VENICE — When it comes to preparing future leaders, Marianne Robertson is an overachiever.
The Venice resident (on and off since 1989) and native of Elmhurst, Illinois, is both an art teacher at North Port High School and has been a Girl Scout leader for 13 years.
Her high school classes include Drawing 1, Drawing 2, 3D Studio Art, and 2D Studio Art. The Northern Illinois University graduate has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in fiber and textile design. She minored in art history and watercolors.
She’s garnered experience through many arts-related jobs, including textile designer, illustrator, muralist, graphic designer, art program director and art teacher.
Robertson said she has even done some “fun designs” for local cities, such as painting a seven-foot fiberglass polar bear for the Detroit Zoo and a life-size cow in Burlington, Vermont.
Robertson has moved throughout the United States, living in nine states with her family. She worked for a designer in Chicago and then became the art program director for the Elmhurst Park District, where she developed the park district’s art classes and art camps for children.
“This is where my love for teaching began,” she said. “I love teaching for the ability to inspire appreciation for the arts. I find joy in igniting the spark of interest and play within an art medium.”
Robertson started as a volunteer at the Venice Art Center two years ago, helping with public events and art classes. Recently she accepted a seat on its Board of Directors.
Robertson shared how she became interested in art, what inspires her work and what most excites her students. This Q & A has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Describe your favorite art genre when creating art. Why?
My artistic passion lies at the intersection of textile design and fine art. I’m particularly drawn to pattern and surface design, finding inspiration in the works of Gustav Klimt. His flat, repetitive designs in landscapes and portraits of women in elaborate robes resonate deeply with my aesthetic sensibilities.
The monoprinting technique is my favorite way to emulate textile design with textures, repetition, and color theory. You can develop many one-of-a-kind prints.
Watercolors have been a constant in my artistic journey since I started taking private lessons at age 7. The medium’s unique challenge is working in reverse — saving the white of the paper while painting from light to dark — and that continues to captivate me. Janet Fish’s mastery of light in her watercolors is a constant source of inspiration.
How did you get involved in creating art?
I have been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil in my hand. I started by wanting to draw the cartoon characters on the cereal boxes; Toucan Sam was my favorite because of the colorful beak. From there my mom signed me up for private art lessons where I learned the fundamentals of drawing and inspired me to continue doing art in high school. My sewing class at York High School was like Project Runway before Project Runway! Mrs. Rozanski would arrange class field trips to the Merchandise Mart. There we met fashion designers and viewed designer gowns in the iconic Marshall Fields in downtown Chicago. My love for textiles, fabric, and fashion was inspired by her. Mrs. Rozanski advocated for me to continue my art in college.
Where do you get your ideas for the art you teach?
My inspiration comes from a blend of art history and contemporary global issues. For instance, during Black History month, I introduced my students to Neo-Expressionist artist Jean Michael Basquiat, an American artist who rose to success during the 1980s. We explored his use of dichotomies and symbolism within the artwork. The results were amazing! Environmental concerns also fuel our creativity. My 3D Art Studio class created a Splash Trash upcycling project with found items from a local beach cleanup. This upcycling art project focused on how single-use plastics affect our community. The students created sea creatures and gained the understanding of how to be a responsible consumer.
Why art and not some other craft or hobby? Any other passions?
Art has always been my source of confidence and passion. It’s not just a form of expression for me. It’s a way to connect with the community. I find immense joy in using art as a tool for social engagement and change. I’m also passionate about outdoor activities. Playing soccer, running and paddle boarding bring me joy.
Where do you get your ideas for the art you teach?
My inspiration comes from a blend of art history and contemporary global issues. For instance, during Black History month, I introduced my students to Neo-Expressionist artist Jean Michael Basquiat, an American artist who rose to success during the 1980s. We explored his use of dichotomies and symbolism within the artwork. The results were amazing! Environmental concerns also fuel our creativity. My 3D Art Studio class created a Splash Trash upcycling project with found items from a local beach cleanup. This upcycling art project focused on how single-use plastics affect our community. The students created sea creatures and gained the understanding of how to be a responsible consumer.
What are some of your students’ favorite things (fabric, objects, people, animals etc.) to work with?
Students love to work in many mediums like clay, Copic alcohol markers, and acrylic paints. Some of their favorite subjects are drawing cartoons/anime, their pets, and making their subjects look as realistic as possible.
What are some of the recent accomplishments of some of your students?
We are so fortunate to have local art centers supporting young artists to develop their talent. Just this year I had a number of talented art students winning awards at the local level. Students are always excited to enter locally at The North Port Art Center and The Venice Art Center. Some of these students were also chosen to compete and be featured in juried art shows with Sarasota Art Museum, Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative and the Dali Art Museum.
Who are some of the guest artists you have brought into your classroom?
We’ve been fortunate to host some incredible artists in our school, including some Hermitage Artist Retreat guests. One was Joiri Minaya, a Dominican American multidisciplinary artist whose recent works focus on destabilizing historic and contemporary representations of an imagined tropical identity. Joiri’s work is a reassertion of Self, an exercise of unlearning, decolonizing imposed histories, cultures and ideas.
Carina A. del Rosario, a faculty member of the Washington State Teaching Artists Training Lab and Arts Corps, uses visual art, writing and education to build community. She encourages youth to use visual arts to explore their communities, advocate for what matters for them, and express their own experiences.
How important is art education to a young adult’s development?
Art education is crucial for holistic development. Beyond the creative skills it imparts, art fosters critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness. Neuroscience research indicates that engaging with art enhances brain function, emotions, and the nervous system. It can even raise serotonin levels, contributing to overall well-being.
In my classroom, I’ve witnessed firsthand how art provides a safe space for students to express themselves and process complex emotions. Art education also develops valuable 21st-century skills like problem-solving, collaboration and innovation. These skills are transferable to various careers and life situations, making art education an essential component of a well-rounded education.
Writing is essential to calming my stress. What impact does your art have on your state of mind?
Creating art has a profound impact on my mental well-being. It’s my form of meditation, allowing me to enter a state of flow where worries and stresses fade away. I also find that completing an artwork gives me a sense of accomplishment and boosts my confidence. This positive impact extends beyond my personal practice — seeing my students grow and create meaningful art brings me immense joy and satisfaction.
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