Even in Virtual Space, 3D Art Teachers Find their Way

Richie & Emily at Imagine Art on Cesar Chavez

At Imagine Art, artists teaching other artists is the main focus, where student is  both learner and teacher.

This scenario can be very empowering to an organization such as Imagine Art.  Teachers Emily Aniunas, Richie Peña, and Jonna Johnson, members of the 3D/Mixed Media Team, have embraced this opportunity to serve the Austin community.  

It’s not surprising then that the team members and Imagine Art artists collaborate daily to help solve the biggest challenge--teaching via Zoom. For them, learning in a virtual space does not mean limiting their creativity or curbing the teaching methods that allow for artistic growth. Teachers and students must exhibit patience and focus, some of the same skills to produce the unique art Imagine Art is known for.

Below, read about each team member’s approaches to being an artist, inspiring their students, and teaching art.

Richie Peña Richie’s main inspirations are sacred spaces and stained glass windows.

We Come in Three, mono-print, chine-collé, oil ink on mulberry paper, Richie Peña

When creating successful lessons for artists in his class, he credits his ability to be patient, to listen, and be understanding. He is able to make meaning of Jonas and Emily’s intentions for artists, and collaborate with them to help artists reach their goals.

He hopes to instill in his students the need to be patient when learning a new skill, and to keep practicing that skill after they learn it.  Richie believes that through practice we start to see ourselves grow as artists.

As teacher, he gears his lessons to artists’ needs and wants. While they are in the process of artistic discovery, he teaches the necessary skills and builds their confidence to keep pushing themselves as artists.

Emily Aniunas The goal of her art is to capture the everyday nature and realness of the human experience and condition.

some days I sleep until the sun is gone, silkscreen print, Emily Aniunas

A go-with-the-flow type personality, who is always open to suggestions, serves her well as an effective team member.

She attests to always being passionate about art and working with people with disabilities.

“At the end of the day I hope my students have learned to be creative, uninhibited, freethinkers who will improve their artistic skills in a range of media.”

Jonna Jackson

Jonna is a self-taught artist who is inspired by God’s creation: the timeless beauty of          wood, stone, metal and natural fibers. 

Seven Eyes, Mixed Media, Jonna Jackson

She works with mixed media, creating intricate three-dimensional paintings which often include cloth, metal, individually fashioned components, paint, and custom beads. 

 She is a registered artist at Imagine Art and works alongside other artists in this creative community as a teacher.

 Jonna hopes to uplift others as she expresses her inner joy through her art.