Art
- Faculty Profile - Stephanie Danker
 Stephanie Danker
Art instructor
620-327-8309
stephd@hesston.edu
A.A., Hesston College, 1996
B.A., art education, James Madison University, 1999
M.A.E., Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005
How did you choose to study art?
I have known from a young age that I wanted to teach, since I come from a family of teachers, and they have been very inspiring to me. When I was a freshman at Hesston College, I started taking John Blosser's studio art classes and art appreciation class. I started to realize how much I really enjoyed communicating about art. In my studio classes, during critiques, I opened up to other choices I could make with my own artwork, and started to truly understand the creative process. I did an independent study on art education while I was at Hesston, and through John's encouragement and my own research, I knew my passion was art education. I continued on to Goshen (Ind.) College, and learned my art teaching methods from Marvin Bartel, and then graduated from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.
What are your favorite courses to teach? What do you like about them?
I have enjoyed all of my classes! There is something great about each one, and I have learned from my students in all of them. If I had to pick one that is my favorite to teach, I would have to say Graphic Design. I try to make our projects practical, and part of the Hesston College community life. For example, we created food marketing posters for our HC Food Service. We met with the Food Service employees (as our clients) to get a better idea of what they were looking for in the beginning of the project. They came down for a critique, and then we gave a formal presentation to them in their space at the conclusion of the project. The students have enjoyed seeing their posters up on days when the menus they featured are served. The Admission Dept. asked our class to help create ideas for postcards to be sent to prospective students, in which we had a similar working relationship with them. And we also were asked to create postcards based on the HC theme scripture verse for the year. It helps students understand the purpose of graphic design when they are able to create projects that are actually used, and visible to the community. I want the students to feel comfortable verbally and visually communicating with a client.
How does your background and educational experience shape your teaching at Hesston?
I have a background in teaching 7th grade art in a suburban middle school right outside of Washington, D.C., in Fairfax County Public Schools (Rachel Carson Middle School, Herndon, Va.). I had the privilege to teach for six years in this acclaimed "Virginia School to Watch," where 31 languages were spoken. I was very involved in technology education and co-chair of an active business partnership committee. Since FCPS is one of the largest public school districts in the nation, I was fortunate to have great professional development and an abundance of other art teachers to collaborate with. I was also involved with adjudicating high school (visual arts) applicants for Virginia Governor's School for Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts.
What do you most want to know about prospective students?
When I meet a Hesston prospective student, I want to know about all of their interests, not just their interests in art; I want to know about the person as a whole. Hesston is a place to explore lots of areas of interest. Of course I want to know about their background in art, but I'd like to see if they realize how art can integrate in a meaningful way to other subjects.
How do you connect with students in the program?
I try to connect with my students on an individual basis through choices they make in their artwork. I like to question them about their artistic choices for them to realize why they made those choices, and how their choices connect to them personally, or the intentions of the client (in the case of graphic design). I also like to get to know my students outside the classroom, while attending campus events and sports events.
What do prospective students need to know about Hesston's learning environment?
Hesston is a really special place, in part because of the access you have to your instructors. Classes are small, and instructors always know you by name. You really know that people in the Hesston College community care about you, and want you to succeed. I remember when I was a student here, and I missed one of my classes with Andrea Krause. She called me after class, just to make sure I was ok. You don't get that kind of attention at most other colleges!
Where do alumni go and what do they do after Hesston?
After students graduate from Hesston College, they are prepared to go anywhere to finish their education. It really is true--"Start Here, Go Everywhere." One of my students from last year is at Virginia Commonwealth University this year, for graphic design, kinetic imaging and photography. VCU is known nationally for their art program. Another student from last year is pursuing art education at Goshen College this year with John Blosser. Our alumni are studio artists (Phil Hershberger, Lynn Lais, Steve Fry, John Mishler, Royce Yoder, for example), teachers, graphic artists, and photographers. Some choose to pursue other professions and make art as an avocation.
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