​2023

Tessa attended Wittenberg University on an athletic scholarship where she played basketball, volleyball and softball for the Witt Tigers. For two years, she followed a science-based curriculum with the plan of applying to a graduate program in veterinary medicine, but as sometimes happens, career plans change. After learning that Ohio State University offered a major in Medical Illustration, Tessa transferred to OSU and was honored to be chosen for the highly selective program (they only accepted six students per year!) After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Illustration, she was hired at the Dayton VA Medical Center to run their illustration, graphic design and print production services. She spent a 31-year career at the VA and retired in 2021, allowing more time to pursue her art.

Over the years, Tessa has attended a number of workshops and classes from locally- and nationally-recognized artists. She’s created artwork in various media including watercolor, pen and ink, pastel, oil, acrylic, photography, and clay sculpture. For a brief period, she and a work colleague ran Cinnabar Studios, a part-time custom tile business that specialized in bas-relief tileworks. She has also participated in a number of local art shows, held two solo exhibitions, and painted two murals at the Dayton VA.  Recently, Tessa has focused mainly on honing her watercolor skills.  In 2022, she joined the Fairborn Art Association and the Western Ohio Watercolor Society, entered several local shows where she won two awards and sold two paintings. This year, she joined the Ohio Watercolor Society and will enter paintings for consideration in their annual show.Type your paragraph here.

March 21, 2023



Programs

​​Western Ohio Watercolor Society

Tessa Kalman

“Painting Skies -

When It’s Good To Have Your Head in the Clouds”

Artist Bio for Tessa Kalman: For as long as she can remember, creating art has been one of Tessa’s favorite activities, and many childhood days were spent drawing, painting and doing creative projects. Art was her favorite class in high school, where an excellent art teacher encouraged her to pursue her talents after graduation.