Mr. C’s Creative Catalyst CLASSROOMS AROUND EAST SIDE ELEMENTARY SHOWCASE VARIOUS CARLSON ORIGINALS—FROM BENCHES TO BOOKSHELVES—CUSTOMIZED WITH FAVORITE CHARACTERS.
his artistic talents with students, adding cartoon illustrations to his lessons. A few years ago, when teachers wanted to add painted benches and bookcases to their classrooms, Danny volunteered to help, heading into his workshop first to build custom pieces and then to paint them with incredible characters. Soon, the genie was out of the bottle as Danny’s artistic magic began to swirl around various parts of the school. Danny offered cartooning classes after school and the demand was high. Those classes led to summer artcamp sessions, more custom commissions and the satisfaction of merging his artistic talent with his teaching career. “At East Side,” Danny praises, “the entire staff is a source of growth for me—my support group and cheering section. I take insight from everyone I meet.” When not in the classroom or studio, Danny, his wife, Kit, and their two children enjoy the community spirit of East Cobb. His favorite spot to eat is Paradise Grille and he spends much of his time in the Merchant’s Walk area, where he always runs into students. They, of course, give “Mr. C” the rock-star treatment. And, he keeps giving them hours of inspiration that will last far longer than any of us can imagine.
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My fifth-grade teacher, Jeannie Sanders, went out of her way to reach me and really drove me to develop my creativity. We crossed paths again when I was a high-school senior. I told her I was going into art and she told me she thought I should consider being a teacher. I remember laughing. Three years later, I wrote her a letter to tell her that I had just changed my major to education!
2
Diane Boswell, with whom I taught at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy (also in East Cobb), was a huge part of my development as a teacher. When I left after five years teaching with her it was like I had to tear a bit of myself off and leave it behind. It was very difficult for me.
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Artistically, I have always been a fan of Walt Disney, even before ever setting foot in a theme park. His whole story fascinates me. He wasn’t just an artist—he was an innovator and a visionary.
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QUIRKY CARTOON FACES PEER UP FROM CANVASES IN DANNY’S STUDIO—READY FOR FINISHING TOUCHES BEFORE THEY DECORATE THE SCHOOL CLINIC.
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I feel the same way about Stan Lee—not just a guy who drew comic books. Like Disney, he is a pioneer of pop culture. He’s been a spark of creative inspiration for me for as long as I can remember.
fall 2016
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANNY CARLSON.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIC BONVICINI PHOTOGRAPHY.
my
Not surprisingly, Danny counts both teachers and artists as his personal heroes. Included among his mentors, Danny mentions:
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