A Day Shadowing Teaching Artist Monica Acosta at Snow City Arts

Written By: I’Ja Wright

As the Development and Communications Intern at Snow City Arts, I recently had the privilege of shadowing Monica Acosta, one of our delightful teaching artists, during a one-on-one art lesson with a student. Monica, who has been a vital part of the Snow City Arts team for five years, brings a unique blend of creativity, patience, and hands-on teaching to every lesson.

Monica Acosta, one of our visual artists-in-residence at Rush, holds degrees in Interior Architecture and Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Their extensive experience as an art curator for American Indian Veterans Exhibits at The Trickster Gallery in Schaumburg further enriches their artistic practice and teaching methods.

During my time shadowing Monica, I was deeply impressed by their ability to create a nurturing and empowering environment for their students. Their student-centric approach was evident from the moment we stepped into the lesson. They began by gently introducing the student to the art materials and encouraging them to take creative control. This hands-on, student-driven method allowed the student to explore their own artistic expression without fear of judgment or failure.

Monica’s patience was remarkable. They attentively listened to the student’s ideas and guided them through the artistic process, offering support and encouragement at every step. Their teaching philosophy, which focuses on allowing students to be in the moment and letting the art evolve naturally, was clearly demonstrated. Monica believes in reversing the traditional approach of pre-planning and instead encourages spontaneous creativity, which resonated deeply with the student.

The lesson centered around a sunset project Monica holds dear due to its cultural significance and accessibility. They explained the importance of art as a mechanism for cultural preservation, making the activity not only enjoyable but also educational. The student, initially apprehensive, gradually gained confidence under Monica’s guidance, transforming a sunset portrait into a vibrant piece of personal expression.

Monica’s ability to connect with their students and adapt to their individual needs is what makes them an exceptional teaching artist. Their dedication to advocating for accessible art education and their belief that every student has their own unique artistic journey is inspiring. Through their work at Snow City Arts, Monica continues to empower students, helping them discover the transformative power of art.

In conclusion, shadowing Monica Acosta was an enlightening experience that highlighted the profound impact of art education in a hospital setting. Their patient, hands-on approach not only fosters creativity but also instills a sense of confidence and autonomy in their students. It is teaching artists like Monica who make Snow City Arts a beacon of hope and creativity for young students.