Hi, I’m Cat Driskell.
I am an artist and educator living in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is not an exaggeration to say visual art is my life. I make it, collect it, talk about it, think about it, I plan entire vacations around the museums and architecture I can see. But I am most passionate about teaching young artists. I believe that the arts are one of the most important ways children make sense of their world, and I am proud to be able to guide young artists’ understanding.
I have a BA in general education and painting from the University of South Alabama, and a MA in art education from the Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design at Georgia State University. I have worked in school and community-based art education for over 16 years, 10 of those in New Orleans.
I am a mom to an amazing young artist, who also happens to be a pediatric resident in Chicago. When I am not creating art lessons or planning my dream museum tour across Europe, I am probably working on my costume for the Krewe de Fleurs, or painting tiny watercolors of my favorite New Orleans architecture.
Teaching Philosophy
Community Partners
I believe that all children are artists, and all children want to create. I strive for equity in my learning environment and teaching methods. When my students feel confident in their skills and abilities, create art to make meaning in their lives, and find connections between their own work and their communities, I know I have been successful.
Structure and Skill-building
When students know what to do and how to do it, they feel safe enough to be creative and stretch their capabilities. In my classroom, we focus on core skills and routines so every young artist feels supported and confident.
Lasting Impact
My overall goal as an educator is that students leave my classroom with a love and appreciation for the arts that lasts a lifetime.
An integral part of my teaching practice is partnering across contents and with artists and organizations in our community. I have partnered with artists and STEAM organizations to help deepen my students understanding of local culture and societal and environment issues in their communities.