Did you know all of our Arts Department faculty are practicing artists?
That’s right, every member of the department is actively involved in their craft, bringing real-world experience into the classroom and offering students an authentic, hands-on approach to the arts.
We’re excited to highlight Tekla Zweir, our Arts Department Chair and a longtime member of the Williams community.
A Career Rooted in Creativity
Tekla Zweir joined Williams in 2002 and currently serves as both a visual arts teacher and the head of the Arts Department. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts (1999) and a Master of Arts in Art Education from Boston University (2015).
Her artistic journey began in New London, Connecticut, where she was one of the founding members of Hygienic Art Galleries, a community arts space known for showcasing emerging artists. There, Tekla developed a body of work inspired by the delicate geometry of origami, a theme that continues to influence her creative approach today.
Outside of the classroom, Tekla remains an active contributor to the local arts scene. She has exhibited her work in galleries throughout the region, all while raising a family and teaching full-time. She and her husband Ben are also the proud parents of two Williams alumni, Cassius Kane ’21 and Scarlet Kane ’24.
Learning Through Art and Impact
One of the most exciting recent projects under Tekla’s leadership was a collaboration between her Art II class and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum as part of The Bee Project, a national traveling exhibit originally launched by Grant Wood Fellow Elena Smyrniotis at the University of Iowa.
The Bee Project raises awareness about endangered ecosystems and encourages sustainable practices through art made from recycled materials. For their contribution, Williams students created intricate bee sculptures entirely from found and reused items. These pieces are now on display as part of the exhibit’s stop in New London.
Reflecting on the experience, Tekla shared: “Anytime I can incorporate other subjects into our art projects, they are more meaningful. The art-science combination always inspires us in the art studios. While creating our sculptures, we naturally want to learn more about bees, pollination, and the environment.”
Art in Practice
Tekla’s commitment to her craft doesn’t stop in the classroom. Last summer, she returned to Hygienic Art Galleries for a solo exhibition. During that show, she connected with two fellow artists who had recently opened a neighboring gallery. That conversation led to a new opportunity: an invitation to exhibit her work this fall.
From September 13 to 28, Tekla’s latest show, “Coral Reef Explorations,” was on display. It featured paintings, sculptures, and watercolor pieces inspired by her recent travels and environmental themes. As always, her work bridges art and education, inviting viewers to reflect on the natural world and our relationship with it.
This is the first profile of our new “EDpertise” series, highlighting the talented faculty and staff at Williams. To learn more about Williams, please link to our Visit page or contact us at (860) 443-5333.
