and giving her students opportunities to share their progress and achievements. I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am every day to walk into class and have her update me on all the local art shows and events that feel tailored to my own experiences. As if all this isn't already an outstanding display of the most talented teacher and artist I have yet to meet, she is also constantly improving and building her skillset in every aspect I have brought up. By pursuing a master's in teaching fine arts, I can say with confidence that Mrs. Grimshaw is one of the most incredible teachers in the state, if not the country.

I have known Camille for seven years as my mentor and friend. It has been my opportunity to work with and learn from her. She is an incredible artist and teacher that has been instrumental in mentoring me towards my degree in art animation...

I have known Camille for seven years as my mentor and friend. It has been my opportunity to work with and learn from her. She is an incredible artist and teacher that has been instrumental in mentoring me towards my degree in art animation. When I was applying for BYU's animation program, she met with me weekly to provide feedback on my figure drawing skills. She taught me new tools and pushed me outside of my comfort zone. She was able to provide criticism in a kind and constructive way. Camille has been an incredible teacher for many mediums including chalk, pencils, charcoal, and paint. She has helped me gain confidence, find new perspectives, and better understand how to improve my art. Countless times I've seen her help others be successful, even when she didn't have to. She always asks, "do you like it?" and focuses her student's attention to drawing what brings them joy. Camille can sense when someone is struggling or frustrated, and always steps in to be encouraging and helpful. She is very approachable and easy to talk to. Camille is constantly growing as an artist. She is adaptable and curious. She is regularly trying new artistic genres and techniques to enhance her skills and further her own art education. She is passionate, open minded, versatile and knowledgeable. Our artist community has also grown and connected because of Camille. She started one of the largest chalk art festivals in Utah and is well known for not only her artistic skills but her ability to organize events. She has advised on many different boards who want to start their own events. In these roles, Camille is responsible for providing critical feedback, communicating efficiently, and being organized to ensure a program's success. She doesn't get involved in these projects for profit, but instead to spread the arts through her communities. I'm a better artist today because of Camille. I find her character, talent, and teaching abilities beyond reproach. She would be a strong asset to any organization. She is an inspiration to me, and I hope to become like her one day.

There are so many ways I could describe Mrs. Grimshaw, and truthfully, none of them feel like they encompass how incredible she really is. She is the best teacher I ever had throughout high school, and I truly could not have asked for anyone better...

There are so many ways I could describe Mrs. Grimshaw, and truthfully, none of them feel like they encompass how incredible she really is. She is the best teacher I ever had throughout high school, and I truly could not have asked for anyone better. She has this amazing way of encouraging her students to be the best versions of themselves, not just in the classroom but in every part of their lives. She pushes you in a way that feels supportive and because of that, I ended up achieving things I didn't even know I was capable of. One of the things that makes her stand out so much is how understanding she is. She's always willing to work with her students when they need extra help or a little more time, and she never makes you feel bad for asking. That kind of patience and kindness is rare and it's one of the many reasons she's so amazing. She genuinely wants her students to succeed, and you can feel that in everything she does. She's also incredibly open to learning new things and expanding her own knowledge, which I've always admired. For example, in my senior year, I convinced her to buy underglazes for the ceramics classroom. Instead of hesitating or shutting the idea down, she encouraged me to learn how to use them and then help bring that knowledge into the classroom. Because she was willing to try something new and trust me with it, so many students were able to create beautiful pieces of art that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. That experience alone shows how much she cares about giving her students opportunities to grow and explore. I honestly cannot recommend Mrs. Grimshaw more as both a teacher and a mentor. She has made such a huge impact on my life, and I know she's done the same for so many others. She is absolutely amazing.

I can confidently say that the two years I have spent taking ceramics classes from Mrs. Grimshaw have been some of the most deeply impactful experiences of my high school career...

I can confidently say that the two years I have spent taking ceramics classes from Mrs. Grimshaw have been some of the most deeply impactful experiences of my high school career. From the moment I stepped into Mrs. Grimshaw's classroom I felt welcome and safe – Mrs. Grimshaw has carefully crafted her teaching space into a place where every student thrives as the most genuine version of themselves. I have truly never felt so empowered to make art I connect to than under the guidance of Mrs. Grimshaw. She has celebrated every one of my wins and met every failure with incredible patience and understanding. This year, I have had many pieces crack, structurally collapse, or otherwise fall short. Mrs. Grimshaw takes great care not to let these moments discourage me but rather inspire me to keep experimenting and learning. Through her mentorship, I have been able to create work that I am incredibly proud of. Thanks to Mrs. Grimshaw's support, I was accepted into the Springville High School Art Show – which is an achievement I have always dreamt of receiving. Mrs. Grimshaw is deeply invested in all of her students and brings out creativity in everyone she teaches. I am so grateful every day for having the privilege of being her student. There is truly no art teacher more deserving of this award than Mrs. Grimshaw.

Camille has been teaching me since I was 7 years old and I've been learning from her for over 10 years now...

Camille has been teaching me since I was 7 years old and I've been learning from her for over 10 years now. I have grown so much during my time with her, both artistically and personally. She has taught me the importance of patience and persistence in my art. Camille is always so encouraging and supportive in all that I do and is always working to lift up other artists and help them in any way she can! She has inspired me to love the art community and has connected me with others who share my interest and passion in art. I could not have asked for a better art teacher to mentor me through my time as an artist and help me follow my passion! I love working with her and am excited to continue to learn from her as I grow in my artistic endeavors.

I have had the privilege of knowing Camille for five years and working alongside her as a colleague for two...

I have had the privilege of knowing Camille for five years and working alongside her as a colleague for two. During that time, I have consistently been inspired by the kind of educator and artist she is. Camille exemplifies the teacher I aspire to be. She leads with love while holding her students to a high standard. She believes deeply in their potential and challenges them to rise to it. Her classroom is a place where students feel supported, seen, and stretched creatively. What sets Camille apart is that she is not only a teacher of art, she is a practicing artist. She actively collaborates with other schools across the country and participates in chalk art competitions on weekends, continually refining her craft. Her students don't just learn about passion, they witness it daily. Running a pottery studio inside a school is no small task, yet Camille keeps her classroom incredibly organized and clean. She pours countless hours into preparing materials, glazing, loading, and firing work in the kiln, often spending evenings and weekends ensuring that every student's artwork is completed with care. Camille is deeply committed, exceptionally talented, and profoundly dedicated to both her students and her craft.

I have had the opportunity to work with her in several capacities over the past few years...

I have had the opportunity to work with her in several capacities over the past few years. We first began working with her as an informal contact about art lessons. She remembered our encounter months later and reached out to us to invite my daughter to participate in a chalk art program held by South Jordan City. Remembering people and reaching out to them to support and encourage the love of arts is an essential trait of a caring and knowledgeable teacher. This kindness struck a chord with me. Over the years I have watched her encourage and motivate artists of all ages as she helps plan, execute, or even just participate in multiple art competitions. Not only has she worked as a private instructor, but she works in the development and implementation of art programs throughout the Salt Lake Valley. This demonstrates to me that sharing art is a true passion she possesses. She is often giving encouragement to all who are trying in visual arts and helps promote the artists sense of self-worth and encourages building of confidence in their abilities. Her art students, young and old, appreciate her kindness and guidance. I have personally witnessed the incredible growth from multiple artists who have worked with her. In addition to her own knowledge and demonstrated abilities, I have noticed that Camille still has a passion to continue learning and improving on her skills. She is willing to accept advice from others and ask questions to continue her own personal growth. These skills combined make for an excellent teacher that will thrive, and motivate her students to continue growing and succeeding.

It has been my pleasure to know Camille Grimshaw for the past 25 years as both a friend and teacher...

It has been my pleasure to know Camille Grimshaw for the past 25 years as both a friend and teacher. We met during our time together at Westminster College where Camille was studying art and she would later receive her advanced degree in art education. She has since taught two of my four children, my husband, and myself private art lessons. Camille was not the first private art teacher I had reached out to for my children, but she is by far the best. In general, private teachers tend to be less organized in their lesson planning and "go with the flow". With Camille's personal training and experience, she has been able to create a scaffolded curriculum as well as cater to the needs of the individual student. As evidenced by the well-documented success of her students, her methods absolutely work. She took my oldest daughter from being a casual "doodler" to passing two AP art exams and becoming the Visual Arts Sterling Scholar for Bingham High School. My daughter has since graduated high school and Camille continues to reach out to her to keep using her talent - most recently encouraging her to participate in the Harrington Arts Center "Poetry In Paint" art exhibit in American Fork, Utah. Over the last few years, I have been even more impressed with the guidance she has freely offered to visual arts students at Bingham High School. She has helped continue to guide secondary students in their various artistic pursuits including chalk art, 2D art, ceramics, and more through her association with the visual arts program through her daughter Erin - the 2025 Visual Arts Sterling Scholar for Bingham High School. Camille's willingness to help all students - regardless of whether they were her private students, those enrolled in her current position, or even her children's friends - shows her passion for visual arts and for the success of each individual. Not only can Camille reach secondary students, but she has proven success with elementary students, as well, through the multiple awards received by her younger students in various arts competitions throughout Salt Lake County and the South Jordan area.

Having worked alongside Camille for 2.5 years at American Academy of Innovation, I was consistently impressed with her professionalism...

Having worked alongside Camille for 2.5 years at American Academy of Innovation, I was consistently impressed with her professionalism, dedication, and remarkable skill set. Camille is an exceptional teacher. She possesses a keen understanding of the principles and elements of design and is adept at instructing students and inspiring them to create their best work. She excels at ceramics and 3D design, and is also skilled at drawing and painting. She has helped her students to prepare work for shows as well as sell their artwork at the school's annual Market. She is kind and dedicated to her students. She has the ability to quickly build rapport with even the most difficult students. She does an excellent job at communicating with parents to better understand her students' needs. Beyond Camille's teaching and artistic skills, she is a natural team player. She consistently fosters positive relationships with colleagues, offering support and mentorship whenever needed. Her ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively was evident when we were both hired at AAI. We worked together to build up the art program and Camille introduced ceramics as a new course offering. She was instrumental in creating a ceramics studio and curriculum for middle and high school students. On a personal level, Camille is not only hardworking and reliable but also brings a positive attitude to the workplace. She is respected by peers and leaders alike, making her an invaluable asset to any team. She is skilled at advocating for her colleagues, students, and herself.

Camille Grimshaw is the kind of artist and educator whose love for learning never stop, and whose joy for the arts is impossible to miss...

Camille Grimshaw is the kind of artist and educator whose love for learning never stop, and whose joy for the arts is impossible to miss. As a chalk artist, Camille has shared her talents across the country, turning sidewalks into canvases and communities into classrooms. Through organizing chalk festivals and working alongside artists of all ages, she has helped nurture new chalk artists, encouraging them to see both the beauty and the discipline in the process. Her teaching goes far beyond technique, whether it be ceramics, chalk or other art mediums, she demonstrates, through her own example, the power of patience, hard work, and consistent practice. Camille has a gift for passing her enthusiasm on to her students. She meets them where they are, celebrates their progress, and reminds them that growth in art, as in life, comes from showing up again and again. Her impact has a wide reach. I appreciate the lessons taught in my life from Camille Grimshaw.

I met Camille outside of art, but quickly learned that she was an artist...

I met Camille outside of art, but quickly learned that she was an artist. This was around the time that paint nights were emerging with popularity (or at least the time I was first aware of them). I was intrigued- it looked so fun! But up to that point, I had always said that I was not an artist, couldn't paint, and would never be able to become an artist. "I can't even draw a stick figure, no way could I paint", I would often say. I figured if I tried to paint, I would fail. And I didn't want to fail with an "audience" at a paint night. I called my new friend, Camille and asked if she ever offered one-on-one paint nights, and my adventure as an artist began. After the first painting was finished, I exclaimed with glee, "I. Made. Art!" I was shocked and amazed. I don't remember saying this (but can easily imagine it), "I don't want to learn art. I just want to paint." is what Camille said I told her that first night. After several painting sessions she told me, "If you are going to keep making art, I need to teach you art". I was having way too much fun to give this up, so I agreed to art lessons. Thus the teaching began, and my adventure to becoming an artist continued. Lessons of light, lines, color wheel, and more. I would joke about having "homework" as an adult, but I loved it. Then she introduced me to chalk art, which is so fun. I love participating in chalk art festivals (when my body lets me). Camille's passion for art has inspired me. And has even spread from there- I have 2 nephews who now also like to participate in chalk art festivals. Camille's love of art has inspired so many people- in her family, neighborhood, and beyond.

Camille Grimshaw was my eighth-grade art teacher, and she changed the direction of my life...

Camille Grimshaw was my eighth-grade art teacher, and she changed the direction of my life. In her classroom, I watched her thrive not only as an educator but as a practicing artist, and it was there that I first realized I wanted to follow in her footsteps. Inspired by Camille, I went on to earn a double BFA in Art Education and Drawing and Painting, ultimately becoming a professional artist myself. What truly set Camille apart was her genuine joy in working alongside her students. Her creativity was infectious, and she made art feel alive, relevant, and deeply meaningful. Camille was also actively engaged in the community. She invited her students to participate in the Gateway Chalk Art Festival benefiting foster care, an experience that stayed with me long after middle school. I continued participating in this event through my early college years, a testament to the lasting impact of her encouragement and mentorship. We have remained in touch for over twenty years, and throughout that time, Camille has never stopped advocating for the arts.