Art is fostering curiosity, learning to embrace failure, & being inspired to create with joy. For me, teaching is about creating artists.
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“I can’t draw!” This is a refrain I often hear from new students. I believe ALL kids can learn to draw & create. I set them up for success by methodically building up basic skills, all the while offering encouragement to help move them towards excellence. The best part of being their “art coach” is helping kids overcome the fear of failure by sharing the skills of art making. The joy of seeing students master a new, life-long skill brings fulfillment beyond measure. It’s magic!
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience.With great flair, the velvet drape was lifted to reveal the Governor’s portrait. Standing in the State Capitol, I was bursting with pride for my former student, Stanley. I was happy, not just for his earning this commission, but more importantly for how he had grown as an artist. Years ago he had arrived in class with few skills, but he made up for it with positivity & grit. With training, by graduation he was creating wonderful portraits. Celebrating his success is a moment I’ll never forget.
What would you do with the $25,000?I love to travel & learn about Art! Whether it’s in my hometown of RVA or journeying someplace on my bucket list; I seek to learn more to share. My dream is to experience, in-person, the art of indigenous cultures of Africa and Oceana and bring that experience back to my classroom. I would travel to South Africa & Australia visiting iconic museums, seeking out craftspeople, & exploring the contemporary art scene to increase the representation of these rich & underrepresented indigenous cultures.
