Washington state is full of talented art teachers! Every year, the Washington Art Education Association showcases teacher talent by inviting educators to participate in Teachers As Artists, an annual juried exhibition. Though art teachers get into this field out of love for art and art-making, they often find that a teacher’s busy schedule leaves little room for their own creativity. This show provides motivation to practice their own craft, as well as recognition for the amazing work they are doing each day as artists and educators.
For several years, the project has been spearheaded and exhibited by the Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale, Washington. This year, TAM joined the project. We planned to make Teachers As Artists into a traveling show, so that selected Western Washington artists would have an easier time getting to see their work displayed. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic made this a much more complicated proposition. Teachers As Artists was scheduled to open at Maryhill in March, and move to TAM as part of our TAM Local community art show series in June. Due to public health and safety concerns, both museums have remained closed during that time. So this year, the exhibition is offered online through Maryhill’s website, accessible here. In lieu of hosting the show, we have also linked to the online exhibition through our TAM Local page.
The 2020 theme for Teachers As Artists is “Women of Influence.” This theme recognizes the 100th anniversary this year of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. Artists were encouraged to think about women who had influenced their lives professionally, personally, and/or creatively.
The result is a stunning collection of artwork in a variety of styles, including ceramics, glass, paintings, and mixed media. Contributing artists hail from all across the state, from Okanogan to Vancouver and everywhere in between. They explore themes of family, ancestry, social justice, and artistic inspiration. This online exhibition will be up through the summer — check it out before it goes away!