Congratulations to Jacqueline Valens October Art Educator of the Month

My name is Jacqueline Valens and I have been elementary art in Franklin Public Schools for 6 years. I actually grew up in Franklin, and it is an honor to serve the community where I I spent my childhood. I graduated from Franklin High School in 2007, and then went on to earn my bachelors in Art Education from the Peck School of the Arts in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. My mother always told me to do what I loved, and the moment I went to go change my major and stepped into the Peck School of the Arts atrium, I felt a "click", for lack of a better word, like the universe had placed me there and I was on the right path.

My mother and father met in an art class that they took in night school. I can remember watching my Dad make many things in his workshop, and paint gorgeous acrylic landscapes and birds in his office/studio. After my father untimely passed away, I found solace in creating art for hours on end; mostly drawing and painting the things I loved and what I was feeling. I truly view art as a type of meditation and a way to calm and focus the mind while creating something beautiful. I strive to create a space for my students where they feel safe to express their ideas, create what's in their hearts, and feel pride in the artwork that they create. I feel so lucky to share what I love with others every day."

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