Courtney Lipscomb

Karoline G., flower still life, grade eight.

A few years ago, I had the daughter of the local florist in my art class. On Meet the Teacher Night, she offered her help, like most parents do. Four years later, when I had her youngest daughter in my class, I finally took her up on her offer.

I made this decision after reading one of her social media posts, which had a photo of a floral design and the caption, “Loving ALL this texture!” She was speaking my language. I came to the realization that her profession uses all the same elements of art that I have been teaching my students for years.

Now that I had a direct line with a community artist, I invited her to come speak to my class to demonstrate creating a bouquet and have students create a watercolor study based on the arrangement. What happened in my class was more than a demonstration; it was an unexpected lesson in science, art, and life.

Sage H., flower still life, grade eight.

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