When did you know you wanted to be an art teacher?
“Back in the early 1990’s I was working at Horace Mann MS.  I was going back to college and many of my colleagues encouraged me to finish and become a teacher. I had lots of art hours from previous years in college in New Mexico so it was just a logical path for me.”

How has art impacted your life? 

“Art has always gave me a way to express myself as a kid. In highschool it was just something I was well known for. Art has provided me with a mans to raise my family and have a career that allows me to work with and influence the lives of others. “

Why do you think art is important in student lives?

We live in a work that is constantly changing and evolving. Art is the one constant that has stood the test of time. Creativity is something that is wired into us as humans and ability to tap into that sets us apart from every other species. Einstein once said “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” That tells me the ability to dream and imagine is far more valuable than what we actually know.”

Why is art important to you?

“Art is a vehicle of expression. When words fail, art speaks. Art has provided me with opportunities far greater than anything I ever did in sports.”

How is art club different from regular art classes?

“Our Randall Art Club is not a class. It’s a community where everyone is welcome and belongs. Many times in highschool and in life we, as humans, struggle to find our tribe. Art club is a tribe that is always ready to welcome others into it. It’s a place to be creative without judgement.”

Have you ever won any awards for your art?

“I remember winning my first art contest back in 4th grade. By the next year my art was displayed at the New Mexico State Fair where it won first place. I competed in art shows throughout high school and college. It has been a while since I’ve been able to make competition worthy art.”

What do you hope your students will take away from your class?

“First, I want my students to know they matter deeply to me. If they don’t fit in any other place on campus they always have a home with me. If they know I love and care about them, I’ve done my job. I’d also like them to realize they can be creative. They have that ability and it’s my job to pull that out of them.”