Creating Through Exploration 

Ms. Gwen Verner, a Teaching Artist at the Institute, believes the best way to learn art is by exploring. She encourages her students to try different materials and techniques, giving them the freedom to experiment, take risks, and create art that is truly their own.

Her approach was clear at the end-of-semester showcase. In her Art Workshop class, students explored the theme “Foundation of Civilization” by thinking about the importance of family. They used both two- and three-dimensional techniques to create portraits of family members, then turned those ideas into sculptures showing their families as connected groups. Even though everyone worked with the same theme, each project showed a unique point of view.

During the semester, Ms. Gwen gave students the chance to try many different materials and techniques, such as ink, paint, stamps, and wood. These materials are ones that she uses in her own artistic practice.

"My work is a celebration of life,” she says. “It documents the joys, struggles and triumphs of life in a human vessel.” Her perspective and artistic sensibilities are infused into her teaching.

Ms. Gwen’s printmaking and artwork has been shown in a number of exhibits in the region and was featured in the “Black and White Imprint” exhibit at Studio Montclair Gallery, which honored Black History Month and focused on African-American history and printmaking. She also spent a year abroad as a Fulbright Scholar in Gambia, West Africa studying textile and relief prints.

Ms. Gwen often begins a new semester by encouraging her students to make prints in any way they like. This leads to colorful and creative designs that show each student's individuality. Whether they use wood, paint, ink, or stamps, her students learn that creativity is not about making the same thing as everyone else. It is about finding new ways to express their ideas.

“My Divine assignment is to make art. It is this gift that I share to uplift, encourage and inspire." As Ms. Gwen has continued her artistic journey, teaching became part of her service to others.