LEAVING A LEGACY FOR THE ARTS

The Art & Legacy of Mrs. Wolfe

Jan Wolfe, who retired this year after 43 years of teaching the arts at Phoenix Christian, left a beautiful legacy. Her love for art inspired countless students, many of whom, continued a career in art, art education, or just a really great hobby. Her classroom became an oasis for many students; a time to reflect on beauty, collaborate with fellow artists, and be moved to reflect their Creator. One student developed her remarkable artistic ability under the tutelage of Jan Wolfe. Inspired to complete her art education degree, she became a full-time art teacher at another local Christian school. When word spread about Mrs. Wolfe retiring, she felt moved to reach out and inquire about the opening.

We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca (Risner) Feight ’02 to Phoenix Christian as our new MS and HS art teacher! Becca and so many others’ career paths in the arts were directly influenced by our incredible fine arts program at Phoenix Christian. Today, students have the opportunity to choose a concentration area in either Fine Arts, Humanities, Spiritual and Leadership Formation, or STEM. This directly enhances the opportunity for Fine Arts students to advance in their skill set and better prepare for a career in the arts. Two of our seniors even completed their Capstone Projects in the Arts by hosting an art exhibit.

Mrs. Wolfe’s legacy certainly continues to make an impact. We wanted to include some of our alumni Facebook posts upon hearing about Jan’s retirement and include several recent works of art by some of Mrs. Wolfe’s former students.

Mrs. Wolfe was my art teacher all four years of high school. I think I made up an art class just to be in her class my senior year. Not only did she teach me art, but she also taught me great life lessons. She was the most patient and kind woman. Her aura was always so calming. I was terrible at art, but she always gave me a passing grade for trying. High school wouldn’t have been the same without her. I’m immensely grateful for having her in my life those four years.

- Amanda Van Hofwegen ’12

Wow! Mrs. Wolfe has been such an amazing part of PC for so many years. I was so blessed to have her as a teacher for a few years! And to grow up friends with Jessica and getting to know Mrs. Wolfe outside of school. She was such a great teacher and is an amazing woman.

- Adriann Rivas ’03

Mrs. Wolfe was such an inspiration throughout my high school years and I will never forget how amazing she was as an art teacher! She is the reason I continued to pursue a degree in the arts! I’m glad Mrs. and Mr. Wolfe were my high school teachers

- Ashley Gonzales ’15

Mrs. Wolfe has inspired generations of artists! To this day I use a lot of the lessons she taught us when I’m painting and drawing and teaching my kids. I still remember all the amazing fun times I had in all my art classes! You are loved and you will be greatly missed.

- Katherine Schilling ’03

I was there when Miss O began. It would be an honor to be there at the beginning of Mrs W’s new adventure!

- Michael Springer ’81

This is so awesome! Blessings!

- Renee Woodward ’78

Congrats to Mrs. Wolfe, fka Miss O!!

- Angel Leigh

Wonderful memories of art class with Mrs. Wolfe. I still talk about the things I learned, and I continue to have a lifelong love of art. (I was Sherri Wauchope back then.) Congratulations on your retirement!

- Sherri Lynn Collier ’82

I am from the graduating class of 1986. Mrs. Wolfe was an integral part of my high school years. High school was difficult for me due to family issues but she created a safe place where I could express my frustration, anger, and fear without judgment. She inspired me to go on and get my art education degree and in doing so inspired five more art teachers and I’m sure many more. She allowed me to paint faces on my flower still life piece, even though it killed her realistic sensibilities. Mrs. Wolfe, thank you for just being there, guiding quietly, and for passing on a lifelong love of art, its creation, and appreciation.

- Kim (Gerlach) Camping ’86

During my initial school tour, I wanted to visit the art room even though I had never taken art class. Mrs. Wolfe encouraged me with a few words to

Artwork by Brad Burns ’93

Alumnus Moises Jimenez ’18 is now pursuing graphic design at ASU.

Haset ‘Joy’ Tamarit ’22 showing one of her paintings from her art exhibit “Beauty of Color”.

develop my creative talents. So, during the 2014-2015 year at PC, I took her suggestion and decided to take Art I. Honestly, it was a very challenging class for me, but it was very rewarding, too. There is no other feeling like learning a new skill and improving oneself! From this experience, I was motivated to take art classes for all 4 years of my high school career. Mrs. Wolfe introduced me to oil paints, watercolors, acrylic paints, graphite pencils, charcoal, clay, and beadwork. Even more, she pushed me to broaden my horizons and try other art forms, in which I chose to experiment with string art and ballpoint pen art during Art III and Art IV. I had the honor of representing PC twice at the Shemer High School Student Art Exhibition, and one of those times was with my ballpoint pen drawing. It made me so happy to accomplish this. I had come so far from when I was unsure of myself at the start of high school. The effect of Mrs. Wolfe inspiring me changed my life for the better. I will keep in mind the important life lessons and love that she shared with me forever!

- With love, Amber Kumar ’18

Congratulations on 43 years at Phoenix Christian and all the impact you have had on your students. Your art classes were instrumental to my interest in art and my practice of artistic hobbies.