What inspired you to become an art teacher?
Heidi: "I kind of evolved into it. I always loved making art, even in elementary school. I took every art class I could through high school. I loved to paint and draw, but I loved 3D art the most—sculpture and working with clay. When I went to college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but after taking some art classes, I realized I needed to get back into it. That’s when I decided to become an art teacher."
Can you share a bit about your journey to Anthony Wayne Local Schools?
Heidi: "My first teaching job was at Central Catholic High School. I loved what I taught, but I really wanted to work with younger kids. I spent a year substitute teaching and then found out about an opening at AWLS. I’ve been at Whitehouse Primary ever since—this is my 26th year."
What does your class schedule look like?
Heidi: "I see each class one day a week for an hour. Kindergarten classes are 30 minutes because of their shorter day. Each grade level does a mix of watercolor, tempera, collage, drawing and at least one clay and sculpture project a year. I also do printmaking with 3rd and 4th graders and the 4th graders also keep a sketchbook—it’s a big part of their year."
What’s your favorite lesson to teach and why?
Heidi: "Definitely sculpture! My students really love 3D art, and I get excited about it too. I introduce them to different sculptors with images and video clips, and it sparks great conversations. They tend to put more of themselves into these projects. They’re so engaged—I can just step back and let them work. They’re happy, giggling, trying new things—it creates such a positive classroom culture."
What do you want your students to take away from your class?
Heidi: "I want my classroom to be a safe place for them to be creative. I encourage them to go off on their own tangents. For example, the 4th graders are currently working on sculptures made from wood, cardboard and found objects—they’re creating animals, robots, vehicles—whatever inspires them. Then they’ll paint them and write artist statements for the art show."
How has your teaching style evolved over the years?
Heidi: "I’ve really shifted from being prescriptive to letting students take more control. There’s more discussion and collaboration now. One student will suggest an idea, and others will build on it. It’s more open-ended, more student-led. We still do step-by-step projects sometimes, but I always try to allow room for choice."
What’s one of your most memorable moments as an art teacher?
Heidi: While we were at the old Whitehouse Primary building, With the support of "Brad Rhodes (Whitehouse Primary Principal) we created a series of large scale murals to decorate the hallways. The most memorable was a mural of the Starry Night made completely out of crayons! We brought it to the district art show that year, and it was such a proud moment. Seeing students bring their families and take photos with it—so much heart went into that. We even hung it in the new school building when we moved here."
How do you respond to students who say, “I’m not good at art”?
Heidi: "I tell them art takes practice and we learn and grow from our mistakes. Especially with things like drawing from observation, I encourage them to stay open and not be afraid of making mistakes. Some mistakes turn out amazing! I just want them to give their best effort. They often surprise themselves with what they’re capable of—and that makes me happiest."
What do you hope students take away from your class beyond just artistic skills?
Heidi: "Confidence and happiness. I want them to love creating without worrying about what their art is supposed to look like. I hope they go home excited about what they’ve made and develop a lifelong love for the arts."
How do you keep yourself inspired and creatively refreshed?
Heidi: "I enjoy learning about new artists, visiting museums, and traveling in the summers. This allows me to recharge and find ideas for new projects for students. I visit new places and museums—last summer I went to Grand Rapids to see the sculptures at the Meijer Sculpture Gardens. Getting away and experiencing new art keeps me inspired."
About the Art Show
How many years have you participated in the District Art Show?
Heidi: "The art show predates me! I’ve been involved since I started at AWLS—aside from the year we had to cancel due to the pandemic. It’s a huge production, but we’re a well-oiled machine now—everyone has their role, and we all work together to make it come together."
How do you select artwork for the show?
Heidi: "It’s tough! We save work all year. If a student says, 'This is the best thing I’ve ever made,' it’s going in. I also look for variety in color, size and materials. We always include ceramic projects from 3rd and 4th grade—this year they made ceramic owls, lizards and frogs, and they’re so creative!"
What’s the students' reaction to seeing their art at the show?
Heidi: "Their jaws drop! I don’t think they realize how big the show is until they walk into the gym. There are thousands of pieces. I take photos throughout the day and show them a slideshow the following week in class—they love that part."
What would you say to someone who has never attended the show?
Heidi: "Go and be amazed at the talent these students have. Never underestimate what kids can do. You’ll be blown away by their work."
Anthony Wayne Local Schools
53rd District Art Show
Saturday, May 10, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
AWHS Gymnasium
Free admission - open to the public