I teach art because art is a catalyst for learning and because it is integral in teaching the whole person. Art creates a threshold that allows for emotional connection and therefore can unlock a sense of place and belonging in the world as well as build a bridge between students’ interests and their everyday lives and school work.

We live in a society that hypocritically consumes massive amounts of art via film, books, magazines, graphic novels, music, and more while simultaneously deprecating art taught in schools and undervaluing artists and craftspeople.

I envision a world in which we recognize and celebrate the role art plays in our lives and give it the value it deserves.

I envision schools where art and other subject matters are integrated and work together to create a holistic picture of knowledge. Where creative thinking is as valued more than memorization.

I envision a classroom in which students feel comfortable to get messy, make mistakes, and learn by doing. A place where they feel safe to be brave. And a classroom in which they see their cultures and values not only acknowledges, but reflected, embraced, and explored.