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Gillett, Lisa

Two women sit across from each other in a studio with blue lighting, a round table between them, and a large screen behind displaying the word "¡COLORES!" in colorful letters.

“Lisa Gillett grew up in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. She moved to New Mexico in 1994 after graduating from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, with a BA in Art History. In 1999, Lisa received a master’s degree in Art Education from the University of New Mexico. Lisa embraces opportunities that embody the “edge effect”. Yo-Yo Ma said, “The “edge effect” is where those of varied backgrounds come together in a zone of transition; a region of less structure, more diversity and more possibility. The edge is a time and place of transformation and movement; intersections can reveal unexpected connections.” Lisa has been teaching art for 26 years, 24 of which have been at Albuquerque High School, where she currently teaches five Jewelry classes. Lisa is the co-sponsor of the AHS Art Club, and she sponsors the AHS Collage & Jewelry Club. In 2018, Ms. Gillett and some of her students were showcased on New Mexico’s Colores PBS television show, where they highlighted AHS jewelry students and their work, as well as Lisa’s compassionate teaching philosophy. In 2022, Lisa was recognized as the High School Art Educator of the Year by the New Mexico Art Education Association. In 2025, she was named the New Mexico Art Educator of the year by the NMAEA. Lisa also served as Secretary for the NMAEA from 2022-2023. The AHS jewelry program has been awarded three APS Education Foundation Classroom & Grade Level Learning Award – Fine Arts Grants; Jewelry Beyond, in 2021 and Jewelry Uplift, in 2023 and 2024. Lisa and her partner Edward Donato founded Jewelry Uplift. The Jewelry Uplift initiative is an example of what is possible for students, teachers, families and communities; enhancing educational experiences as it encourages and empowers young jewelers and community members to grow individually, collectively and professionally. Jewelry Uplift has enriched the students’ lives in so many ways. It has brought physical changes and organizational updates to the jewelry room, as well as providing more tools and supplies for the students. Jewelry Uplift now offers community classes for students of all ages. Lisa is delighted to be a guest on Colores again!”

Episode: APS Art Teacher of the Year, Lisa Gillett