The South High staff are considered to be excellent and hardworking people who are dedicated to creating a positive space for learning. Specifically, art teacher Mrs. Megan Johnson, who teaches Beginning through AP Drawing as well as Beginning through AP 2-D Design, is known among students for her positivity and patience, which gives her little art room such a big name. We at the Sudhian asked Johnson some questions to get to know her some more.

For how long have you been teaching at South High?

• I started teaching at South 2016, so 8 years is going on 9. I taught elementary art for 6
  years prior at Horace Mann, Roosevelt, and Madison.

How and when did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in art?

• I always loved art; I knew in high school I wanted to go to college for art. It was
  my high school art teacher Nancy Leier that helped me realize I wanted to go into
  art education.

Who is your favorite visual artist that not many people know about?

• Oh I have so many! Right now loving the work of Amanda Outcalt, she is a
  printmaker and mixed media artist. She does such fun whimsy images.
  Instagram @amanda_outcalt.

What do you wish students knew about you? What would people be surprised to find out about you?

• I often have booths at different art fairs and I sell my artwork. The name of my business is
  Inkart Studio.
• I also work two part-time jobs along with my teaching job and my art business.

Why is it important to support local art?

• When you support local, you are helping those that are part of the community.
  When you buy art from big box stores, you are supporting the corporation not the
  artist.

What album/songs/music artist(s) have you been listening to recently?

• Love music, making playlists, and learning about new artists. Some of my favs
  right now are Janelle Monae, Mac Miller, Head and the Heart, Lizzo, Santigold,
  David Bowie, Talking Heads, SZA, Hieroglyphics, Lumineers.

What advice do you live by?

• “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

How have your years of working in art education changed you?

• I love what I do, what I teach… I believe all these years working as an art teacher I have learned flexibility, patience,
  acceptance. I have been inspired by the students that take art and that also helps me to become
  a better teacher.