MORE THAN A TEACHER

A TEACHER IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN By: Jaret Gold

North 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.

Two years ago, Mr. Kleem went to the International Toy Fair in New York City to sell his art. There, he met an artist agent, who represents for several well known artists, including Bob Ross. The two of them worked out a three year contract to use his art on calendars, puzzles, coloring books, and the like. Before COVID, the deal has had success, with Mr. Kleem’s works being reproduced on products in stores around the country. Of course, no one predicted that live meetings would soon be dangerous due to the virus. Unfortunately, there isn’t much business right now, due to all the art shows being cancelled. Mr. Kleem said that he plans on renewing the contract for next year once 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-

cused on learning how to use resources for virtual school. “I’m a chalkboard guy,” he said. “So, you know… all this online stuff was new for me.” While he is deeply passionate about his art, Mr. Kleem clearly puts his teaching and responsibility to his students first. Painting isn’t Mr. Kleem’s only hobby. He is also into renovating old cars, including a 1964 Dodge that he turned into a Coca Cola truck. “Next summer,” he said, “I hope to get a Coca Cola license.” he said. “Then I can actually put it [the car] to use.” Clearly, there is more to Mr. Kleem than meets the eye, and this is probably true of all our teachers.

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)

The old Dodge that Mr. Kleem renovated into a 1950s style Coca Cola truck. (photo: Tony Kleem)