Team Showcase: Marisa Andropolis

Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

I have always loved art and remember drawing even as a small child. I vividly remember being young and watching Star Wars with my dad and trying to draw every spaceship as accurately as I could. When I decided to pursue art in school, I was interested in old renaissance painting techniques and wanted to be classically trained like the old masters. I studied painting in both my bachelors and master’s degree. Although I love all mediums in art, oil painting will always hold a special place in my heart. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to teach a foundations class in graduate school, and completely fell in love with teaching from that point on.

What attracted you to work at One River School?

I loved One River’s approach to teaching art and making it a unique experience for students. Being able to teach a variety of age ranges from kids to adults with each project focusing on a contemporary artist is something that was so intriguing and a method I had never seen before.

How would you describe your role here?

My role as the Director of Education I feel has many hats that I proudly wear. I oversee teachers and make sure the experiences in their classrooms are always a positive learning environment in addition to sending out curriculum for them. I constantly organize and clean the studio spaces and ensure that students have access to good quality materials and that nothing runs out. I help run and organize school events such as workshops, birthday parties, and student shows. I always make it a point to learn every students name that attends classes here and get to know them. I want anyone who walks through the door regardless if it is a student, parent, or a visitor that they feel welcomed and excited to be part of One River.

What do you think we do best at One River?

Creating a community and safe space for students to come and make art. I am always surprised at the friendships and bonds that are created in each class between the students and instructors. To me, it is something truly magical to be able to see that it in all of the instructors’ classes and experience that connection and be a part of it personally as an instructor myself. It is a reminder of why us artists choose to teach and continue spreading our love of art in a special place like One River.

Is there a special One River moment that stands out for you?

There are so many special moments, but one that does stand out is from my Saturday 2nd grade student, Abigail. She has been my student for over a year now. Her mom always drops her off to class a little early and she helps me set up the classroom, and it is a happy moment that I get to spend with just her before all of the other students arrive. We talk about a movie she watched, what music I should play in class, or we just have a couple minutes to be silly together.