Mary Moeller Brings London Art to Jenks
By KELSY LORIN TAYLOR
Web Editor and Feature Writer
ARTISTIC SUMMER: Mary Moeller enjoyed learning about contemporary art in London this summer.
KELSY LORIN TAYLOR for GTR Newspapers
Mary Moeller first became interested in art when she was asked to teach AP Art History at Jenks High School. This summer, Moeller had the opportunity to study contemporary art in London.
Moeller’s AP Art History class covers the chronological history of art beginning with ancient civilizations. It is a history class that is told through imagery. Students learn that an image is not just the record of an event but also the outgrowth of a culture. “You could almost teach history entirely just by looking at art because it is so significant. The modern contemporary period is less about a culture and more about the artist exploring emotions,” describes Moeller.
Moeller attended the University of Arkansas where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in teaching. Moeller attended a job fair where she met with a representative from Jenks public schools and was teaching a few months later.
Fund for Teachers is a nonprofit organization that provides grants for teachers to study what they are passionate about anywhere in the world during the summer. Moeller learned about Fund for Teachers through a friend who had participated in the program and decided to apply for a grant. In March, Fund for Teachers awarded the grant to Moeller. “Once I received the grant I arranged to study contemporary art with Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London,” says Moeller.
Studying in London was an experience that will always remain with Moeller. “London is a fantastic city. It is so easy to get around and everybody’s so friendly. I just loved living there for the month.”
Sotheby’s Institute of Art taught Moeller about contemporary art that has been created in London throughout the last 60 years. “I realized that London is becoming the center of the international art world and learned how that centralization developed,” explains Moeller.
Teachers from Sotheby’s Institute of Art traveled with the students throughout London to shed light on the contemporary art that is found in galleries and museums. “We were really in the heart of London,” remembers Moeller.
Moeller hopes to bring a focus of modern and contemporary art to her students this year. “The period is normally taught near the end of the year when senioritis has set in and when exams are approaching. The period ends up becoming a blur to students.” For this reason, Moeller has decided to start her year with art that was created from 1955 to present.
Moeller encourages her students to open their minds to contemporary art. A lot of her students comment that they just don’t understand the topic. “Contemporary art can be very unusual and many people may have a hard time finding the beauty or meaning in it. That is why I tell my students that even though they may not like it, they have to at least consider it.”
Moeller also feels that it is important to teach students to respect contemporary art so that they will protect it in the future. “Everyone loves Michelangelo and feels that it is important to protect it. Contemporary art is also a cultural treasure and will be seen in the same way one day,” adds Moeller.
Moeller hopes to encourage other teachers to consider learning about the Fund For Teachers program and to follow their passions. For more information, visit www.fundforteachers.org.
Updated 09-24-2009
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