Nurturing Creativity
Autumn = back to school, and that’s a perfect time to shine some light on a creative TEACHER! Leslie Keery has been holding down the art program at Roaring Fork High School for almost two decades. With Carbondale having a notable reputation as a creative community, her work is essential in keeping up that legacy. Thank you Leslie, and all of your fellow/sister teachers for expanding the minds of the next generation.
How long have you been teaching, and more specifically (and importantly!) teaching art? What made you interested in teaching this subject?
I’ve been an art teacher for nearly 25 years, and 18 of those have been spent here at Roaring Fork High School. My journey into art wasn't a straight line; I actually started out studying to be a history teacher. But after taking a few art classes, I fell completely in love with the creative process. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, and pottery captivated me instantly. I wanted to share the freedom and excitement I felt when approaching an artistic challenge with no predetermined answer, just one of your own making. I wanted to share the joy of navigating design, process, experimentation, and growth.
How has living in a town like Carbondale influenced your artistic style and teaching approach?
Carbondale is, without a doubt, a perfect town to nurture creativity. It's a place where you can be inspired by other artists, museums, and exhibit spaces. Art is literally all around town. During First Friday, music flows from the bandshell and through the streets, and live theater gives color and voice to the community. Whatever a student's creative inclination, Carbondale provides a safe and supportive space to explore it. I feel truly fortunate to be an art teacher in this special place I call home.
Mulling the Muse, Acrylic & Glitter, by Leslie Keery
How do you balance honoring more traditional art techniques while also encouraging creative experimentation among your students?
My teaching philosophy, greatly shaped by my partner and mentor Cathleen McCourt, is all about finding the balance between teaching fundamental skills and fostering raw artistic expression. This unique blend of skill and creativity is what empowers artists to find their own inner voice and share it with the world.
Can you share a moment in your teaching career here that deeply moved you or reaffirmed your passion for teaching art?
My students are the reason I love this job. I’ve been so lucky to have many moments where they’ve reaffirmed my passion. One memory that feels almost surreal happened in Venice, Italy. I was visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Museum when I ran into a former student working the door. After some happy tears and a huge hug, she joined my family for dinner and a tour of the city. These moments, along with the delight of witnessing student performances and achievements right here in our community, are why I love what I do.
What's your personal medium for art making? Do you show or share your work publicly?
When I create my own art, I love the smells of paint, the dark dust of charcoal on my hands, and the way clay accepts a textural imprint. I’m currently experimenting with cold wax medium, exploring the layers and subtractive practices this medium allows. The creative journey is a beautiful mix of absolute joy and challenging disappointments, and I often feel that the more I learn, the more I realize how much there is to discover.