Loretta Banner

As far back in childhood as my memory allows, I have loved creating works of art. My favorite time in school was art time with Ms. Rose Melvin, our art teacher in elementary school. I can still see her turning ordinary finger paint into a magical underwater scene. Even at that early age, I knew I wanted to become an art teacher like Ms. Melvin.

For twenty-seven years, after finishing college, I fulfilled my dream of teaching art. I encouraged my students to experience a variety of different media in which to work and enjoy. Through teaching, I remained devoted and enthusiastic to the clay and fiber arts.

The demanding and rewarding role of being an art teacher left me with limited time and energy for my personal art projects. I anticipated the day when I would be able to stretch my own abilities as an artist and renew my love for clay and fiber once again.

Since my retirement, I have pursued my passions. The joy of watching a lump of clay or a piece of fiber transform into a work of art, now enhances and completes each day. Creativity has taken charge of my life, and each new morning brings the joy of exploration and creativity.