5 minute read
Devoted Art Instructor Empowering Young Artists
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, four dedicated art instructors are transforming the lives of young artists, nurturing creativity, and inspiring confidence through the power of art. These instructors—Emily Loyd, Odalis Barboza Benavides, Nanette Cuellar, and Gabby Lopez—bring unique talents and approaches that help young people not only develop their artistic skills but also discover their voices and express themselves freely.
Bakersfield native, Emily Loyd started at a young age watching her father draw. This inspired her to do the same and from that point on, her life has been filled with art. Emily credits herself as being a self-taught artist and she took her skills and love for art with her to the Girl Scouts where she has been active for 23 years. It was there she realized how much she loves teaching and inspiring young artists. Emily started teaching at the Boys & Girls Club in 2023 and emphasizes the importance of self-expression. Her classes focus on using color and form to communicate emotions, helping young artists tap into their inner worlds. “I feel that our members inspire me just as much as they say I inspire them, I find myself discovering new things about art to love every time I see their passion ignite,” Emily stated. Her students often speak of how her lessons encourage them to break free from self-doubt and embrace their creativity. Additionally, you may have seen Emily’s work at Bakersfield Museum of Art’s famous Via Arté event at the Marketplace where she has been creating colorful chalk pastel masterpieces annually for the past ten years.
Former Boys & Girls Club kid and art teacher at our Lamont Club, Odalis Barboza Benavides, believes that if you can draw a straight line then you can do it all! Odalis started off drawing stick figures as a child which has led to designing murals for living rooms, garage doors, and now even Grand Masterpieces for the Club’s Artfest event. She also does side projects, such as decorations for life events, face painting, commission pieces, and graduation caps. Truly a “Jill-of-All-Trades”, Odalis loves all aspects of art and does not limit herself to one specific niche. Most importantly, she has a passion for teaching art to those who are willing to learn. She encourages students to use unconventional materials and techniques to create art, showing them that there are no limits to what they can achieve. Her innovative projects allow students to think outside the box, explore new perspectives, and build problem-solving skills. Odalis believes this freedom is vital for their development, saying, “Art is free! Think about it. There are no rules when it comes to creating art. There is no correct way to create art, it’s all in the individual and their perspective.”
Nanette Cuellar, owner of Nanette Art + Design, is a creator of multimedia art as a muralist, stage designer, and woodworker. She is also a self-taught artist and fabricator specializing in event decor and public arts with a special interest in floraline art, illustration, and watercolor. She has recently joined the Boys & Girls Club team as an art instructor providing studio instruction for children from disadvantaged communities. Nanette fosters a deep sense of patience and craftsmanship in her students. Her methodical approach
teaches young artists to take pride in the process of creation. Nanette believes that through hands-on work, students learn perseverance and resilience. “Art has no bounds. Keep creating,” Nanette commented.
With a degree in fine art from California State University Bakersfield, Gabby Lopez joined the Club’s Art Department of instructors three years ago and hit the ground running in supervising a studio makeover and expansion. She is committed to sharing her artistic skills and talents with children who otherwise might not have access to lessons or experience the amazing world of art. Gabby is currently working with the Club to design a mobile art studio in areas of shared space that can be replicated for after-school programs. Students in the afterschool program at Beardsley Elementary are exploring a whole new world of high art, mediums and techniques. Gabby’s insights, problem solving skills, and enthusiasm for teaching are driving success in piloting this important program. While discussing the challenges and rewards of delivering studio classes in underserved communities, Gabby commented, “We are not born artists, but become them through community, support and resources—which is exactly what the Club has provided to each individual young artist in the program. Many individuals come in with natural artistic talent and others just want to learn—believing they do not have the any artistic ability. But here at the Club, we tailor to everyone, helping them learn techniques and skills needed to be the artists they want to be.”
Together, these fabulous instructors— Emily, Odalis, Nanette, and Gabby are making a profound impact, using art as a vehicle for personal growth, confidence, and empowerment.
