Last week I was privileged to chat with educator and podcaster, Jon Lemay, about my journey to teaching and what it means to be a public art educator:
This week's episode features Jon's conversation with Christine Garrison, an artist and public school Art teacher in Oregon. Learn a little bit about Christine below, and listen to the episode on iTunes/Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/2GK63SN) or Google Play (https://tinyurl.com/y72ue284).
Christine Garrison has spent the last decade as an artist and visual arts instructor in both public and private education. She currently maintains the lead visual arts pathway position at McMinnville High School in McMinnville, Oregon and a summer teaching position at Phillips Exeter Academy, an independent school in Exeter, New Hampshire. Beyond her teaching, Christine loves to spend time creating. Her recent drawing, painting, and printmaking explores the cathartic calm nature and place can inspire. See more at https://christinegarrisonart.com.
Q: Did you have a teacher or an educator who changed your life?
A: Although I had many educators who were strong influences in my life, I am grateful for the guidance and tutelage of Wendell Arneson, Professor of Painting at St. Olaf College. A fantastic artist and educator himself, he gave me permission to connect with my everyday. He encouraged me to find the experiences that were truly my own, even if they didn't seem "important enough" or "edgy enough." I would venture to say we all feel insecure about our creative endeavors, so Wendell's little gem of wisdom, though simple, was vital at this stage of my career. There will always be value in your perspective. It will always be "enough."
Q: If you had to teach a fun and specific course, what would it be called?
A: "On the Road/On the Palette"
A class I would love to teach would be a study abroad, anthropology/observation art course. There is so much value in travel and new experience, especially for a young artist. I often stress to my students the importance of observation, context, and attention to detail in drawing and painting, but frankly, these are also skills that will help everyone shape a more empathetic worldview.
