Stephanie Smith
Art Educator
My love of art started at a young age and came in coupled with my love of science. My memories of elementary school were of the discovery and exploration of arts and sciences. In junior high school, my love of science and art was demonstrated through various science fairs as well as new mediums and materials that I was introduced to in the fascinating world of art. By high school science, the class did not seem like work but an enjoyable experience that I thrived in. My art skills were also growing with a new interest in photography, in my senior year one of my photographs was displayed in the Focus Art Show in 2002. Senior year is the year of big decisions on what path you take in your future. I knew I had to make a choice to either pursue my passion for art or to take a different path with my love of science.
After graduating Whitmer High School with honors, I then went on to pursue my love of science at StautzenbergerCollege where I received my associate’s degree in applied science, and became a registered veterinary technician in 2005. As I began to practice as a veterinarian technician my love for art was not left to the wayside. I began to experiment with different mediums from sculpture to even cake decorating classes until I made my discovery of glass art. I started to take classes at the Toledo Museum of Art in glass mediums. My first class was slumping and fusing but then progressed to encompass all processes of glass art including flameworking and hot glass, taking multiple classes in these areas. My passion of art started to shadow my position as a veterinarian technician. I began to doubt the choices I made in my career and after being a vet tech for almost 14 years I decided I wanted to pursue my passion and go back to school for a career as an art educator.
Art Education I believe is the best choice for me. The teachers that had the greatest impact on me were my art teachers. Their iconic quirky personalities helped me define and express myself with art. In art class there are no right or wrong answers but a brilliant teacher to help make your vision become a reality. As an art teacher you get to help children’s artistic ability and allow their creative side to flourish. I am excited for my journey and to be a positive role model in children’s lives and make a difference with art.