Art is something everyone connects with. Whether old or young, outgoing or shy, creative or logical, art evokes emotions and feelings from everyone. Ms. Peggy Lemak and Mr. Ryan Olein, two veteran art teachers at Mitty, echo this sentiment and describe art as a form of expression in which “you can speak to the world in a language others also understand.” 

Ms. Lemak began her path to become an art teacher in college. Despite growing up in a self-proclaimed “teacher family,” she was originally opposed to becoming a teacher herself. However, upon working as a tutor in college, she chose to major in art in hopes of becoming a high school art teacher. Mr. Olein mirrored Ms. Lemak in her decision to switch paths. Initially, Mr. Olein was interested in pursuing a career in photography and eventually became a National Geographic photographer. Despite this, following a positive experience working as a summer school teacher, he decided to change paths and become an art teacher. Both teachers expressed their immediate love for the subject and their connection to it once they began their journey through teaching art. Ms. Lemak had always been aware of her interest in art, so she was glad to have been given the opportunity to teach in the subject. Similarly, Mr. Olein had always known his love for photography but was thrilled to realize that his journey in art could open even more opportunities as well.

At Mitty, Ms. Lemak and Mr. Olein teach a number of art classes, including Visual Arts 1 and 2 as well as AP Studio Art. Of course, guiding students through a semester-long course of various styles of art—including digital design, photography, 2D-3D design, painting, and animation—is extremely rewarding. However, as both teachers share, their favorite thing about teaching art at Mitty is watching students grow through the course and seeing the comparison from beginning to end. Through lessons where they complete exercises which accentuate certain struggle areas and eventually overcome them, the students slowly build up their knowledge in the subject. Ms. Lemak and Mr. Olein foster their students’ artistic growth both technically and emotionally, allowing them to realize that with patience and practice, they can create anything. 

However, though rewarding, teaching art comes with its own challenges as well. One difficulty, the teachers point out, can be seen at the beginning of the school year when students are unsure and apprehensive about their own art abilities. Mr. Olein emphasizes that in order to overcome many of the obstacles in art, a student must come from a place where they can believe in themselves and have a positive mentality. He explains that his job is to help with the technical skills while the conceptualization and aesthetics are up to his students to decide, and these take time and effort. Ms. Lemak and Mr. Olein work hard to create a safe environment where personality and individualism can be expressed and appreciated.

Overall, Ms. Lemak and Mr. Olein support their students’ creativity and encourage growth through their dedication to fostering students’ distinct artistic voices. As both teachers enhance students’ artistic talents and brighten the campus with various works of art, Mitty has the opportunity to showcase the creativity that flourishes within its halls and classrooms with pride. Without these cultivators of artistry and expressiveness, the school wouldn’t be as bright as it is today.