Ms. Thompson spent her early years in Charleston, South Carolina, before moving to Naperville, Illinois, at age 12. During her childhood, she dedicated herself to mastering various crafts, including fine and multimedia arts. In college, she expanded her skills to include 2D and 3D animation, graphic design, and 3D modeling. Throughout her school years, Noelle received numerous state and national art awards, notably winning 1st place out of 40,000 contestants in the Reading Rainbow's Young Writers and Illustrators Contest. In 2020, she graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor's degree in Animation.
She continues to pursue her passion for learning and performs as the lead singer of her early 2000s cover band, 2000 and Late, in the Milwaukee area. Additionally, she enjoys spending time with her 8-year-old Great Pyrenees, Arie, whom she adopted in 2020.
Noelle's journey to becoming a devoted Roman Catholic is unique, having been raised in a family of atheists. The challenges she faced led her to a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit. She joined an RCIA group and was baptized during the Easter Vigil this year, forever grateful for the grace of God that brought her to true salvation.
Professionally, Noelle has worked for two advertising agencies, focusing on social media, graphic design, and animation. She also has experience teaching art at Pinot's Palette, where she led classes for groups and parties of all ages.
Favorite Bible Quote:
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalms 40:1-2
Teaching Philosophy:
Noelle believes that with careful instructions, attention to detail, and managing everyone's skill levels on a personal basis, anyone can learn to create art through a step-by-step process. She views art class as a time of peace and relaxation, meant to inspire creativity in everyone. Noelle is confident that her devotion to faith and passion for art can inspire anyone, fostering an environment where students feel encouraged and capable of expressing themselves artistically.