Education and Training
Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Major: Art & Design-Emphasis in Graphic Design, Minor: Dance
Dean’s List 2002-2006, Graduated Magna Cum Laude - 2006
Study Abroad
Art History Study in Southern France - 2003
Modern Dance and Repertoire, Gregg Bielemeier
Conduit Dance, Inc., Portland, OR - 2008-2010
Tap Technique - Demi Remick
Private Virtual Lessons - 2020
Twin Cities Tap Fest, Technique Workshops
2021 - Max Pollock, Jumanee Taylor, Star Dixon; 2020 - Lisa La Touche; 2018 - Star Dixon, Sam Weber, Jason Janas; 2015 - Kaleena Miller, Ellen Keane
Exhibitions
Selected Solo Shows
2023 Pattern Remix | Zeitgeist Arts Café
Duluth, MN
2022 Featured Artist Exhibition - St. Louis Co. Health and Human Services Conference
DECC, Duluth, MN
2022 Deep Sea Dances - Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, MN
FOX21 Interview | WDIO Interview
2019 Micro-world - Red Mug Coffeehouse and Gallery, Superior, WI
2018 Fungusamongus - Lakeside Gallery, Duluth, MN
2016 Pattern Conspiracy - Duluth Art Institute - Duluth, MN
Exhibition of paintings, fabric designs, costume designs and choreography
2010 re-Planted - Highline Community College - Des Moines, WA
Selected Group Shows
2023 Fungus Among Us - Duluth Pottery, Duluth, MN
2022 In The(ir) Element - Duluth Folk School, Duluth, MN
2019 5-Foot Show - Gallery360, Minneapolis, MN
2018 RAW Artist Showcase, Minneapolis, MN
2016 The 61st Arrowhead Regional Biennial - Duluth Art Institute - Duluth, MN
Juried by Artist Dyani White Hawk
2013 “Water Works” exhibition - Duluth Art Institute - Duluth, MN
2012, 2013 Upper St. Croix Art Exhibition - Solon Springs, WI
2011-2020 Duluth Art Institute Annual Membership Exhibition - Duluth, MN
2011 Visual Arts Minnesota’s 11th Annual Essential Art Juried Exhibit and Competition - St. Cloud, MN
2009 Portrait Exhibition - University House - Issaquah, WA
Selected Performances
2023 Homegrown Music Festival, Duluth, MN
Choreographed and performed with Zenith City Dance Collective
2019 Choreographer’s Evening - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
Performed in “Come go with me” choreographed by Kayla Schiltgen
2019 Enkindle Dance Theater - Sacred Heart Music Center, Duluth, MN
Danced in ensemble, choreographed and performed solo “Sleepwalking”
”The most mesmerizing piece was “Sleepwalking,” performed and choreographed by Naomi Christenson. The piece had my attention from the moment the lights came up. Dressed in slightly over-sized trousers and suspenders, Christenson danced with elegant rhythmic awareness. Her willowy arms had a curved softness to them while still moving through angular symmetries. She had a mathematical precision to her dancing while still maintaining artistry.” - Kelly Sue Coyle, Duluth News Tribune
2018 Wordy Dancing, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Choreography and performance in "Moving Forward" inspired by the poem "Paso Adelante" by Elena Suarez | Watch it now »
Dances on the Lakewalk - Duluth, MN
2021 Performed in “It’s Tappening” by Sarah Reich | Watch it now »
2019 Choreographed and performed “You don’t have to believe me” | Watch it now »
2018 Choreographed and performed "Vanity" | Watch it now »
2017 Choreographed and performed "Into the Ocean" | Watch it now »
Performed in "Sahara Reflections" choreographed by Sarah Cashmore
2016 Choreographed and performed "Swing it" | Watch it now »
Performed in "This moment" choreographed by Erin Tope
2015 Performed in “With Love”, choreographed by Lisa McKhann
2014 Performed in “Winter”, choreographed by Doris Ressl; Performed new choreography by Erin Tope
2013 Performed in “Stop Waiting” choreographed by Doris Ressl; Performed in "Flood” choreographed by Cathy Podezwa
2015 Cornucopia 2015; A lavish feast of local talent - Duluth, MN
Performed "Un-square Dance" choreographed by Ellen Keen | Watch it now »
2012 A Chorus Line, Production by the Duluth Playhouse - Duluth, MN
Performer and co-dance captain
Creative Work (Contract and Employment)
Freelance Creative Services
Self-Employed, Duluth, MN | 10/2010–Present
Custom illustration | Graphic design | Design Consulting | Communication Design | Presenting on creative topics
Tap Dance Teacher
218 Dance Project, Duluth, MN | 2022-Present
Norshor Theater, Duluth, MN | 2020-Present
Zumba Instructor
Snap Fitness | 2022-Present
Independent | 2019-2023
Ignite Studio, Duluth, MN | 2018-2020
Costume Designer
Duluth Playhouse, Duluth, MN | 2023, Mr Burns; A post-electric show
Duluth News Tribune Article
Duluth Playhouse, Duluth, MN | 2022, A Year of Frog and Toad
WDSE Interview on “The Slice”
Graphic Designer
ALLETE Minnesota Power, Duluth, MN | 2/2011–5/2018
Design print marketing materials including brochures, posters, advertisements, signage, bill inserts, social media pieces and newsletters | Create and execute communication plans for different business units | Collaborate with project managers and communication teams to launch public relation campaigns, new products and outreach efforts
Web Designer
Alesco Marketing, Vancouver, WA | 11/2007–8/2010
Design websites for a variety of clientele | Information architecture | Flash design and development | Logo design | Manage design queue | Business card & letterhead design
Awards & Grants
Arrowhead Regional Arts Council - COVID Grant for Working Artists
2020 $2,000 Awarded
Distinguished Artists Award
2018 Duluth City Council, Duluth, MN
Utility Communicators International Better Communication Design Competition
2017 1st prize for "Best Bill Insert"
2016 1st prize for "Best Bill Insert'; 1st prize for "Best Online Campaign"
2015 1st prize for "Best Direct Mail"; 1st prize for "Best Bill Insert"
Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Quick Start Grant for Artists
2016 $1,000 Awarded
Upper St. Croix Art Exhibition
2013 1st prize for "January Morning" – oil on canvas
2012 Honorable Mention for "Sky 1" – oil on canvas
Nikon’s Best in College Photography Annual Competition
2005 Finalist, photo published in the 2005 Nikon College Photography Publication
Additional Activities
Scholarship Review Panelist - 2024
Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation
Duluth Dance Co-op - 2019-2020
Launched group, organized schedule and coordinated ongoing training opportunities for local dancers
Art Exhibitor
2014 Park Point Art Fair
2015-2016 Art in Bayfront
2018 RAW Artist Showcase
2015, 2019, 2022 Festival of Trees
2020, 2021 Bailey Builds Popup
2021, 2022 Great Hall Market
Board Member of Lake Superior Association for Talent Development - 2017-2021
Chapter President 2019-2020
Presenter on Design Principles for Non-Designers - February 2023
Presenter on Design Thinking - March 2018
Creative Partner in "Brielle" - 2013-2016
Creating wearable art under private label
Member of Toastmasters International, 2015-2020
2017 International Speech contest - competed and advanced to district level
Vice President of Membership and Public Relations 7/2015-6/2016
Voted "Toastmaster of the Year" 2016
President 7/2016-6/2017
Discussion leader of “Art in Progress; Group Critique”
In partnership with the Duluth Art Institute
9/2011-5/2013
Encaustics Workshop
Taught by Natalie Salminen, Duluth Art Institute – 2012
Duluth Art Institute Member since 2010