Ready to lead creatively.

I use art to create memorable “WOW!” experiences that bring joy, meaning, and connection to people’s lives.

Creativity is more than a skill—it’s a way of seeing. I walk into a space and instinctively begin to imagine how it can be transformed— how people can feel connected and inspired, how a story can vividly unfold, and how art can make it unforgettable.

I also believe that great things happen when you put yourself out there with vulnerability, commitment, hard work, and hope. Yes, I have a PhD and over 20 years of experience in education-
About Tami Rae Weiss, Ph.D.

I’m a creative leader, visual storyteller, and connector of people—with a Ph.D. in Art Education and over two decades of experience building bridges between art, education, and community.

Titles only tell part of the story.
Yes, I am a university professor and program director with a PhD and over 25 years in art education. Beyond teaching, I have led nationally-recognized initiatives in arts integration; served as principal investigator and executive director for a multi-million dollar grant project; created large-scale murals, arts installations, and theatrical productions; designed books and posters for publication; and presented throughout the U.S. and abroad with historical icons, incuding Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul, and Mary) and Eva Schloss (Holocaust survivor and step-sister to Anne Frank).

. Nationally recognized for public speaking, interdisciplinary innovation, and leadership in the arts. Expert in ideation, strategic communication, and people-first engagement.
Seeking to transition from higher education into a purpose-driven creative leadership role—especially within experiential, values-led entertainment organizations.

At heart, I’m an ideator—a big-picture thinker who sees the extraordinary in everyday life and knows how to turn ideas into moments that move people.

My work lives at the intersection of imagination and impact: from designing public murals and creating theater productions, to collaborating with Peter Yarrow on an empathy and anti-bullying project, to presenting with Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss on art and legacy, to writing and speaking across the U.S. and abroad.
I’ve seen firsthand how the arts have the power to bring people together.

Now, I’m ready for a new chapter.

After visiting Dollywood with my children and feeling the soul behind the experience, I knew I was meant to be part of something bigger than myself. I want to bring my leadership, artistry, and passion to a values-driven organization—like Palace Entertainment or Herschend Family Entertainment—where creativity is a vehicle for joy, connection, and purpose.

If you’re looking for someone who leads with vision and heart, who can ideate, design, communicate, and serve—I’d love to connect.

- Tami Weiss, PhD

Artistic Strategist Creative Visionary &
Purpose-Driven Leader

Academic Role

Ph.D. in Art Education

University Professor

Creative Program Director

Researcher & Writer

Community Muralist & Teaching Artist

  • University professor and art director with 20+ years of advanced experience in education and arts industries, and a PhD in art education.

  • Educator, curriculum designer, grant writer, and national presenter with excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.

  • Art director that uses a strategy-by-design approach to project management and content creation.

  • Idea developer and visual storyteller with expertise in communicating ideas through compelling visual design in a range of media (print, digital, fine art, etc.).

  • Envelope pusher, box destroyer, and all-out dreamer who gets a rush from ideation and creative problem solving.

  • Arts advocate and activist who strives to make good art but is more interested in making art that does good. 

  • in the arts whose every day centers around creativity and community. 20 years teaching at the university and a PhD in art education. Principal investigator for a multi-million dollar grant centered on teacher retention through the arts. Enthusiastic educator, artist, & community builder, dedicated to bringing immersive, joy-filled, values-driven experiences. channel my creative and relational talents into an environment where I can help shape experiences that bring joy, meaning, and connection to people’s lives.”

Academic Role

Ph.D. in Art Education

University Professor

Creative Program Director

Researcher & Writer

Community Muralist & Teaching Artist

“We’re On Course - Right Here” (or “Fugue for Teachers”) (Covid- 2020). Written and performed by Tami Rae Weiss, PhD, Professor of Art Education; University of Wisconsin-Stout.

A wee bit more about Tami …

  • Mom of three: RaeLinne (18), Chloe (17), and CJ (14)

  • Good with a paintbrush- like REALLY good

  • Can captivate an audience

  • Professional doodler

  • Overly competitive pickleball player

  • Sudoku queen

  • Can do a mean loon call (She grew up in Minnesota, after all)

  • Sings and dances like nobody’s watching

  • Fancies ethos over egos

Strategic thinker with deep knowledge of how people learn, engage, and find meaning—perfect for guest experience design.

Polished public speaker, expert communicator, trained mentor and leader—ready for executive messaging and public-facing roles.

Proven ability to build, fund, and run large-scale interdisciplinary projects (like parks, exhibits, or events).

Researcher & Writer Skilled storyteller with intellectual rigor—able to write, pitch, and communicate brand values and vision.

Community Muralist & Scenic Design

Teaching Artist Hands-on creative who connects deeply with people of all ages and backgrounds. Values-aligned with mission of heart-led service.

Professional Experience.

University Professor & Director (2010-present)

Dr. Tami Rae Weiss has led the Art Education program at the University of Wisconsin - Stout since 2010. Her faculty position includes teaching art education courses and directing the grant program which she founded.

University courses developed and taught by Dr. Weiss include: Introduction to Art Education, Contemporary Theory and Curricular Practices in Art Education, Art Education Curriculum, Methods, and Assessment, and Senior Exhibition in Art Education.

In 2013, Weiss secured a 10-year, multi-million dollar grant project called “Arts Integration Menomonie (A.I.M.),” making UW-Stout one of three institutes of higher education in Wisconsin to receive the award. As principal investigator and executive creative director for the grant, Dr. Weiss oversees:

  • Organization vision and strategy

  • Program development and oversight

  • Advertising and marketing

  • Recruitment and hiring

  • Public relations and public speaking

  • Budgeting

  • Research and reporting

FINE ART

MURALS

DESIGN

PHOTO-GRAPHY

EMPATHY PROJECT

HOLOCAUST PROJECT

In the video above, Dr. Weiss speaks about her grant program as a winner of the Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin Schools, Libraries, and Communities Award from the Department of Public Instruction.

Previous Experience.

Art Teacher (1999-2008)

Art Teacher (Grades 6-12) / 2008 - 2010 - Elk Mound Middle and High School / Elk Mound, WI    

Art Teacher (Grades 9-12) / 1999 - 2008 - La Crescent High School / La Crescent, MN

Teaching License: 550-ART, K-12 Visual Arts

Education.

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Art Education. Sub-program: New Media Design. University of Minnesota; Twin Cities, MN.  
4.0 GPA.  (August 2014)

Master’s Degree in Education. Program: Art Education. University of La Crosse; La Crosse, WI.
4.0 GPA.  (May 2004)

Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education. Teaching License: 550-ART: K-12 Visual Arts. University of Wisconsin - Stout; Menomonie, WI.
3.9 GPA. (May 1999)