”Today, Art has more design thinking and digital art incorporated. I encourage students to experiment and develop personal expression. I teach more student-centered learning that focuses on creativity, process and critical thinking. “
Those are the words of Krista Phair, art teacher at Henry Hudson Regional High School. And that’s the reason why this vivacious and well loved educator not only enjoys teaching but also why her students eagerly look forward to her classes.
Krista has been part of both art and Henry Hudson pretty much her entire life. A native of Highlands, she graduated from Henry Hudson before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Georgian Court College in Lakewood, and then a master’s degree in special education from Grand Canyon University .
She said she realized early in life she had a love of art and by the age of seven, also recognized a talent for art, the first in her family, she believes, though music reigns supreme there as well.
Krista has been part of the academic staff at Henry Hudson for 12 years and now teaches Fine Arts in the 7th through the 12th grades. She pretty well loves everything about her job, but easily, “the best thing about art is the spark of creativity that enables students to show unique forms of self-expression.
Which is the reason why she likes the way art is included in curriculum today, since it caters more to a student’s creativity and self-expression than the mechanics and discipline of the art.
Krista, who , with her husband Brian, is the parent of two sons and a daughter, who range in age from 8 to 18, loves art as much as a hobby as a profession. She’s also happy that both her sons have an affinity for music, while her daughter has developed her own talent and love for art like her mom. Krista herself works in a variety of media, including watercolor, oils and stained glass and is happiest either when she is capturing a landscape or working in abstract art, when she enhances her scenes with an air of independence.
As a Highlands native, Krista also had a knowledge and appreciation of the in depth history of her hometown, from the time the Lenni Lenape were here through today when the community is celebrating 125 years as a borough. Currently, she is working on a painting of a local piece of history to enter into the Monmouth County 250th anniversary of American Independence next year.
While she appreciated the traditional techniques she herself learned using the educational methods and standards that were appropriate and educational during her own years in high school., Krista points out that at that time, “the focus was more on mastery and replication….teacher led instruction.”
Today, she believes “students enjoy art class for the process and the relaxing atmosphere.”
And there’s even more fun outside of class as well. Krista has an art club at the high school where the students go out and paint windows during the holiday season as well as murals in the community.
It will be coming soon in shops and businesses close to home. And look for some talented art work at the Proving Ground on Shrewsbury Avenue. Check it all out and see the smiles, the happiness and the skill of students honed by the talents of a Fine Arts instructor who loves her job.
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