Artist and Educator: Giving Myself Permission to Be Both as I Reclaim the Artist I Set Aside

Looking Ahead to PACE in the Ozarks

I am eagerly anticipating my first Plein Air Painting Convention. This May, I’ll be attending the 13th annual PACE Plein Air Convention in the Ozarks, and I’m heading into it with several goals for my professional growth as both artist and educator.

Bringing Plein Air into the Classroom

One of my main intentions is to integrate a plein air unit into my art classes. I want to bring students outdoors when the weather cooperates.  This is no small feat in the city, where our school is mostly concrete and surrounded by buildings. Still, with the right focus, I think it could be a refreshing alternative on those unbearably hot days when staying inside an old school building is the least inspiring option. I also hope to encourage my students to continue making art over the summer and to embrace a lifelong learning approach to creativity. To help connect what I learn at the convention with my work in the classroom, I’m taking a 2‑credit independent study graduate course through the University of the Pacific.

After Two Decades of Teaching, My Inner Artist Is Calling

After two decades of teaching art, I feel it’s time to step more fully into my artist identity. I’ve always been a “teacher first” art teacher. My personal art practice has been seasonal, shaped by the school calendar and my responsibilities. Summer vacation is when I can truly focus on my own work, while the school year is devoted to lesson plans and creating samples for students. Although my career has often been challenging and required my attention, I always had an inner knowing that I need to foster my own artwork as well.

Prioritizing my students has absolutely strengthened my teaching. I’ve taken every opportunity to deepen my pedagogy from Project Based Learning and Multilingual/Multicultural Learner micro credentials to SEL integration and yoga teacher certification for the classroom. Still, my inner artist is calling. I want to hone my craft and build a portfolio of professional work. Strengthening my personal practice will also enrich my teaching and model how art can shape and elevate a life. This is a really exciting time as I expand my personal and professional identity.

My Summer Plan: Paint Everywhere

This summer, I picture myself taking my pochade everywhere I go. I want to paint the places that mean something to me. My goal is to complete 15 plein air paintings during summer vacation. I also plan to choose one study to develop into a larger studio painting during the next school year.

And someday, I’d love to travel the world with my paints and capture those experiences on canvas.