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Adina Polen
Founder and Director, Atiq: Jewish Maker Institute; Artist-Educator; Always learning about ways to nourish and nurture whole humans who can connect across difference.
Professional Background
Adina Polen is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in education, design, and the arts. As the founder and director of the Atiq: Jewish Maker Institute, she has made significant strides in connecting the realms of Jewish culture and contemporary making practices. The institute fosters creativity and innovation, allowing individuals to explore their artistic potential while engaging with their heritage. Adina's leadership at Atiq showcases her commitment to transforming traditional ideas into modern artistic expressions, making her a valued leader in the community.
Previously, Adina served as an artist-educator at the American Jewish University, where she played a pivotal role in integrating art education with Jewish learning. Her expertise in providing an enriching educational experience helped foster students' artistic skills while deepening their connection to Jewish culture. At the Brandeis Collegiate Institute, Adina further expanded her teaching capabilities, allowing her to influence the next generation of Jewish artists and thinkers.
With a diverse career history, Adina has also contributed to the museums sector as an educator at The Contemporary Jewish Museum. Her work there involved creating engaging experiences that blended educational programming with artistic engagement, essential for nurturing visitor understanding and appreciation of Jewish art and culture.
Adina's early career included roles as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, where she honed her skills in visual storytelling and communications. As a makerspace specialist at Studio 70 Edah Community, she successfully facilitated creative workshops that encouraged community participation and collaboration, reinforcing the value of hands-on learning and engagement.
Not only has Adina made a name for herself in the arts and education sectors, but she also has practical design experience. Her role as a graphic designer at Nefesh B'Nefesh allowed her to develop distinct visuals that communicated the organization's mission to assist Jewish immigrants in their transition to life in Israel. Adina's diverse experiences make her a dynamic and talented individual in the realms of education, design, and community engagement.
Education and Achievements
Adina Polen's educational journey reflects her deep commitment to the arts and culture. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Barnard College, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous curriculum and focus on empowering women artists. This foundational education in music has undoubtedly influenced her artistic endeavors, providing a strong background to her creative pursuits.
In addition to her degree in music, Adina pursued graphic design at Hadassah Academic College. This program equipped her with essential design principles, enabling her to blend her love for the arts with practical skills needed in today's visually driven world. Furthering her education, Adina studied Design and Visual Communications at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, one of Israel's leading institutions for artistic education. This prestigious academy is renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence in various art domains.
Through these educational experiences, Adina developed a unique perspective that allows her to merge her musical background with visual arts, creating a multi-disciplinary approach that enriches her work both as an artist and an educator. Her comprehensive skills facilitated her numerous roles in education, design, and community involvement, leading to impactful contributions in each field.
Notable Achievements
Adina Polen's career is a testament to her dedication to arts education and community engagement. Her notable achievements include establishing the Atiq: Jewish Maker Institute, where she has successfully implemented creative programs that engage individuals and families in Jewish traditions through modern making practices.
Her work as an artist-educator has been vital in imparting knowledge and instilling a sense of belonging and identity among her students. By integrating creativity with cultural learning, Adina has inspired countless individuals to explore their artistic voices and shared heritage.
Throughout her various roles, Adina has received acknowledgement for her innovative approaches, contributing greatly to the fields of education and the arts. Whether working in a museum, leading creative workshops, or engaging with the community, her passion for visual communication and education shines through, making her a respected figure in the Jewish arts community.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
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