My Teaching Philosophy

Art education is not just about teaching students how to draw or paint; it is about helping them see the world—and themselves—in new ways. In my classroom, art becomes a language where every student, regardless of background or ability, is encouraged to think critically, take risks, and express their identity.

Creativity in art is rooted in problem-solving. When students mix colors to communicate emotion or use materials to tell a story, they are making choices, asking questions, and building resilience. My role as an educator is to guide rather than dictate. I create spaces where exploration is safe, mistakes are part of the process, and each artwork is valued because it reflects the student’s personal experience.

Influenced by the work of Elliot Eisner and Olivia Gude, I believe art classrooms should be inclusive, student-centered, and culturally responsive. I balance structure with flexibility by setting clear expectations while giving students the freedom to experiment and create in their own ways.

Gabriela Rios

My artistic mission is to create work that explores identity, emotion, and lived experience through intentional mark-making, color, and form. I use art as a way to process, question, and communicate what is often difficult to put into words, turning personal narratives into visual language.

I am drawn to art-making as both reflection and resistance—resistance to silence, invisibility, and limitation. Through experimentation with materials and composition, I allow intuition and structure to coexist, embracing imperfection as part of the process. My work values honesty over perfection and meaning over aesthetics alone.

At its core, my art seeks connection. I aim to create pieces that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and recognize parts of themselves within the work. Whether my art is experienced in a classroom, gallery, or shared space, my mission is for it to affirm that stories—especially those shaped by vulnerability, growth, and resilience—deserve to be seen.

My Artistic Mission

Gabriela Rios