• BACKGROUND

I taught art in Wisconsin for three years (traditional darkroom photography, stained glass, painting and drawing at the high school level with a little middle school and elementary school art classes as well), before starting at Highland Park in 2000.

Here I have taught modern digital photography, painting, art history, drawing, yearbook, AVID, and IB/DP Visual Art and Design. My students have shown work in multiple local art shows and contests, winning recognition and awards.

• TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

It is my pleasure to help students develop skills and find their own voices through the visual arts. Art is a journey and each step a benchmark of understanding and self-expression.

I admire Minnesota artist Wing Young Huie who said, "Art can be a window and a mirror." We may see others more clearly through art, and we may also better understand ourselves. 

• DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS 

Bachelors of Science in Art Education from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. Master of Arts in Education from Hamline University. Doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Walden University. MN Teaching Licenses in Visual Arts K-12, and Communication Technology Career (CTE) 7-12

April Art Student of the Month

-Elsa Mechelke (11) received 3rd place for her acrylic painting in the Congressional Art Competition, here with Congresswomen Betty McCollum.

March Art Student of the Month

-Maddie Baggenstoss (12) and her watercolor still life

 

February Art Students; IB Art and Design Class

"Congratulations to all the students who have chosen to challenge themselves in the IB Art and Design exam this spring. It was so fun seeing your Spring Exhibition. We wish you all the best in your continued art making."-from your art teachers!

* means students are testing IB this year. (Featured work by Kajia Lee.) Students in IB Art & Design:  Iman Abdi, Hayk Andestic*, Johanna Aust*, Madeline Baggenstoss*, Ellie Boudet, Kiyomi Callahan*, Madeleine Carydis*, Mahlet Dagne, Mia David, Elasandra Demuth, Quinn Dwyer*, Silja Earl-Tornianen, Claire Engebretson-Gilman, Zoe Glaser, Sylvia Hegeman, Samara Hickle*, Kajia Lee*, Laura Lee, Zoe Lee, Marcus Lund, Savanna Mays-Maisonet, Madeleine Mears*, Sophia Mears*, Elsa Mechelke, Xitlali Monroy, Ngan Nguyen, Elsie Olive, Eleanor Osmond, Kylie Peterson, Sabine Schatschneider, Isabella Schmitt, Flannery Sheets, Matthew Stolte, PawPaw Wah*, Lucia Witzke

 

January Art Student of the Month

-Brenda Perez (9) and her ink drawing of a female astronaut

 

December Art Student of the Month

-Alexander Lee (12) carving a dragon linoleum print and an earlier pencil/paint study.

 

November Art Student of the Month

-Xander Eikenberry (11) and his 'precious' large pencil drawing.

 

October Art Students of the Month

-Thilji Mathew (11) and his stylized self portrait

-Goa Her (10) and her seed vase

 

September Art Student of the Month

Alex Roepke (10) and their personalized self portrait