Educator Showcase – Robyn Phelps
July 19, 2022
Tell us a little bit about your and your background.
I am an illustrator, designer, educator, and maker of things from Northern NJ. I love to create illustrations that solve problems using visual metaphors and enticing visuals. After graduating from Montclair State with a BFA in illustration, I have had a varied career including graphic design, operations of a women’s entrepreneurship group, and editorial illustration for clients like the Boston Globe and The Washington Post. This past year I had the honor of having a piece I created recognized as a Chosen Winner by American Illustration 40. My illustration work can be found at robynphelps.com.
What attracted you to work at One River School?
After graduating from college, I knew I wanted to work in the arts, but I wasn’t sure where my next step would lead me. After meeting Leela at an MSU career fair and getting to tour the Englewood location, I knew that One River School was going to be a great place to work. Though I never originally thought I would be a teacher, the amazing community of teachers and administrators, the creative and supportive environment, and of course our fantastic students made the step into teaching an exciting adventure.
How would you describe what it is like to teach here?
Teaching at One River School Montclair is a very unique experience. It allows us, as teachers, who are both working artists and educators to not only continue our creative practices but to understand and impart what we know to the next generation of amazing artists. Teaching at One River School keeps you on your toes and makes sure you are always learning, improving, and finding new ways of creating in order to make sure our students are getting the most out of their time with us. As cliche as it may sound, every class is a new adventure.
What makes attending classes at One River School fun and compelling?
One of the best parts of classes at One River School is the relationship you get the opportunity to build with students, and vice versa. Knowing that I am a figure in my students’ lives who is there to support their creativity and exploration of art, even if it’s only for a short time each week, is extremely rewarding. Letting them know that there are no dumb questions, and making sure they feel empowered in their art-making process (and in life if I can) is an absolute highlight. One of the best parts of my college experience was learning from working artists, and One River bringing that experience to all ages is very unique.
Is there a special One River School moment that stands out for you?
There have been so many moments in my time at One River School over the last three years that stand out to me and have shaped me into the person and artist I am today. While it’s so hard to decide on just one, I think the moments I remember most fondly all have one thing in common. Whenever a student comes to class saying they couldn’t wait to come in, or that they’ll miss learning with me over summer break, or that art is so fun in our class, always makes me smile. It’s also so rewarding to watch a student have a breakthrough with their own work, or see their face light up when they discover they’re capable of making amazing work. Recently a new student to the Montclair school told me on his first day “I wish this class could last forever”.
What do you enjoy outside of One River School?
Some other creative pursuits of mine outside of One River School are knitting, sewing my own clothing, blacksmithing, embroidery, and more. (Can you tell I love fiber arts?). I also continue to work as a freelance editorial illustrator, illustrate children’s books, sell prints of my work via INPRINT, and want to try my hand at pottery! When I’m not making something, I love to go to the beach, spend time with loved ones, listen to podcasts, and drink bubble tea.
