Teacher Appreciation Week: El Paso High art teacher expands reach of her passion
(EL PASO HIGH SCHOOL – May 12, 2023) – Hundreds of students have walked through Naomi Cloud’s classroom. The visual art teacher at El Paso High School has been happy to share with each of them how to let their talents flourish. As this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, Cloud’s passion for teaching is nowhere near its end.
In fact, she is widening her base. Cloud is not only sharing her artistic talent not just with her El Paso High students, she is also sharing it with co-workers and fellow El Paso ISD employees.
Recently, she began providing free art classes to employees every Tuesday from 4:40 to 5:30 p.m. in El Paso High’s fine arts building, Room 222-B. Her classes are part of Employee Benefits’ Healthy Living classes. A similar class is held at Burges in Room F104 also from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Art supplies are provided for both classes.
“I thought it was great to offer free art classes to employees,” Cloud said. “Art classes can be costly, and offering it free to all employees gives everyone an opportunity to learn and enjoy making art.”
So far, the class has done acrylic and watercolor paintings, made buttons and practiced calligraphy. The class offering changes weekly. Cloud also takes suggestions for her adult students.
“This class is also a great venue to meet all kinds of great employees you would have never otherwise met,” she said. “The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, so employees can enjoy themselves away from the stressors of a typical workday.”
Cloud is encouraging artists of all experience levels to join in the fun.
“You can be a beginner or and experienced artist. Everyone is welcome,” she said. “It's free. Come, have fun and relax. If you're interested in learning something specific, we will make a class out of it.”