A TEACHER IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN
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By: Jaret Gold
orth Royalton High School is great in so many ways, but high on the list is the quality of its teachers, who are dedicated and passionate about teaching. But how much of our favorite teachers’ lives do we actually know about? What hidden talents do they have? Take, for example, history teacher Mr. Kleem. You wouldn’t know it just by looking at him, but he is actually a nationally recognized artist. As a painter, Mr. Kleem’s work is distinctly folksy and Americana in style, showing everyday scenes from big cities and small towns. While he started out small, his work now has national attention.
things hopefully return to normal. Despite the fame his work has garnered him in the art world, Mr. Kleem has no wish to leave NRHS. “Teaching is my life,” he said. “I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.” One would assume that with all the time spent at home during the pandemic, Mr. Kleem would have much more time to work on his art. However, while he did paint over the summer, he hasn’t had a lot of free time this school year, as he was fo-
Patriotic festivities feature prominently Mr. Kleem’s Americana themed paintings. (photo: Tony Kleem)
Mr. Kleem’s art encapsulates both an inner city and small town feel at once. (photo: Tony Kleem)
Two years ago, Mr. Kleem went to the Inter- cused on learning how to use resources for virtual national Toy Fair in New York City to sell his art. school. “I’m a chalkboard guy,” he said. “So, you There, he met an artist agent, who represents for know… all this online stuff was new for me.” While several well known artists, including Bob Ross. The he is deeply passionate about his art, Mr. Kleem two of them worked out a three year contract to use clearly puts his teaching and responsibility to his his art on calendars, puzstudents first. zles, coloring books, and Painting isn’t Mr. Klthe like. Before COVID, the eem’s only hobby. He is deal has had success, with also into renovating old Mr. Kleem’s works being cars, including a 1964 reproduced on products Dodge that he turned in stores around the couninto a Coca Cola truck. try. Of course, no one pre“Next summer,” he said, dicted that live meetings “I hope to get a Coca Cola would soon be dangerous license.” he said. “Then I The old Dodge that Mr. Kleem renovated into a due to the virus. Unfortucan actually put it [the nately, there isn’t much busi- 1950s style Coca Cola truck. (photo: Tony Kleem) car] to use.” ness right now, due to all the Clearly, there is more to art shows being cancelled. Mr. Kleem said that he Mr. Kleem than meets the eye, and this is probably true plans on renewing the contract for next year once of all our teachers. THE ROYA L NEWS
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