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Youth Art Instructors |
Ryan McKnabRyan supervises the Youth Art Program. His background in education is in teaching secondary science and now he is bringing his skills to Painted Sky Ryan is developing weekly routines that will bring a focus to the arts, but is working on ways for other skills to be taught concurrently, such as cooking, tumbling, and chess. "We have several different art disciplines through the days. However, I have found that on Fridays, a full day of art can be somewhat exhausting. We will diversify.” His two daughters are a big inspiration to work with the team to help bring the arts to Grant County and he gets a lot of feedback from them. |
| Samantha AdamsSamantha Adams is a fresh high school graduate who is working on a degree through Eastern Oregon University to teach English and Art. She decided to work at Painted Sky Center because it is a great way to step into this career. She loves the kids, “they are very passionate about their work and they have great imaginations. They come in everyday and are excited to learn whatever art project I throw at them. I find it exhilarating that these children are willing to learn art, especially when most art programs get cut from schools.” “Art is about self expression and letting your imagination out freely. I find art as an important outlet because with it, you can create so many things. You can express what you are feeling or the stories you want to tell.” Sam has been an artist of various media from acrylic painting, to watercolor, to drawing, and even to the new age of digital art. “It is all so fun and so thrilling. I especially like to teach people about it because I want them to know that "Yes, you can draw!", and I want to remind them about the importance of creativity and how far they can go with it.” |
| Darla CarpenterDarla has been a crafter/seamstress her entire life! She loves sharing her skills and talents in fiber arts, painting, art history, and art etiquette with the kids! She is a passionate art instructor, “Turns out I learn so much from them as well. Our class is lively, interesting and always educational.” She works hard and does a lot of preparations to ensure that this program gives kids a space where creativity can flow freely. |
 | Katie RigbyKatie adores everything about the arts. She comes to work with a smile on her face that remains all day. Her favorite thing about the arts is the freedom and creativity that comes with it. “When making art, you can create anything that you want, there are no rules. I especially love expressionism.” It's so wonderful to watch Katie lead the kids in class to learn, grow, and be excited to discover new things about art. |
| Malinda VanlooWe also have Malinda VanLoo, a senior in high school. She recently moved to John Day to join her family, who had moved here a year prior. She is passionate about being outdoors and reading. “I like that art can be anything I want it to be, whether that’s crazy and colorful, serious and technical, or both!” Her favorite medium is painting and her favorite style is pop art. Malinda can create drawings quickly that kids love. If you stop by the classroom, some of her sketches will likely be on the whiteboards. Her drawn characters bring warmth to the classrooms. |
