Why did I decide to teach art, you ask?...

I always looked forward to and enjoyed art classes from 1st grade on. Kindergarten in my school  did not have art. It was one of the magical things in elementary school that started with that all day experience. My first art teacher was Ms. Clifford. She was eccentric. What I loved most was her tendency to execute fiber related projects. There were a lot of other types of projects but the most exciting was the baskets, weaving, wire sculptures, and the ceramics. When I moved onto the middle school my favorite teacher was of course the art teacher Mrs. Lindloff. She allowed me extra time in the art room and actually tested out projects on me, once it  involved fimo (new material at the time). I loved her passion and her love for sharing her appreciation with us. She was knowledgeable and and delightful. In high school Mr. Vidas was an independent thinker and really wanted us to design our own art programs. He existed to assist us. He was invaluable as a transition to independent study which began in college. He worked with us and helped us research new materials he encouraged exploration in the arts. In college I had many professors and instructors in art practice, technique and art history that encouraged and critiqued. I enjoyed them all. There are two women who stand out and I stay in close contact with. One is a professor, Kyoung ae Cho, of my discipline, fibers. and my art education professor, Kim Cosier. They are also colleagues to each other. The critical assessments, support, and encouragement from them not only caused me to challenge myself but to push myself to grow. In a time when all art programs were being cut, I continued to teach art through artist residencies, art internships for at risk youth in the inner city, and taught weaving to adults through the rec department of Milwaukee. I continued to educate and share my love of the visual arts when the visual arts were under attack. As I reflect on my art experiences from mentors and peers, sharing what brings me joy is why I decided to teach art.