by Maryam Qahhar
New art teacher Hayleigh Gnagie instructs her fourth-hour class on shading and showing value in their artwork.
She has been making art her whole life and has always wanted to teach and help other students express their creativity and emotions through art.
“Yes, art is something I have been passionate about since elementary school, and I want to share it with everyone else,” said Gnagie.
Because of Gnagie’s strong passion for art, she intends to share it with her students.
For example, junior William Pansford shared what he has learned in art because of Gnagie, specifically, “how shading and hue can give art more depth perception and detail.”
Gnagie’s background includes experience with children of various age groups.
She substitute taught for several months, including for GCCS at Jonathan Jennings and Charlestown Elementary before working at Franklin Square Elementary as a specialist. Now she teaches at JHS.
“Elementary kids don’t know how to handle their feelings as well as high school kids know how to communicate their feelings well and show if they don’t understand the assignment and how I can help them understand it more,” she stated.
“By passing down art to future generations, we help ensure the human creativity, history, and ability to imagine a better world are preserved and celebrated.”
Art Teacher Hayleigh Gnagie
Gnagie also had influences growing up who helped her pursue her career and motivated her to pursue art.
“My high school art teacher made me see that I can pursue my career.”
Her students have also had a positive impact on her life.
“They make my day better by showing me different perspectives of life,” she said.
However, Gnagie has also had an influence on her student artists.
Junior Danna Lopez, an artist in Gnagie’s fourth-hour class, appreciates “the way she explains techniques, like how to grab a pencil correctly for shading.”
Art is not just a subject in school; it is a way to express and understand the world. It allows people to share their feelings, ideas, and experiences without always needing words. It can bring people together, tell stories, show different cultures, and inspire others. Gnagie said makes art more than just drawing or painting — it is a way of communicating and connecting with others.
“It’s the easiest way to express yourself without talking; also, you can use color to express your emotion,” she stated.
Since Gnagie is new this year, students shared their first impressions and what they think of her as a teacher.
“The energy I got when I first met her was that she was going to be a very creative and calm teacher,” said Pansford.
Lopez added, “She seemed outgoing and chill.”
Gnagie feels that art is dying, so she wants to teach it to the youth so it does not.
“By passing down art to future generations, we help ensure the human creativity, history, and ability to imagine a better world are preserved and celebrated.”
Gnagie has been creating art her entire life and hopes to inspire future generations on how important art is.
“If I could give young artists one piece of advice, I would say each artist’s journey is unique – embrace yours and keep growing.”
Birthday: July 7, 2003
Favorite color: Yellow
Favorite movie: Urban Cowboy
Favorite food: Mac and cheese
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
