| Mary Thompson
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Art Instructor - Lewis S. Mills High School |
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B.S. Art Education; State University College at Buffalo, N.Y. 1971 |
Mary Thompson began her teaching career in 1971 and has taught at all levels from Kindergarten through High School, Alternative and Adult Education; urban, suburban, and rural settings, beginning in Western New York, and then in Michigan before settling in Connecticut. She began teaching Elementary Art at Lake Garda School in 1987 and transfered to the Lewis S. Mills High School in 1995. She is a "working artist", whose medium of choice is Handmade Paper. Her work has been exhibited nationally and locally, in juried and non-juried group and solo exhibits.
“I believe that the basic human need for expression is answered by the ARTS. Art Education responds to this need by nurturing the growth of experiences and by stimulating creative and critical thinking through posing problem solving situations. Because expression is basic to Art, it is necessary to provide an environment in which the student is given the foundation of information as well as the freedom of final form. It is with this in mind, that my teaching style incorporates the tenets of a Disciplined Based Art Program. An historical perspective, an initial plan, a resulting art product, and a critical and aesthetic analysis are fundamental to the process. In addition it is important that both student and parent are clearly aware of the criteria and expectations of the program by communication, which reflects the individual's progress in understanding, skill and effort. Likewise, it is inherent to a Visual Arts Program that work be shared with the community that supports this effort. Through the vehicles of school & community displays, competition and exhibits the student is rewarded for involvement in personal discovery as is the community for providing the leadership.
As an artist and educator, I accept this responsibility by continuing the process of inquiry and development on both personal and professional levels. It is important for me to pursue the work of Art as student and as instructor in an educational community that fosters this philosophy.”