Emma Limtiaco

Quick Facts

Program: Fine Art, BA
Graduation Year: 2022
Current Job Title(s): Advanced Studies Program Coordinator at Art Steps and Adjunct Art Professor at Mt. San Antonio College, California Baptist University and Biola University
Hometown: Grand Terrace, CA
Current City: Riverside, CA

Life at CBU

Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I chose to pursue a degree in art because, despite my practical nature and initial hesitation around creative careers, I kept finding myself immersed in the world of art. Early in college, I was given the opportunity to teach my first art class, assist in a gallery, take on commissions and participate in exhibitions. I realized I wasn’t just making art, I was constantly sharing it with others, and that process felt both natural and deeply fulfilling. My family’s support helped me move forward with confidence, and, once I began my formal studies, I fell in love with the coursework, the professors and the rigor of thinking critically and creatively. Choosing this path wasn’t a spontaneous decision, it was a clear response to where I was already being called to grow and serve.

What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
One of the things I appreciated most about the art program at CBU was its small size, which allowed for meaningful relationships and personalized support from faculty. I received consistent encouragement throughout my time there, and that support did not end at graduation. My favorite undergraduate professor even attended my graduate thesis exhibition and later encouraged me to apply for an adjunct position at CBU. Having that long-term mentorship and connection has been incredibly meaningful and affirming in my journey as both an artist and educator.

What did you think about your professors?
My professors were incredibly supportive and played a key role in my growth as an artist. They introduced me to new materials, artists and ways of thinking, while also allowing me the freedom to find my own voice. Their feedback was thoughtful and constructive, never prescriptive, which helped me develop confidence in my own direction. I also appreciated how they supported me both in and outside the classroom, creating a learning environment that felt personal and encouraging.

Did you complete an internship?
Yes, I worked as the gallery assistant at the CBU Art Galleries, which gave me hands-on experience with curating exhibitions, coordinating communication and supporting marketing efforts. Around the same time, I began teaching at 10:10 Academy as a high school art teacher and also joined Art Steps as an instructor. These teaching roles were instrumental in developing my teaching philosophy and helped me learn how to adapt to a wide range of classroom environments. I enjoy how social and active teaching is. No day is ever the same, and I often find myself learning from my students in return.

Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
Yes, I served as the Art Club president, which gave me valuable experience in leadership and administration. I especially enjoyed the sense of community we built through events, collaborative projects and peer support. It was a meaningful way to connect with other creatives on campus and contribute to the culture of the program outside the classroom.

How did you grow while in this program at CBU?
During my time in the program, I built a close network of Christian friends and experienced Christ-like character modeled consistently by the faculty. This environment strengthened my confidence in my faith and helped me grow in how I connect with others, both those who share my beliefs and those who do not. It deepened my understanding of what it means to live out my faith in both personal and professional settings.

Did your program help you figure out your purpose?
Yes, my time at CBU was instrumental in helping me understand my purpose. It was during this season that I began developing my conceptual artwork more intentionally, using it as a way to reflect on who I am, why I create and how I can use my gifts to glorify God. I believe that art is a powerful tool for introspection and meaningful connection. These values mirror the slower, more intentional pace of spiritual growth. Creating has always grounded me, but at CBU, I came to see that my calling goes beyond the studio. I am meant to use my creative practice and teaching to point others toward beauty, truth and, ultimately, toward God.

Life after CBU

What have you done since graduating?
Since graduating, I completed my MFA in Studio Art at Claremont Graduate University, where I developed a body of work exploring perception, space and material transformation. During my graduate studies, I was awarded a Lincoln Fellowship, which provided hands-on experience as a ceramics technician, and I also received a Friedman Grant in support of my artistic research. I served as a teaching assistant at both Cal State San Bernardino and Scripps College, supporting students through demonstrations, feedback and individualized mentorship.

My work has been exhibited in venues including Union Hall Gallery, Peggy Phelps Gallery, Claremont Graduate University Gallery, Riverside Art Museum, Chaffey Community Museum of Art, Lang Gallery, and in the SoCal MFA exhibition. I also presented a solo show titled Transient Lenses, which investigated the act of sustained looking through material shifts in surface, color and texture. In addition, I curated The People We Carry at CSUSB, an exhibition that explored how painted portraiture can prompt viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and relational experiences.

Currently, I teach drawing and painting in the Education for Older Adults program at Mt. San Antonio College, where I design inclusive curricula and support students of all backgrounds. I have been promoted to advanced studies program coordinator at Art Steps, where I develop AP-level curriculum, manage teachers and mentor high school students as they build portfolios and set goals for college and beyond. I also teach at WM Music, where I design and facilitate virtual courses in mixed media and art history, with an emphasis on accessibility and student engagement in a remote setting. Beginning this fall, I will return to California Baptist University as an adjunct professor and will also join the faculty at Biola University.

These roles have allowed me to merge my studio practice with a deep commitment to inclusive, community-centered arts education.

How has your program and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
My time at CBU exposed me to a wide range of artistic practices including ceramics, sculpture, painting and more. This gave me a strong foundation as a multidisciplinary artist. I had the opportunity to collaborate on public projects, like murals for Parent and Family Weekend and sculptures for the Riverside Art Museum’s Festival of Lights, which taught me how to work creatively in community. CBU also helped me build a strong portfolio for graduate school, introduced me to key movements in art history and contemporary art, and connected me with a network of creative peers I’m still in touch with today.

Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life today?
Yes, CBU taught me the importance of combining technical skill with conceptual depth which is something I carry into both my studio practice and teaching. I also learned how to work collaboratively, think critically about visual culture, and adapt to different materials and creative challenges. These lessons continue to shape how I approach the classroom, connect with students and develop meaningful artwork.

How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I believe in the power of small, meaningful impact. In my classrooms, I strive to create an environment where students feel seen, supported and empowered to take ownership of their learning and pursue their dreams. At the same time, I continue to create work that feels authentic to my sense of purpose, centered around the idea of sustained looking as a way to invite deeper reflection and presence in a fast-moving world.

What are your future goals and plans?
I’m excited to continue teaching at the college level as an adjunct and hope to grow more involved in the local art scene. I’m particularly interested in curating and creating opportunities that showcase student work and foster meaningful connections through art. My goal is to expand access to creative spaces and help strengthen community through shared artistic experiences.

Would you recommend CBU to others?
Yes, I would absolutely recommend CBU to others. The faculty truly care about their students not just academically but personally. I felt deeply supported both during my time there and long after graduation. That kind of lasting mentorship made a meaningful difference in my growth as an artist and educator.