To Whom it May Concern,

My name is Raia Meister and I am writing this letter of recommendation and my sincerest
support for Dr. Michelle Livek-Garner, whom I have known for two years. I have known Dr.
Livek-Garner as both her student and assistant during my time at Winthrop University, and there
is nobody who is more deserving of praise, promotion, or accolades than her.

Currently, Dr. Livek-Garner serves as the curriculum coordinator for the Art Education
department at Winthrop University and is heavily involved in community outreach art projects.
Throughout Dr. Livek-Garner’s career as an art educator and scholar, she has promoted equity
through artistic practices in both the community and classroom. Dr. Michelle Aaron Livek
Garner completed her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri, where she was invited to develop a
graduate course in art education policy and assessment. This invitation was the result of her
investigations into policy enactments and assessment practices in arts education through her
research. As a social practice art/influence, Garner participates in Civil Engagement art making
experiences. At the 2017 National Art Education Association convention in New York City,
Garner presented a social practice influence with the attending artist/teachers. The TouchStones
Project, a social practice influence developed by Livek, has been implemented nationwide.

Upon the assumption of Livek-Garner’s position at Winthrop University, Dr. Livek-Garner filled
the roles of three employees in the art education department: curriculum coordinator, advisor,
and full time professor. Despite the demands of her schedule, Livek-Garner has continued to
fulfill the duties of her job at Winthrop with outstanding grace, compassion, and sensitivity, all
while establishing irrefutable rapport with her students. Throughout my time as a student and
assistant with Livek-Garner, Livek-Garner gave clear instructions in tandem with her strong
rapport with students throughout her classes to assist learners of various styles and needs, which
are undeniable traits of a master educator and thoughtful person, Livek-Garner has been able to
continuously motivate students to participate in class discussions in ways that have been both
thought provoking and relevant to pre-service and current art educators, providing invaluable
hands on experience that students can utilize throughout their professional careers.

I hope you seriously consider Dr. Livek-Garner for any accolades, career advancements, awards,
or grants. Livek-Garner is an asset to any scholarly and educational environment she touches,
and I am confident that with her enthusiasm for teaching art and helping others, she will benefit
your organization.

Kind Regards,
Raia Meister
MAT K-12 Art Education December ‘22