In a classroom filled with love, bright colors, and creative minds, Abby Stallbaumer, art teacher, provides insight to students daily. With many years of experience and experimentation, Stallbaumer has become confident in teaching students to both draw and paint. In this art-filled journey, Stallbaumer learned in a different way than how they now teach. 

“I learned to draw from pictures. I would cut floral images out of my mom’s seed catalogs that she would order every year because I thought the composition of the flowers was really good. I would replicate old family photos because they had meaning to me. I would find beauty in those things, and that’s what I was drawn to.” 

As their art journey evolved, getting a degree in teaching with emphasis in art furthered their love for the craft. 

“Through making art and experiencing art with my peers, my classmates in college, and the students that I teach it’s so rewarding to see different people find their style or even relate to something so much. The power of [art] to move a person emotionally is so great.” 

Stallbaumer first recognized art as what they wanted to pursue in eighth grade. Hearing “interesting stories” from their mom being a school nurse encouraged them to work with kids. 

“I really enjoy being around teenagers. It’s such an interesting phase of life when people are still into learning things and open to experiences changing them for the better. I wanted to be around that and be able to help them in the long run. That’s how I decided to teach art,” Stallbaumer said. 

Being able to work with kids every day and be surrounded by art provided the perfect job for Stallbaumer. While it isn’t for everyone, art has given them a safe space and the ability to work with students in a creative way everyday. 

“It’s never not been worthwhile to make art, to view art, and to let art be a part of my life.”