Nicelle Price-Gray has taught art for 14 years and is winding up her first year at Howard School of Academics and Technology. Her move from suburban Hixson High to the inner-city school has resulted in her most remarkable year yet as a teacher, she said.
"It was such a different environment," she said. "But on my arrival, I was so graciously welcomed by the entire staff and the students. I feel like everyone takes special care of me.
"I also feel like this move was a blessing because the appreciation for my presence is felt every day. The work here is triple that of other school environments, but it is well worth the time invested.
Bolstering her efforts was the choice of four of her students' work to be part of a fundraising event for the Craniofacial Foundation of America.
"It was a major accomplishment because we were competing against private and public school students," she said. "I was thrilled."
Her students' growing confidence has been contagious.
"Now, they walk with pride as everyone talks about their fabulous art," she said. "I hear every day students asking can they take art class and can they get their art displayed."
Q: How does art round out an education?
A: It provides the groundwork for students to pull together all of the visual, mental, tactile and emotional lessons learned throughout their education. It allows a student to make real-world connections in every field of study.
Q: As they graduate, how do you feel art has played a role in your students' education?
A: It's shown them how to express who they are or want to become in a creative and positive manner. Art shows and contests enable the students to realize that there are options in life and that other people care about who they are and who they become. Art also gives students another career choice.
Q: Have your students impressed you this year?
A: I have been very impressed. Although this was my first year with the students, they were eager to learn. I also introduced to them the concept of community service through art. They are presently working on a project to create an environmental mural for the exterior of the Maurice Kirby Child Care Center. There are many requests for our services, and there is now a waiting list.
Q: Where do you display their works?
A: We've created "The Gallery at Howard." It's a work in progress, but we have displayed student work all year long. I love to hear the joyful comments as teachers and students walk through the gallery.
Q: With the cuts in funding for the arts in the schools, has it been hard to make ends meet?
A: The cuts in funding are devastating on the art programs in Hamilton County Schools. Some of us have more, some less than others. As an art instructor, it is difficult to create the environment necessary to teach without the proper tools.
Q: If there's one thing you, as an art teacher, would like to tell those in charge of funding, it would be:
A: Please provide the funds for our children in the arts. Art is essential for the overall education of a student. I once read a study where piano lessons help students in math. Visual art assists students in geometry and spatial concepts. Art history helps students make that connection with real people creating, based on what was happening in the world at the time. Hear at Howard, as well as other schools, implementation of the art programs enhances the academic enrichment on all grade levels.
About her
* Name: Nicelle Price-Gray.
* Age: 43.
* Hometown: Chattanooga.
* Family: One son, Price, 12.
* Education: Bachelor of Arts, Spelman College; Master of Education, UTC.
* Name one thing about you that may surprise your students: "I like being a beach bum."
* Who was your favorite teacher? "There were many. My favorites were those that provided interactive lessons."
* When not in school, what do you like to do? "I enjoy going to my son's sporting events. I also like to read, write poetry, dance and sit in the beautiful sunshine."
* What's your favorite art museum? "The Bessie Smith Museum because it has authentic artifacts that people created using art skills. One gets a very natural feel when viewing the masks and other items. It is an expression of raw talent."