Megan Van Wagoner

Student work

Ceramics

Graphic Design
  

Teaching statement

Trained and untrained visual artists of all kinds are defining our culture. Studio art programs have a responsibility to prepare students to become active participants, even leaders, in this ongoing visual dialog. Whether in the gallery, on the printed page, or on youtube.com, the conversation is being driven by visual media. A successful visual artist knows how to apply their skills to this contemporary world. For some artists this means working the gallery scene, while for others it requires applying their understanding of aesthetics in more commercial venues.

My desire to teach young designers is driven by two things: my passion for aesthetics and the technical solutions that make them possible, and my personal enthusiasm for learning. I believe a creative classroom is an environment that depends on the instructor’s ability to flex with the needs and desires of the students, each student being challenged to think beyond their comfort zone and meet their full potential. The dynamic in my classroom is defined not only by what I have to bring to it, but what my students have to share. It is a group learning experience.