I first fell in love with art when I attended a summer art camp that gave me unlimited creative freedom. Using a variety of supplies, I learned how to silk paint, embroider, make origami figures, paper-mache, bead, and even garden. The summer camp fostered my creativity and gave me room to explore and imagine in ways I had not experienced before. As I continued to develop my own artistic style, I discovered that I wanted students to feel the same kind of endless imagination that I felt when I created art. As I continued to develop my art, I took a job teaching art to adults with developmental disabilities. This experience further cultivated my passion for art. I witnessed the sense of community, empathy and skillbuilding that art education brought to these individuals. The experience in instructing art inspired me to become an art teacher. The visual arts inspire flexible and critical thinking, empathy, common humanity, and experimentation without worry of failure.
Encouraging students to use their own passions and interests in their artwork promotes critical thinking skills and self discovery. I develop lessons that help students build the necessary skills they need to bring their ideas to life. The art room is one of the classes in a student’s day where they can expand their thinking beyond “yes” and “no” answers. Engaging students in visual art promotes appreciation for others’ differing perspectives, an opportunity to express their emotions, build necessary fine and gross motor skills, and share with others. Art education is an essential part of a student’s development. Through art education, students are understanding their histories, expanding their world views, and the cultural beliefs of others and themselves.
