An appreciation of art produces an understanding of the people and cultures that created it. It is an expression of a society’s worldview. It is also a reflection of the soul of its creator. For Lorraine Ripp, art is a window on the evolution of society, as well as a celebration of the individual creative spirit.
Ms. Ripp believes that teaching is a way to participate in the process that facilitates the evolution of society. She also believes that teaching is a way to enhance and sustain society’s continued support for art. The responsibility for giving us the tools to appreciate and value art rests heavily on the teacher. The responsibility to preserve the heritage of human thought and expression rests with everyone.
Ms. Ripp is a National Board Certified Teacher with ten years of professional experience. She taught at Palo Verde High School in Tucson, Arizona, and at Jefferson High School in Tampa. Her classroom demeanor involves a quick wit and a humorous manner. Honesty, sincerity and fairness characterize her approach. They are also a mark of the exchanges between teacher and students. Her work as an art production teacher was informed by her knowledge of different genres and approaches. In the studio, technique and creativity were at the heart of her teaching.
Today, Ms. Ripp is concentrating her focus on art history. Technique and creativity remain the subject matter, but are now studied in the works of the great masters throughout history. As a member of the Florida Virtual School faculty, Ms. Ripp is pleased to engage her students in an individualized study of art, leading them to make a personal connection with the works they study.
Ms. Ripp earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education from the University of Arizona in Tucson.
