Philosophy

The art educator is more than just an instructor of drawing and painting. She is more than just a lecturer on color theory or eighteenth century movements. The art educator crafts a curriculum where student individuality and collaboration excel. The art educator is both a nurturer and cultivator of student growth, creativity and imagination.

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

Pablo picasso

The cultivation of the artist is difficult. Students will struggle and find points in their learning where giving up seems viable. It is up to the art educator to guide students to keep that confidence. Rediscovery and relearning are a part of the teacher’s own education. Students come and go, bringing their struggles to the classroom. Art may seem individual, but it is a collaborative effort. Every student – excelling and struggling – needs the support of the educator in order to grow as a person. Every child has potential, but reaching it is the difficult part. The art educator is thus a supporter, one who guides students to better themselves as individuals.

I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.

Vincent van gogh

The arts are more than just creating pictures. What students gain from an art education is the ability to take their blossoming creativity and imagination into the real world. Innovation is the key to success. Discovery and exploration are treasured skills in the real world that can be cultivated through an art education. The art educator helps students grow by learning new methods of communication and originality. The black and white of the world is brought to color through the arts.

Creativity takes courage.

Henri Matisse

The art educator is the facilitator of risk and creativity. She will lead students to take leaps of faith into unknown territories, guiding them to new paths in art and their own life. The art educator teaches students to paint their world in new color. To take the road less traveled is terrifying, especially for young adolescents. The educator must be that guiding star, lighting the way for each student to succeed and grow.