Spotlight Shines on South Brunswick's Art Teachers

For art teachers in the South Brunswick School District, most opportunities for a showcase of the work being done in the district allows them to show off the talents of the students they proudly instruct.  But with a show that kicked off Tuesday evening at the South Brunswick Municipal art gallery, some of the district's art teachers have an opportunity to show off their own work with the exhibit "Teachers As Artists." 

"This is the third time we've done this and we started it because South Brunswick has such an outstanding visual arts program," said Fran Nimceck, of the South Brunswick Arts Commission.  "Teachers don't always get a chance to show off their work, which is terrific, so we think it's important the public gets a chance to recognize how talented these educators are."

The exhibit features work that brings a personal point of view from teachers to their drawings, paintings, prints, and photographs, according to the South Brunswick Arts Commission. The teachers work shows off their talents in watercolor, oil, acrylic and mixed media, which is then passed along to South Brunswick students of all ages.  The teachers were even supported by a group of students that showed up for Tuesday's opening.

"This gives us a chance to show some of the kids what we've been teaching them and shows them work that they can do, and hopefully aspire to do," said South Brunswick High School art teacher Dianne Belnay.  "I do art for fun and because it's therapeutic, but honestly I think the kids inspire me more than I inspire them."

The variety of talent and specialization in different media from the district's teachers also allows students to get a full array of varying points of view as they progress through South Brunswick's schools.

"We have an extensive program in South Brunswick so the students really benefit in all areas," said SBHS art teacher Katie McMillan.  "There are so many teachers with different perspectives and wide backgrounds, so we all bring something really different."

Having been through numerous art shows for their students, teachers in attendance at the opening said it was exciting for them to have their own work featured and to be supported by their students.

"It's fun, it reminds me of college," said Crossroads South art teacher Tracey Dovas.  "For the show I chose work that's energetic and that I'm proud of."

Dovas added that the art program in South Brunswick goes beyond individual classes, and provides students with a level of discipline that provides benefits across all subject areas.

"Art takes concentration and requires students to think differently," she said. "It allows them to find answers to problems in different and unique ways."

The "Teachers As Artists" exhibit runs from June 28 through Sept. 9. The Gallery is open 8:30–4:30 weekdays and evenings when meetings are scheduled. For more information, contact the South Brunswick Arts Commission, 732-329-4000 ext. 7635 or arts@sbtnj.net.

Exhibiting artists are Dianne Belnay, Katie McMillan, Twila L. O’Connell, Betty Ann Snediker, South Brunswick High School; Tracey Dovas, Crossroads South Middle School; Gayle Fine-Mihalko, Crossroads North Middle School; Ellen Kazar, Brooks Crossing Elementary School; Tracy Kociolek, Constable Elementary School; Suzanne Tiedemann, Brunswick Acres Elementary School.