EDITOR’S LETTER: SEPTEMBER 2026

I had twenty homeroom students, none of whom were art students, but being in a classroom full of student artworks might eventually pique their interest, right? Turns out, it did. I had several homeroom students become art students. I am not sure if it was the artwork, my witty sense of humor, or because I was there when they needed someone to talk to. Just because a student is taking art does not necessarily mean it is their favorite subject or that they want to be there. Luckily, a few wanted to be there. It is important to find a way to connect on their level of interest, figure out how to integrate it into their art experience, keep them curious about the creative process, and get to know them on a personal level.

At the beginning of the school year, what rituals do you use to get to know your students, their interests, and creative ideas? How do you navigate it?

In the elementary lesson, “Covering the Masters: Reimagining Iconic Works,” Rama Hughes introduces his students to the benefits of emulating the masters. At first, students didnʼt seem interested in copying; they would rather be creative. After a comic-book unit in which students created their own versions of iconic covers, Hughes noticed a new enthusiasm for reinterpreting existing works. That experience inspired a fresh approach to the traditional master study lesson.

Patty Kuropas’s “Artist Trading Cards: From One-Day Lesson to Schoolwide Collaboration” engages her middle school students in creating and trading mini masterpieces on cardstock. It began as a substitute lesson plan to keep students focused and evolved into a project that showed the entire school that art is for everyone. The project expanded to include fellow staff members participating in the art-making process.

At the high school level, Corinna Stone’s “Family Heirloom Vessels” begins with students being asked to list things that have more impact in their lives than their cell phones, such as family, friends, recipes, a grandmother’s ring, and so on. This led students to create sculptural vessels designed to hold meaningful artifacts and celebrate their family heirlooms.

What does a connection look like for you? When does a connection become something more? Embracing chance and seeing where it may lead can result in a beautiful artistic and personal experience.