Kat Mukai FACULTY FOCUS Robert DeJesus The SUNY Peekskill Center for the Digital Arts is thrilled to welcome three dynamic new instructors to our Youth Arts Technology faculty team this summer. Each brings a distinctive creative practice and a deep commitment to mentoring young artists through innovative, hands-on learning experiences. Kat Mukai is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working across 2D and 3D animation, film, and illustration for print. Grounded in traditional drawing and painting, Kat integrates powerful digital tools such as ZBrush and Blender to create rich visual worlds inspired by literary genres and the natural environment. An avid gamer, Kat is also passionate about building inclusive virtual communities that connect artists working in both traditional and emerging media. Robert DeJesus is an animator and filmmaker from the Bronx, NY, with a BFA in Animation from the School of Visual Arts and an MFA in Digital Media from Lehman College. With over fifteen years of teaching experience across CUNY, SUNY, and other institutions, Robert brings a strong foundation in animation and digital media education. Alongside his teaching, he produces independent short films and video content for film festivals and social media platforms, bridging academic practice with contemporary media culture. Thomas Hurlbert Thomas Hurlburt is a cinematic artist with more than 20 years of experience in visual storytelling. As Final Layout Lead at Blue Sky Studios, he contributed to ten major theatrical releases, including the Ice Age and Rio franchises. Tom specializes in 3D environments, camera design, and interactive media, and is deeply committed to making complex technical tools accessible to young creators. He currently teaches storyboarding and media production at Mercy University, where he emphasizes hands-on exploration, experimentation, and creative discovery. Together, these instructors bring an exciting blend of industry expertise, artistic vision, and educational passion that will greatly enrich our Youth Arts Technology programs this summer. SUNY Westchester Peekskill . 27 North Division Street . Peekskill NY 10566 . 914-606-7300 3 FACULTY FOCUS
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