Sparking Imagination: The Art Teachers Go to Quartz Mountain
By Isaac Krueger
Some of our very own art teachers, Mrs. Bratcher and Mr. Gilliland, have been accepted to teach at one of Oklahoma's most well-known art camps, Quartz Mountain. The institute took place on two separate weekends, Oct.14-17 and Oct. 21- 24.
Mrs. Bratcher has applied for, and been awarded, a full scholarship for the past five years to the institute. It serves as a great opportunity for her to use creative, new lessons to help immerse her students.
Photo of a piece by Kay Bratcher taken by Kay Bratcher
She comments, “ [Quartz Mountain] Is a beautiful and inspiring place where I get to dive deep into creating art so that I can take new practices and processes back to my students. To date, I have brought back at least one lesson every year that has become an integral part of my curriculum.”
This immersive experience is part of what has kept her coming back each year. During this time, she lets her mind become completely controlled by imagination, and she hopes to bring that back to her students.
She explains, “This year I took part in the "Sustaining a Creative Life Through Visual Journaling" class. This alone reminded me of the importance of imagination… I love to know that one hour of each of my students' day can be fully committed to imagination, creativity and just art.”
Mr. Gilliland also hopes to grow his students' creativity. The workshop is a fantastic tool for learning ways to inspire the next generation of artists. Gilliland holds his own passion for art and aspires to leave an imprint in each of his students minds.
“My high school art teacher was the first person in my life who taught me that my dreams were worth pursuing. In doing so, she placed me on the path to a fulfilling life. I hope that I can honor her legacy and do the same for someone,” he explains.
Photo By Kay Bratcher
Gilliland also sees art as a great tool, even beyond high school. With this, his goal is to bloom his students’ creativity and artistry. Each day, he continues to spark ingenuity within the next generation.
“The next generation is facing some complicated problems that are unprecedented in human history. They are going to need to be creative problem solvers if they are going to overcome the difficulties they’re inheriting,” he adds.
Mrs. Bratcher and Mr. Gilliland both have wonderful hearts and a burning passion for art. Owasso High School is lucky to have them as a part of our staff as they continue to better themselves and the next generation of Owasso students.