Amanda Thompson is an artist and art teacher specializing in mixed media and silk painting. She is an avid hiker, animal lover, and (pandemic permitting) world traveler. Artists joining Ms. Amanda can expect to try a variety of methods and materials whenever possible. Just remember that will is greater than skill and we make it work!

Bart Galloway has been drawing and painting since childhood. He received both a B.F.A. (1993) and M.F.A. (1996) in painting. And he has taught Studio Arts to students of all levels of ability from the ages of 3 to 93. Bart employs a multi-faceted approach to teaching that strives to help students gain a personal relationship with the fundamentals of visual expression. Bart’s assignments start with drawing thru observation and work along a trajectory that is only limited by the student’s ideas, materials and time. Bart believes that the malleability of the marriage of Art making and ideas can help us become so much more than we think we are.

Anita Fisher focuses on the basics of composition, introduction to different types of media and opportunities for students to express themselves through their art. Her hopes are that by the end of classes students have a better understanding of their strengths and areas for further growth.

Claire Krueger uses a variety of mixed-media techniques in her classes. Often incorporating painting, collage, printmaking, and drawing, her project themes are open-ended with an emphasis on material exploration.

Danielle Flener loves exploring new ways to create mixed media projects. She will encourage every child to step out of their comfort zone with their artwork in hopes of helping them grow their talent.

Debbie Rutledge’s inspiration is from childhood, her family from grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and siblings have all explored and shared their passion for the arts. Her hope is to share that love for exploring arts with your student. She is not looking for perfection, but creating passion through the process. Students will learn about different media as well as different styles of art, will be encouraged to appreciate their own personal style as they develop confidence in imperfection and discovery of personal talents. The class will work with watercolors, tempera paint, chalk pastels, oil pastels and other media during our class as we discover the world through art.

I focus on the fundamentals of art while encouraging exploration of various artist styles. I believe that a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of art, such as composition, color theory, and technique provides students with the tools necessary for effective self-expression. It is my belief that art education should be a journey of self-discovery. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment in which students can experiment with various mediums and media to discover their individual artistic styles.

Our Printmaking course will teach students how to create prints using methods like relief (linocuts), intaglio (plexiglass drypoint), and silkscreen, meeting students where they are with knowledge and skill level. In doing so, students will learn about the history of the different media and explore contemporary examples for inspiration. In addition to group and one-on-one instruction, students will engage with each other throughout their projects as part of the studio skill of critique, helping each other see what is and is not working both conceptually and technically.

With 30 years of experience teaching art, I have a strong emphasis on the process of creating without pressure on the end results. I encourage my students to experiment and take risks and I always use high quality materials. Focusing on the standard elements of art, my goal is to help each child become aware of what inspires them. Ultimately my hope is that each student grows creatively, more like themselves and less like everyone else!!

Joyce Barbour's focus is in mixed media illustration, collage, and assemblage projects. Joyce is passionate about using art to tell stories and will pass that along to students by teaching them to utilize concepts like symbolism and metaphor in their work. In her class, students will gain a further understanding of the fundamentals of art, while also being encouraged to experiment and exercise creative thinking skills.

Every semester Mr. Ashford's class do 2 assignments. They vary from watercolor to tempera painting, texture drawing, shading, oil pastel, etc.

Kevin Rose Schultz encourages students to build their skills and confidence in capturing images and to explore and express themselves through the medium of photography. Ms. Schultz is an artist and educator who is passionate about photography, fibers, mixed media, and encaustics. NOTE: Students need their own camera/phone camera and a portable USB drive to save images and store their digital portfolio.

Laurel Lammers focuses on drawing and painting from real life. We do still life, portraits and work outside often.

Lauren focuses on the fundamentals of drawing and painting in her class. Drawing from life and composing a well thought out piece is important in this class and will help students create more advanced concepts in the future.

Leslie Shell focuses on the Art Basics and individual interests. Students are introduced to different art media and given the opportunity to expand on their strengths.

Lilly Higgs is a digital illustrator herself who draws on her background as a comic artist to teach high schoolers how to translate their traditional drawing skills into a new digital medium! Besides simply learning the brass tacks of the programs as a tool, there is also study on the art of telling a story in images, exploration in character design, and even a bit of illustration history!

"In my class I introduce an artist and we begin to study their art and style. I strive to provide similar materials to what the artist would have used. This allows my students to create how they want using the same techniques. I believe that everyone can create art. I encourage everyone to try new things and explore their artistic abilities.

Tenille Novinger teaches students to look to the past by discussing art history movements in order to explore their own techniques, but also uses contemporary artist examples to convey the present. She helps nurture and build confidence in her students by using painting as a primary medium of the artist. Her goal is for her students to produce paintings that demonstrate their talents and convey the language of the artist.

Typh Merwarth focuses on the foundations of art including the elements of art and principals of design. This semester students will explore various media including, pencil, oil and chalk pastels, paint and collage. Informal critiques are incorporated into each class. Students learn how to analyze and explain artwork in an objective manor, building their confidence in speaking about art and understanding the process of art making.

Taylor Sanders begins with teaching techniques but allows each student to incorporate their own thoughts and creativity into their piece. She also stresses the importance of critical thinking and discussion around each art work. Sanders’ current work is a collaboration of techniques and ideas based around historical and current events. Having this type of teaching style is great for young art students because their creativity ability is still open while gaining class critique and discussion skills.

Teresa Koester enjoys drawing her students into creative, spontaneous, and experimental discoveries in the studio. Magic happens in the studio; and Teresa seeks to provide individualized instruction to meet the student where they are, experientially and emotionally. Whether it's 2D or 3D processes, Teresa introduces a wide range of materials and pushes each student to develop a skillset to realize their artistic vision.

Traci Slayton teaches students to use a wide variety of media including, watercolor, acrylic, inks. Each semester incorporates a 3D project and an artist study. Her classes always have plenty of novelty, so lessons are different than what they would experience in the elementary art classroom.

Tricia Hart's students will learn to use various 2D art media and techniques, including mixed media, collage, and painting. As an art therapist, she encourages students to use their art as a means of self-expression and a way to find their own voice. Classes will focus on helping students find their strengths and provide opportunities to discuss and analyze their artwork. 

Mrs. Bethel feels that it is important for talented students to have the opportunity to enhance their creative abilities. This she feels can be better achieved by teaching students the basics. The basics are taught in her classes through the introduction of the elements and principles of Art and Design. Different Art projects are assigned using different media.