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Ms. Mary Crum Spalding Elementary Art Teacher Ms. Mary Spalding was born in Topeka, Kansas, but grew up mainly on a farm in New Market. She has been teaching for 40 years, 8 at St. Joseph School. Family information: I have one grown son, Clark. You'll see him in a lot of my paintings...plus my other family members. Education: St. Charles High School, B.A. Morehead State University, M.A. University of Kentucky and Rank 1 from University of Louisville. I am also a fellow in the Louisville Writing Project . Certification: Art, English, Linguistics, Secondary Reading Specialist, AP Art History. Awards: Nelson County Teacher of the Year, Campbellsville Teacher of the Year, St. Joe Prep Teacher of the Year. I have received three National Endowment for the Humanities study grants. Interests/hobbies: I am an artist who focuses primarily on painting (rural people, genre scenes, and landscapes) and fibers. I write poetry and am an avid reader, especially history and historical fiction. Favorite activity: I like to garden and I walk a lot. Favorite animal: I love all animals, but think dogs are among God's greatest creations because of their loyalty and unconditional love. Favorite color: Red. Favorite TV show: I recently watched all 6 seasons of Upstairs, Downstairs on DVD. Strangest job: Waitressing at Kunz the Dutchman. Service people see the true nature of customers. Favorite trip: I once spent a summer in Italy studying Italian Renaissance Humanism. Another time, my family and I drove an RV down the entire Pacific coastline. What you like to do on a snow day: Take photos for painting. Favorite childhood memory: Growing up on a farm with my wonderful family. In 1963, my father took me to his birthplace, Inez, KY to see then-President Lyndon Johnson "kick off" the War on Poverty. Facts about you: I believe that using our creative side is vital to being a complete human being. Someone who was a positive influence: My father, who once taught in a one-room schoolhouse and my mother, who was a public health nurse. Both have such a passion for the value of education. What you like best about teaching: That I have gotten to spend my career doing something that makes a difference in the future. The surprises! Favorite quote: "Art washes away the dust of everyday life from the soul." Pablo Picasso |