iForward Art and Design Department

I have taught in the area of art and design for thirty years and I have proudly served the students of iForward, Wisconsin’s Online Charter School, for twelve of those. My Bachelor’s degree is from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire in the area of comprehensive art education.  I also achieved my graduate certificate in E-learning for Educators from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. During my career I have had the opportunity to enroll in many diverse courses that have inspired enthusiasm in the way I instruct my own students.  I have attended several universities in the state of Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as, attending a university in England.

I am married to my husband John, a retired educator, who enjoys motorcycle rides and gardening. We have three daughters. Two are successful professional artists and one is a artisan cheese maker who has worked across the United States while gaining valuable experience to bring home to Wisconsin. My hobbies are family time, making art and playing with my three dogs! 

I have always been an advocate as to the value of making art at all ages. An article entitled, '7 *science-backed reasons you should make art, even if you're bad at it' offers a positive perspective on why people of all ages should make art. 

 1. Making art may reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Creating visual art improves connections in the brain.

3. Art-making can help us get over sadness.

4. Mindless sketching can help us focus.

5. Turning our problems into narratives can help us work through them.

6. Playing music is associated with cognitive gains.

7. Making art can help you achieve good "flow" in life. 

​​iForward offers a large variety of fine arts courses in drama and music and also art and design. I encourage all of  our students to enroll in at least one fine art's class in order to balance their experiences through this unique educational format. Art courses at iForward are enhanced with diverse experiences in other subject areas and will certainly play a role in supporting the well rounded learner. I have chosen to teach art and design courses for thirty years because I believe that they greatly enrich the lives of our learners and well prepare them for the work force of tomorrow. 

*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Vartanian%20O%5BAuthor%5D&caut...