Hello! I’m Charity, a proud queer woman residing in Emporia, Kansas. As an artist and educator, I focus on activism, emphasizing the importance of reusing and mending fibers. I firmly believe that repair is a radical act—it's not just about fixing things; it's about embracing sustainability and creativity.
As a young artist, I enjoyed doodling Sesame Street characters in my Trapper Keeper and collecting stickers—some things never change! Now, I’ve evolved into a painter, weaver, maker, potter, and educator. I view education as a lifelong noble profession. My teaching journey began in elementary education, but after just one year, I quickly realized that middle school students were my true passion. I spent time at an alternative school in Kansas City, Missouri, before that middle school closed, prompting my transition to teaching high school. But don't worry—my secret dream of teaching college was always lurking in the background!
After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pittsburg State University in 1999, I ventured to New York City to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts with a focus on painting and drawing at the New York Academy of Art. I returned to the Midwest in 2001 to obtain my teaching license and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Missouri State University. I taught at Missouri Valley College, where I donned many hats in the art department, including Gallery Director and chair of the Division of Art, Music, Dance, and Theatre. My passion for Art Education led me to pursue a Doctorate in Education at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon in 2019. I transitioned to a tenure-track position in Art Education at Emporia State University, where I could supervise aspiring student teachers, the next generation.
I've penned two book chapters and contributed several articles to national magazines like SchoolArts, Ladies Home Journal, and Better Homes and Gardens. Balancing my time between publishing and creating art in my studio? Let’s just say it’s a work in progress! I also proudly serve on the board of the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) as the higher education representative for our state. I am both humbled and honored to have been named the Outstanding Art Educator of the Year by KAEA twice, in 2021 and 2024.
So, there you have it—a glimpse into my colorful world of art and education!
Areas of Expertise:
Self-Care
Activist Art/Protest Art
Weaving & Embroidery Portraiture
Classroom Management
Game design to foster empathy in the classroom
As a young artist, I enjoyed doodling Sesame Street characters in my Trapper Keeper and collecting stickers—some things never change! Now, I’ve evolved into a painter, weaver, maker, potter, and educator. I view education as a lifelong noble profession. My teaching journey began in elementary education, but after just one year, I quickly realized that middle school students were my true passion. I spent time at an alternative school in Kansas City, Missouri, before that middle school closed, prompting my transition to teaching high school. But don't worry—my secret dream of teaching college was always lurking in the background!
After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pittsburg State University in 1999, I ventured to New York City to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts with a focus on painting and drawing at the New York Academy of Art. I returned to the Midwest in 2001 to obtain my teaching license and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Missouri State University. I taught at Missouri Valley College, where I donned many hats in the art department, including Gallery Director and chair of the Division of Art, Music, Dance, and Theatre. My passion for Art Education led me to pursue a Doctorate in Education at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon in 2019. I transitioned to a tenure-track position in Art Education at Emporia State University, where I could supervise aspiring student teachers, the next generation.
I've penned two book chapters and contributed several articles to national magazines like SchoolArts, Ladies Home Journal, and Better Homes and Gardens. Balancing my time between publishing and creating art in my studio? Let’s just say it’s a work in progress! I also proudly serve on the board of the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) as the higher education representative for our state. I am both humbled and honored to have been named the Outstanding Art Educator of the Year by KAEA twice, in 2021 and 2024.
So, there you have it—a glimpse into my colorful world of art and education!
Areas of Expertise:
Self-Care
Activist Art/Protest Art
Weaving & Embroidery Portraiture
Classroom Management
Game design to foster empathy in the classroom