Students who take art as an elective class will know a mainstay in the department that has been teaching art for 39 years, her name is Astra Patterson. Being an art teacher for so long, she has not changed her mind about teaching art, as she has taught every level of art and never changed her decision.

She did not plan to teach art when she was thinking about what she could as a career. Until her sister was the one to influence Patterson into teaching an art class.

“I discovered I wanted to be an art teacher after I got a degree in business,” Patterson said. “My sister encouraged me to do it, and she’s drawn with me since I was little.”

Patterson was indecisive about what she truly wanted to do at first. Eventually, she decided that it would be more enjoyable to pursue her passion for a career instead of business.

“I realized that business wasn’t something I wanted to do, so I decided it would be better to do something I enjoyed instead,” Patterson said. “Which is why I ended up teaching art instead of doing a business-related job.”

Being an art teacher, seeing students learning about art and using it on their own is something she has been proud to see.

“It gives me a sense of accomplishment because it shows that I was successful in teaching art,” Patterson said. “I’m proud about any students in my class completing any assignments, because if they did not try it, I would be disappointed.”

One of her students, senior Mya Chain Aye has learned a lot about art from her classes and now she appreciates art from learning how to do it from Patterson’s instructions.

“She dedicates her time to teaching how I can improve my work, what I need to fix and how I can make my art better,” Mya said. “Before her class, art wasn’t a part of me that I could easily express, but she changed that for me. Now I absolutely enjoy working through the process of my art pieces even if I don’t see the result right away.”

Some students are able to get their artwork submitted into an art show if the assignment looks impressive, and Patterson is pleased whenever it is able to happen.

“They are students with amazing talents, and I expect it because they have great artwork,” Patterson said. “I am very pleased whenever one of my students are able to do it.”

Teaching the same class for so long could become tiring for a educator. However, Patterson likes teaching the class because it allows her to follow her passion.

“I love what I do, and I do what I love. Teaching art allows me to make my own creative work,” Patterson said. “I wouldn’t be a teacher if I couldn’t teach art myself, I don’t see myself doing anything that isn’t art.”

Some people want to retire as soon as possible, but not Patterson.

“If a year goes and it wasn’t too great, I’ll think about it,” Patterson said. “If it becomes a chore despite it being something I enjoy, that is how I would know it is time.”