About Licia
I grew up in Colorado and have always loved art. Whether it was art class or entering the coloring contest in the local paper or selling my wares, it was my passion. So, it seemed a natural choice to major in Fine arts at the university of Colorado in boulder.
Upon further consideration, I decided, after growing up with an devoted teacher for a mom, that getting certified in Elementary Education was perhaps a good idea as well, “just in case”. It didn’t take very long to discover that I had another passion: teaching.
I enjoyed every age group I had the pleasure of working with. It became clear that art education was a natural choice. After teaching kindergarten for a year, I got my art endorsement and my first job teaching art. The rest is history as I have found my true love.
Teaching Philosophy
Throughout my life, the arts have been a means of self-expression, a coping mechanism, a valuable inner dialogue, an always available outlet. My career as a visual arts teacher has brought me deep fulfillment as I witness that familiar spark ignited again and again in my students. I see art as a true refuge, a quiet inner world where dreams are born and fostered.
I enjoy creating a space where students are free to explore, create, and work in a variety of mediums, finding for themselves what allows for greatest self-expression. I teach based on the elements of art and principles of design, giving students a strong foundation that allows them not only to create art, but discuss, analyze, and interpret works of art. Collaboration is also a key element of my classroom, as I see art as a natural tie to all other disciplines.
My expansive travels, love for nature, and background in art history influence my classroom environment and project selection greatly. I enjoy planning meaningful experiences that always provide “a window or a mirror”. A window into another culture, time period, or discipline or a mirror reflecting back to them parts of themselves. While planning within the curriculum, I pride myself on creating an engaging, well-rounded, and rigorous art education for all students. I enjoy that art class can also be history, science, geography, psychology, technology, creative writing- the list goes on and on.
It is with gratitude and joy that I am an art educator.