Beachwood City Schools saw dozens of new hires this school year — more than two dozen. Beachwood Patch asked some of the new teachers to tell us a few things about themselves. Look for a new teacher every Friday.
Heather Grano: Art Teacher, Beachwood High School
1. How long have you been teaching?
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I’ve been teaching for 13 years. I started in Providence, RI, and moved back to Beachwood because I grew up in Chagrin Falls. I love sharing my passion for art with young people and I enjoyed being able to express myself creatively.
2. What is your favorite kind of art?
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One of the things I love about teaching art is that I get to teach in so many different media. If I had to pick one I’d say painting because color is the element I love working with the most.
3. Who is your favorite artist?
Franz Marc because of his use of color and symbolism. One of my favorite paintings is Blue Horses, because he captured the spirit of nature very well.
4. What do you like to do outside the classroom?
Aside from my own paintings, I like to spend time with my two Labradors. I love running by the Case Western farm because the landscape is very beautiful. In fact, I’m taking my students there for a long-term project where we will paint at one location in different light settings through different seasons.
5. What’s the most important thing for young artists to remember?
Be true to yourself. Find what you love, stick with it and be ready to work hard.