Tom Kegler EAHS Art Teacher
In the Corner With…
Thomas Kegler, a native New Yorker who grew up in West Seneca, has been an art teacher at the East Aurora High School for the past 12 years. He worked for his degrees in Graphic Design and Art Education at State University College at Buffalo, and teaches a variety of subjects from “Studio in World Art” (International Studies), drawing and painting, to animation and videography. Most of his classes contain a mix of students from grades nine through twelve. Many of his students eagerly help out with art related community events as part of their community service requirement for graduation. From mural creation and videography documentation, to volunteer work, his students have taken an active part in the East Aurora community for many years. He models the importance of “giving back” by helping students with many projects, and by donating his paintings to fundraising events for charitable organizations.
You just completed a one-person show at Meibohm Fine Arts here in East Aurora.
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to have a second solo show at Meibohm Fine Arts this past October. The body of work was primarily landscapes, with some still life and portrait accents. All the paintings were oil on linen. Grace, Nancy, Paula, and Mark at the gallery always do a wonderful job framing and displaying the art, thus the show was a success.
Are there stories behind your pieces of art?
Most of my art is inspired by everyday encounters. A potential theme for a landscape or still life often comes in the form of an interesting shape or color relationship that presents itself. I try to capture beauty in the common or overlooked, in everyday locations and objects.
Do you have a piece, or body of work you’ve done, that you could never part with?
It is always a hope that my work will resonate with a person and find a place to reside. I am currently finishing up a series of portraits of my siblings that I have a personal connection to though, and will not part with.
Is art a gift, or a skill?
Art starts with interest and is cultivated by training and hard work. The aspect of skill is obtained through education and practice. Talent is often a seed that is nurtured. It is my belief that an interest and love of something trumps natural ability. Often, the harder you have to work for something, the more you appreciate it when you do succeed.
Why is art important to any child’s education?
Studies regarding the development of the right side of the brain via arts education have proven to significantly improve academic scoring and social skills. In this time of fiscal crisis, it is imperative to retain and uphold education in music, technology, and the visual arts. The cultivation of the arts is integral to a healthy society.
What is your goal for your students?
My goal is to expose them to as much art history, technical processes, conceptual development, and analysis as possible in a relatively short span. Ultimately, I want my students to develop an awareness, vocabulary and appreciation for the many forms of visual arts.
What kinds of technology do you use in your teaching?
The art department exposes our students to as many art making “tools” as possible from basic pencil rendering, to highly technical video editing and animation and everything in between. We are fortunate to have a state-of-the-art MacIntosh computer lab outfitted with the latest CS5 Adobe Creative Master Suite Software (generously funded by a grant from the East Aurora Educational Foundation). Our art majors are therefore walking out of high school with highly developed portfolios ready for college applications. Our students are able to utilize the same equipment and technology used by colleges and the professional world.
How do you promote student interest in your classes?
Interest in art classes at East Aurora’s high school is self-generating via word of mouth. We have a talented group of very hard working art educators here, and many of our classes have waiting lists.