See what people
are saying about Ali!
“
Ms. Roland has a real gift for bringing complex concepts, creativity, and history together in a unique way to engage kids in the world of art. When Ali was our daughter's elementary school art teacher for four years, we watched her inspire kids to get messy and take chances while learning both detailed artistic techniques and about the ways that art is experienced and used in the world. Under Ms. Roland's guidance, our daughter created significant art pieces over the course of a semester, including found-object robots to Van Gogh recreations and Egyptian ceremonial jars.
–Shannon LaDeau, parent
Ms. Roland has a real gift for bringing complex concepts, creativity, and history together in a unique way to engage kids in the world of art. When Ali was our daughter's elementary school art teacher for four years, we watched her inspire kids to get messy and take chances while learning both detailed artistic techniques and about the ways that art is experienced and used in the world. Under Ms. Roland's guidance, our daughter created significant art pieces over the course of a semester, including found-object robots to Van Gogh recreations and Egyptian ceremonial jars.
–Shannon LaDeau, parent
“
I know Alison Roland not only as an accomplished art educator, but also as a woman who is compassionate, caring, sensitive and will use her gifts to help others to become empowered and grow. We met in 2008 when a 15 year old student at our local school, Alexandra Rae Gravino, died, devastating our small community. I met Alison when a group formed Action for Alex Committee.
We created a yearly Catch a Rae 5K run/walk in memory of Alex and every year we put the proceeds of the event into the Alexandra Rae Gravino Arts and Athletics Scholarship. To-date our scholarship has given back $70,000 to graduating artists and athletes. Ali has been most instrumental in the success of the Catch a Rae.
For 14 years, Ali has used her expertise in graphics and design to support the work. Ali worked exclusively with the production of t-shirts, posters, flyers, awards, and advertising for the event, as well as promotion of the scholarship. She also helped to establish the Red Hook High School Memory garden. It is the person she is that made our Catch a Rae such a success. Ali is passionate about art, but is also passionate about life. She is a giver and has a genuine care and concern for what she believes is right and good. She is the real deal.
–Red Hook CSD Middle School Physical Education teacher, Action for Alex committee member
I know Alison Roland not only as an accomplished art educator, but also as a woman who is compassionate, caring, sensitive and will use her gifts to help others to become empowered and grow. We met in 2008 when a 15 year old student at our local school, Alexandra Rae Gravino, died, devastating our small community. I met Alison when a group formed Action for Alex Committee.
We created a yearly Catch a Rae 5K run/walk in memory of Alex and every year we put the proceeds of the event into the Alexandra Rae Gravino Arts and Athletics Scholarship. To-date our scholarship has given back $70,000 to graduating artists and athletes. Ali has been most instrumental in the success of the Catch a Rae.
For 14 years, Ali has used her expertise in graphics and design to support the work. Ali worked exclusively with the production of t-shirts, posters, flyers, awards, and advertising for the event, as well as promotion of the scholarship. She also helped to establish the Red Hook High School Memory garden. It is the person she is that made our Catch a Rae such a success. Ali is passionate about art, but is also passionate about life. She is a giver and has a genuine care and concern for what she believes is right and good. She is the real deal.
–Red Hook CSD Middle School Physical Education teacher, Action for Alex committee member
“
Ali is an experienced, open-minded, passionate artist. Students looked forward to going to her class because she allowed them to grow as artists in their own unique ways. Rather than giving them the solution to the problems they encountered, she would scaffold them through the process of coming up with their own ideas to overcome their challenge.
–Jessica Steward, former colleague
Ali is an experienced, open-minded, passionate artist. Students looked forward to going to her class because she allowed them to grow as artists in their own unique ways. Rather than giving them the solution to the problems they encountered, she would scaffold them through the process of coming up with their own ideas to overcome their challenge.
–Jessica Steward, former colleague
“
Ali was one of the reasons my husband and I chose to send our children to the school. The art projects our four children came home with were always so detailed and impressive. For example, a clay mask that was painted, glazed, and put in a kiln; a self-portrait; an African ritual head-piece three times the size of their head; a painting of a famous artist like Frida Kahlo; a tower made of all sorts of recyclable materials and boxes painted to look like a building. I was fortunate enough to help out with a few Ali’s classes. She took the time to explain the project at hand so the kids understood it and encouraged them to really think about the vision they wanted for their project. If they got stuck, she taught them to talk through it out loud to solve challenges. All our children have a passion for art thanks to Ali.
–Jason and Mary Elizabeth Page, parents
Ali was one of the reasons my husband and I chose to send our children to the school. The art projects our four children came home with were always so detailed and impressive. For example, a clay mask that was painted, glazed, and put in a kiln; a self-portrait; an African ritual head-piece three times the size of their head; a painting of a famous artist like Frida Kahlo; a tower made of all sorts of recyclable materials and boxes painted to look like a building. I was fortunate enough to help out with a few Ali’s classes. She took the time to explain the project at hand so the kids understood it and encouraged them to really think about the vision they wanted for their project. If they got stuck, she taught them to talk through it out loud to solve challenges. All our children have a passion for art thanks to Ali.
–Jason and Mary Elizabeth Page, parents
“
Ali Roland is an amazing art teacher whose knowledge and enthusiasm draw children in and make them want more. Even in bigger groups she manages to connect with and inspire every child. My son’s highlight every week were the lessons with Ali. I’m in awe of the projects that have come out of these lessons.
–Stefanie S., Parent
Ali Roland is an amazing art teacher whose knowledge and enthusiasm draw children in and make them want more. Even in bigger groups she manages to connect with and inspire every child. My son’s highlight every week were the lessons with Ali. I’m in awe of the projects that have come out of these lessons.
–Stefanie S., Parent
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During her tenure at Dutchess Day School, Ali invited me to the studio to guest teach as a watercolor painter. Watching her in action blew me away. Ali is fun and sparkly, and kids love her!
–Betsy Jacaruso, Betsy Jacaruso Studio
During her tenure at Dutchess Day School, Ali invited me to the studio to guest teach as a watercolor painter. Watching her in action blew me away. Ali is fun and sparkly, and kids love her!
–Betsy Jacaruso, Betsy Jacaruso Studio
“
Ali Roland was, honestly, the best teacher I’ve ever had. Every day I had art in my schedule I would look forward to her class. Her freeform teaching style works amazingly and helps students explore media they are interested in. In class, she would give us a topic and allow us to discover different ways of interpreting the concept, connecting it often to experiences in her life that inspired us. This bred much of my creative thinking and love for art. I am so glad she was always a supportive figure in my life, always there to listen and teach. She truly changed my life. I am a better artist and person now thanks to her.
–Stell Del Mazza Rocha, former student
Ali Roland was, honestly, the best teacher I’ve ever had. Every day I had art in my schedule I would look forward to her class. Her freeform teaching style works amazingly and helps students explore media they are interested in. In class, she would give us a topic and allow us to discover different ways of interpreting the concept, connecting it often to experiences in her life that inspired us. This bred much of my creative thinking and love for art. I am so glad she was always a supportive figure in my life, always there to listen and teach. She truly changed my life. I am a better artist and person now thanks to her.
–Stell Del Mazza Rocha, former student
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Ali Roland's approach to art education is grounded in social justice, growth, and compassion. She is a dedicated activist and is committed to helping others envision a better, more beautiful world. Her connections with students are authentic, professional, and prompt—thoughtful engagement with challenging material.
–FB, LGBTQIA+ Activist
Ali Roland's approach to art education is grounded in social justice, growth, and compassion. She is a dedicated activist and is committed to helping others envision a better, more beautiful world. Her connections with students are authentic, professional, and prompt—thoughtful engagement with challenging material.
–FB, LGBTQIA+ Activist
“
When Ali was our daughter's elementary school art teacher, we watched her inspire kids to get messy and take chances while learning both detailed artistic techniques and about the ways that art is experienced and used in the world.
–Shannon LaDeau, parent
When Ali was our daughter's elementary school art teacher, we watched her inspire kids to get messy and take chances while learning both detailed artistic techniques and about the ways that art is experienced and used in the world.
–Shannon LaDeau, parent
“
In all of my years teaching in both public and independent schools, I have never encountered an art teacher who is as passionate and versatile as Ali Roland. Ali teaches her students about diverse techniques and styles, but she also brings the world of an artist to life for her students, especially their influences and social impacts. It's a joy to hear students talking about Frida Kahlo, Johannes Vermeer, and Chuck Close (with authority!) when they leave the studio. Ali has a gift for igniting a passion for visual arts in students and a knack for helping students who do not yet feel like artists produce work they feel proud of.
–Natasha P, parent and former colleague
In all of my years teaching in both public and independent schools, I have never encountered an art teacher who is as passionate and versatile as Ali Roland. Ali teaches her students about diverse techniques and styles, but she also brings the world of an artist to life for her students, especially their influences and social impacts. It's a joy to hear students talking about Frida Kahlo, Johannes Vermeer, and Chuck Close (with authority!) when they leave the studio. Ali has a gift for igniting a passion for visual arts in students and a knack for helping students who do not yet feel like artists produce work they feel proud of.
–Natasha P, parent and former colleague
“
Working with Ms. Roland was a life-changing experience. Not only has she taught me astonishing ways to explore with the power of art, but she applied her knowledge and creativity with each and every single student she has taught. When I walked into Ms. Roland’s classroom, I always felt a welcoming and supportive environment around me. Ms. Roland lets her students express their creativity in their own ways. She made it clear each time a student was unsatisfied or “messed up their work” that you can’t improve as a learning artist until you explore and try new things. A great art teacher is one who wants to see you grow as an artist. Ms. Roland is a teacher and an artist who encourages that capability in every student.
–Sophie Lynch, former student
Working with Ms. Roland was a life-changing experience. Not only has she taught me astonishing ways to explore with the power of art, but she applied her knowledge and creativity with each and every single student she has taught. When I walked into Ms. Roland’s classroom, I always felt a welcoming and supportive environment around me. Ms. Roland lets her students express their creativity in their own ways. She made it clear each time a student was unsatisfied or “messed up their work” that you can’t improve as a learning artist until you explore and try new things. A great art teacher is one who wants to see you grow as an artist. Ms. Roland is a teacher and an artist who encourages that capability in every student.
–Sophie Lynch, former student