Jillian Hirsch

Jillian Hirsch is an artist, educator, and arts administrator based in New York’s Capital Region. She first became involved with the Sanctuary for Independent Media in 2013 as an intern on the Freedom Square project, working with local community groups to create clay tiles for the Freedom Square stage. That early experience introduced her to participatory public art as a tool for community connection and has continued to shape her work.

Jillian has taught art in a range of settings, from high school classrooms to college studios, and has held leadership roles supporting arts education and public programming. She is currently an Assistant Lecturer at Skidmore College and has previously served as Director of Arts Education at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. As an artist, she works in ceramics, drawing, and collaborative public projects, often engaging questions of ecology, place, and collective care. Across her teaching, administrative work, and art practice, she is deeply committed to making creative spaces that are accessible, collaborative, and rooted in community. When she’s not in the studio or classroom, Jillian enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and spending time outdoors.