Fuel for Creativity: Specht helps mold her favorite artists

Kristen Specht, visual arts teacher at Rising Starr Middle, inspires her students to think creatively. 

Specht grew up feeling supported in her own creativity. Her grandmother was always sewing and crafting, and her grandfather always hung up the art she created. There was always paint available for her and Bob Ross on the TV. 

“I wanted to be able to do that. Now I get to help kids be able to do that, and that’s pretty awesome.” 

Specht has her students try out many different forms of art in a variety of mediums. There is 2D art like drawings and paintings, 3D art like plaster and sculptures, and there is also all measure of digital art. 

There is something there for everyone, and art can be a healthier hobby and an alternative to distracting technology. 

“I want to see them grow and become confident individuals and have the tools that they need to succeed in life, whatever that looks like,” she said. “When they push themselves and they see that they can do it, it’s exciting to see.” 

She loves it when her students complete a piece they are happy with. She even has a shirt that says “My favorite artists are my students.” 

“When I hang their art, I am so proud,” said Specht. 

She thinks back to art classes as a student at Griffin High that inspired her, and she strives to pay that forward for her classes. 

“I”m not here to make you become an artist, I’m here to help you think creatively and learn to problem solve,” she said. “I want this to be a safe space. I want them to come in here and be able to take a deep breath and relax.” 

Specht loves being a part of the Rising Starr community where all of the teachers and staff truly care for the students and are dedicated to helping them to succeed. 

“I try to remind them to remember that everybody gets there at a different pace,” she said. “I just want them to know that they are cared for by somebody and that there’s always somebody there if they need someone.” 

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