Shokes seeks to inspire in art class and in life

Ms. Emily Shokes is a new art teacher at WF. Shokes’s path to choosing this career was not simple. It all started with a bad experience with art in elementary school, which led her to not wanting to be in the art class in high school. But it was there that her teacher inspired her to pursue art as a career choice. Shokes went on to study art in college and her passionate professors motivated her to become an art teacher. Art is a very important part of her life. She said it is a way for her to communicate things she can’t express with words.

WF turned out to be a pleasant surprise to her. She expected she wouldn’t find her place in such a big school, but being here she learned that people here are very nice, teachers are helpful and students are welcoming.

Shokes’ goal at WF is to continue growing the art program with Ms. Kennedy, the other art teacher, and getting more students interested in more aspects of art than just painting and drawing. She thinks there is something in it for everyone.

Personally, Shokes is a proud mother of two dogs, whom she loves more than anything else. She is an avid lover of video games and anime. Her favorite movie is The Princess Bride and favorite book is a poetry book, Of Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur. As for any artist or art lover picking a favorite work of art is incredibly difficult for Shokes. From the ones she had seen in person her choice is ‘Eve’ by John Westmark.

The aspect Shokes values most about teaching is the ‘little aha moments,’ when students realize that they can do better and are capable of more than they think. She references that to her own experience. Growing up in a low income area it took great teachers to push the kids in the right direction. That is what she loves about this job and is happy to be able to share that message with students here at WF.