Accomplished Artist

Brandi Smith-Moffe ’02 is the 2018 SUNY CCC Faculty Art Show guest alumna. Brandi grew up in Elmira, N.Y., and attended Elmira Free Academy.

Unsure of the career path she wanted to take after high school, Brandi chose SUNY CCC for the affordability and convenience. Though she had always loved art she never viewed it as a career, rather a hobby. She majored in Liberal Arts, but soon found herself inspired by Professor Dave Higgins’ art classes.

“I never considered making art my career until my time at [SUNY] CCC,” said Brandi. “I was able to craft my art portfolio while I was there and eventually got accepted into The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.”

She attended FIT from 2003-2005 and majored in Fine Arts. After attending FIT she took a job working with children at a day program during the summer.

“Teaching was something that always came natural to me,” said Brandi. “I decided to attend Elmira College to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education.”

She now teaches eighth and ninth grade art at Ernie Davis Academy.

“Seeing children appreciate and engage in the arts is something I never get tired of,” said Brandi. “It’s incredibly rewarding.”

When she’s not at work Brandi enjoys spending time with her husband Nick and her 19-month-old son, Maxwell.