Matthew Smith
Elementary Art Teacher
Danville, Ind.
Since his graduation in 2006 with a B.A. in Art Education, Matt Smith received an elementary art teaching position at a four star school in Danville, Ind. Smith has fostered a thriving learning environment for his students through development of a student-centered curriculum. He has also held numerous leadership positions and has played an active role in the community.
Says Smith, "AU's Art+Design program pushes its students to think critically through writing, sketching, discussion, and art-making. These characteristics not only helped shape me as an artist, but also as a 21st century art educator."
Smith was recently awarded a Teacher Creativity Grant through the Lilly Endowment to photograph, paint, and backpack through seven national parks. Several of his plein air paintings have been on exhibit at Editions Limited Gallery in Indianapolis. Currently, Smith is focusing on developing his ceramic work for regional and national shows.
Smith paints in Yosemite National Park while on a Teacher Creativity Grant to travel and make art throughout seven national parks.
