Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Heckel
Hi Heather, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved art, and have been drawing regularly since I was 2 years old. I studied Illustration in college, at the Ringling College of Art and Design, and then worked as a production artist for a screen printing company. I also taught at a summer camp for the arts, and decided I wanted to go into teaching. I moved to New York City and earned my Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education at the School of Visual Arts. I began teaching public school Art, and am now in my twelfth year of teaching. During my time as a teacher I earned my Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and my Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership through the University of the Cumberlands. My research focused on the relationship between leadership and teaching creativity. I have also been awarded 22 artist residencies through the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management. I am lucky to have a dual career as an artist and art educator.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It may have been a smooth road, but it certainly wasn’t a straight path. I changed my undergraduate major 3 times before deciding to transfer schools so it took me 6 years to earn my first degree. I also started out in the corporate world and then switched to a teaching career. The struggle was learning to accept that it was ok to change my mind, and that just because I didn’t seem to know exactly what I wanted like everyone else around me seemed to didn’t mean that I couldn’t be successful. I had to learn to listen to my gut.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist and art educator. As an illustrator I create original artwork as commissions for clients. As a fine artist I’ve been called the Artist Residency Queen since I travel the country as an artist-in-residence for the National Park Service. I stay on site and create a series of artwork for the parks as an artistic advocate. I am most proud of my work as a resident artist because it aligns with the National Park Service mission, which is to educate and inspire others about our natural and cultural resources. As an art educator I am dedicated to teaching my students creativity, I love being of service, and seeing what they create. My constant drive to achieve and to constantly be producing artwork sets me apart from others.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned to never give up. I am constantly applying to artistic opportunities, and most of the time they turn into rejections. However, it doesn’t stop me from trying, and is totally worth it when an opportunity does work out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heatherheckel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HeatherHeckelArt/
