VIRGINIA K. FREYERMUTH, M.F.A., Ph.D.

Virginia is a distinguished award-winning educator, artist, and illustrator. She is a best-selling author and a passionate arts advocate.

EDUCATOR
During her career of 40-plus years as an award-winning holistic art educator, Virginia taught students from K-12, through college and adults.
Her many awards include:  
• 1995 National Outstanding Art Teacher, Walt Disney American Teacher Awards
• 1994 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, Massachusetts Department of Education
• 2014 Rhode Island Higher Education Art Educator of the Year, RIAEA   

At the college level Virginia has held positions as:
• Director of Graduate Studies in Art & Art Education
• Art Education Program Coordinator, Undergraduate and Graduate
• Joint Appointment Assistant Professor of Art Education
• Master Teacher, Federally-funded ECHO Project, Education through Cultural and Historical Organizations

AUTHOR
Virginia and co-author Julie Steines' best-selling book, Norbert's Little Lessons For A Big Life, published by Simon & Schuster (2017), teaches that each of us can make someone smile. The book, beloved by all ages, promotes kindness and compassion, and features photographs by Emmy Award Winner Mark Steines. Norbert has a social media following of over 2 million people worldwide.

In 2020, Virginia and Julie co-authored Norbert: Little Me Christmas, illustrated by Virginia. The day before Christmas, Norbert wants to give the perfect gift to his Momma, but he is at a loss for ideas. Norbert finds himself on a journey where he overcomes obstacles, finds hope, shows kindness, and celebrates the importance of home. The book is now in its Second Edition here.

She is the author of multiple scholarly journal articles on art education.

ARTIST/ILLUSTRATOR

Virginia is a versatile and multiple award-winning artist, illustrator, and portrait artist.  She is the illustrator and book designer of the beloved Norbert picture book series which won nine awards. Details of sample paintings are featured on this page.  She has won numerous awards for her art, including the 1999 Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp Competition. Her work has been exhibited at the Massachusetts State House, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Duxbury Art Complex Museum. Her work is represented in numerous private collections nationwide.

Visit her online studio site to learn more about her work and online art classes at www.VirginiaFreyermuth.com
Instagram: @artisticvirginia