Our 2015 National Youth Art Month Faculty Exhibit was located at Soul Full Cup Coffeehouse, 81 West Market Strett, Corning, NY.

Faculty Artists (in order of appearance): Mrs. Pabody, Mrs. Youngling, Mrs. Telehany, Mrs. Wolf-King, Mrs. Harrington, Mrs. Witkowski, Mrs. VanDelinder, Mrs. Pfleegor

As I work on my art, students are essentially watching a demonstration on work ethic and problem solving.
Cynthia Cratsley Harrington, Art Teacher, Horseheads High School, Horseheads, NY

I think it is vital for art teachers to be actively involved in creating their own personal art; not only for artistic expression, but also for the more subtle lessons it teaches our students.

As I work on my own art, students are essentially watching a demonstration on work ethic and problem solving. Working on art shows my students that I think art is an important part of life, something I’m willing to dedicate time and effort to. If I work on a piece over several days, they understand that art takes committment, and they see the possibilities of a certain medium grow and develop; they see process, not just finished work.

Working on art is also a great way to connect with students. When I’m occupied with a project, it is easy for students to join me and spend time working and talking. It is a time when they can open up easily and communicate, as we both have our eyes on our work. When I ask for a student’s thoughts on my work, I am letting them know that I value their opinoin and knowledge of art. I think that helps them feel a part of an art community, rather than solely a student.

Many of my students ask what I do with my art, and that opens the doors for discussing art as a marketable product – whether in galleries, craft shows, or on-line sales. I think this opens their eyes to the importance of their own art, and the value of the time they have invested developing their personal art skills.