Mary Sansom, Itinerant Elementary Art BGISD, has had a lifelong passion for bringing out the best in her students through the Visual Arts.
“Ask any adult a question regarding their artistic abilities, and 9 times out of 10 you’ll get a response that goes something like ‘I’m awful at Art,’ or ‘I have never been any good at art.’ Push them further and ask them when they discovered this and they will tell you, someone, usually during their elementary education, told them they were terrible. My response is always, “My Dear, you haven’t had the right art teacher.” With the right direction and guidance, everyone who can write their ABC’s has the ability to create something they can be proud of and consider a successful work of Art. You see, when someone no matter their age, creates a piece of art, it is a very personal act, they have exposed a little piece of themselves for all to see. Therefore, a goal I have always had is to create art studio situations where enough choices are given for students to feel their work is unique and personal, alongside enough organization and direction to see each project through to completion.”
Mary feels her greatest influence would have to be her mother and father. “My mother, with her huge heart, tons of creativity, loves people of all shapes and sizes from all sorts of backgrounds. She has always had a way of making her surroundings magical and inviting people in, to celebrate. Every time I meet with a group of students, it is reason enough to celebrate. I want every class to feel encouraged and know I have 100% faith that they can do great things. My father was a Kentucky regional Librarian and showed me how people's lives could be changed through knowledge. He also believed everyone had an equal right to access an education. He was a key leader in a movement that built a library in every county in the state. I would love to see that type of equal access to the arts in every county in Kentucky.”
“I would have to say my greatest achievement to date on a personal level is my marriage of 29 years and raising three incredible sons while working full time. I know that may sound old-fashioned and cliche to some, but they probably never have been in my situation. Believe me when I say it was hard work and many long hours of communicating when it would have been easier to just shut down for the day and clock out mentally but sooo worth it,” Mary adds.
Mary’s advice is simple - “Love Christ, the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul. Treat people the way He would, give yourself fully to what you believe in, and do all things to the best of your ability. When you lay your head down at night you’ll have peace knowing you gave it you're all.”
“I am adamant that people need to find their passion, something they love doing, something that drives them to be their best. Something that allows them to use their gifts and talents. I didn’t take an Art Class until I was a sophomore in high school. That was a long long time to go without my “Thing”. Honestly, I didn’t even know I could draw. Finding Art, something I could do well, and wanted to do even better, completely changed the course of my life. That’s why I am passionate about sharing art with children, nobody should have to wait that long to find what feeds their soul.”
“My greatest tool is my personal faith. You have to know who you are and what you believe, then when you find your purpose or passion you’ll recognize it as a life path that makes the world a better place.“
When asked about a big project recently completed, Mary replied, “Well, I and my very talented students from two of our elementary schools have just completed two big projects in the middle of a Covid Pandemic, no doubt.
A Children’s Show of Gingerbread Houses for SKyPAC’s Wedge Children’s Gallery was unfortunately closed early however the children’s artwork can be seen at the following link.
Second, Dishman McGinnis Elementary represented the Commonwealth in the 2020 National Christmas Tree display.
Dishman McGinnis joined 55 other schools across the country in creating ornaments for the National Christmas Tree display. The ornaments will adorn 56 smaller trees that surrounded the National Christmas Tree as part of the "America Celebrates display."
“America Celebrates” display is one of the highlights of the National Tree experience and we are so excited for everyone to see the ‘Kentucky Snowmen’ designs that our talented students from Dishman McGinnis came up with,” said Kentucky Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass. “Despite everything that our students have been through this year with the pandemic, I am so happy they were able to participate in this fun and creative event, but also learn a lot during the process.”
Beginning Dec. 3, you can watch the 2020 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony online.
The adornments can at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/bgcityschools/videos/170833228111755/
For fun and relaxation, Mary enjoys working on commissioned works of art, her own personal painting, and repurposing old furniture.
Moving forward, Mary has roughly 3-4 more years in the public school system and she is exploring a variety of possibilities going forward. In closing, Mary adds “ Please continue to support our local artists and craftsmen, they need our support now more than ever.”
Mary can be reached via email: mary.sansom@bgreen.kyschools.us
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