Some Visits Leave Lasting Impressions

by Thad Falkner, Head of School

Carla Tuetken, recently was an expert in residence for one week at Wilson School.  Carla is extremely talented artist with a variety of media; she works with paints, photography, assemblage, fiber, and other works.  At Wilson, she demonstrated, taught, and guided all the students during their art classes.  Students then created silk paintings inspired by the technique and style shared by Ms. Tuetken.  The pieces are so impressive and are on exhibit in the school.  Additional to the individual projects, Carla worked with Diane Signor during Wilson Family Night to begin a community art piece to be displayed at Wilson upon completion.  The partnership with Carla Tuetken proved to be another spectacular experience with an artist in residence.


The Visiting Artist activity, sponsored by Wilson’s one-of-a-kind Excellence Program, has become a stand-out annual event making lasting impressions on students.  Learning directly from a professional artist is a special experience in itself, and Wilson’s Visiting Artist Program has developed into so much more.  It connects learning across subjects and is a powerful example of integrated learning.  It starts with Diane, our very talented art teacher, who considers so many factors in selecting an artist:  the media they use; how their work makes a positive difference; if they help celebrate differences in people; and a variety of other factors.  After scheduling an artist, Diane works with teachers to see the connections in other parts of the curriculum, such as the study of history and culture.  The learning starts in advance of the days when the artist is on-site, allowing the students to be prepared as well as building excitement.  Additional to working with students during art classes, the artist will have creative ways for families to learn more; for example, a station at Family Night, or allowing families to tour their studio.  It is so much more than a singular activity with students.

​This outstanding integrated learning experience leaves students with many lasting impressions:

• Practicing skills used by professional artists;
• Worth with new and unique art mediums
• Unique encouragement of creativity;
• Consciousness of the impact art can make on society;
• First-hand view of how artists draw inspiration;
• And knowledge cultural and historical influences on art.

At Wilson our exceptional teachers have the latitude to develop curriculum and the support to make this work the best it possibly can be.  This results in Wilson’s faculty implementing unique learning experiences that leave lasting impressions on students.