Annette Tipton loves introducing UCHS students to visual arts

Erwin educator Annette Tipton has been teaching art and inspiring students at Unicoi County High School for the past 29 years. Tipton grew up in Erwin and attended Rock Creek Elementary School. At Rock Creek, she was a cheerleader and loved math and arts and crafts. After graduating from Rock Creek, she attended UCHS and came to put her love of art to a practical use. "In high school, I had a passion for, oddly enough, both math and visual art," Tipton said. "I had some amazing math teachers that really inspired me, but my true passion was found in Doris Murphy's art classroom." Tipton described Murphy as a wonderful educator, mentor and talented artist. "She had the ability to bring out the best in her students and really helped me figure out what I wanted to with my life," Tipton said. Inspired by Murphy, Tipton attended East Tennessee State University, and earned a bachelor of science in Art Education, and later attended Nova Southeastern University to earn her master's degree in teaching and learning. "I had the great privilege of taking over for Mrs. Murphy when she retired, and it was a beautiful full circle moment that I try to live up to doing this every day," Tipton said. "As an art teacher at the high school, I try to spark creativity in the students, hopefully helping them find their artistic talents," she added. She said that when new students enter her classroom their first response when looking at the displayed art is "I can't do that." But, when the students study various techniques and after repeated practice, they realize that the potential to create art can defy expectations. "I love to see students do things they don't realize they can do until they try," Tipton said. "We are lucky enough to have four levels of visual arts courses at the high school and many talented students that get to participate in all levels of the program." Tipton said she loves to encourage all her students to try new things. She added that it is gratifying to her to watch the advanced students explore different techniques and mediums in the visual arts world. "It is a blessing to watch them find their passion, just like Mrs. Murphy helped me find mine," Tipton said. "As a high school art teacher in a small town, I do get to create artwork quite a bit, but typically not for me," Tipton said. She said her artwork is usually for the community, such as a mural for the town or nonprofit groups needing some artistic vision brought to life. "I love the fact that art can make our community even better and am lucky that my job gives me the opportunity to help," she said. Tipton also noted that after teaching for a total of 32 years, she has people asking her if she is ready to retire. "I know eventually that day will come, but I am not quite there yet," she said. "I would miss the students and the faculty and staff and the high school too much." Tipton said students and her fellow faculty have become extended family after all her years at UCHS. "My classroom is my second home, and it would be hard to say goodbye when that day comes," Tipton said. Tipton has been married for 37 years to Robert Tipton, her high school sweetheart, and the couple have two adult children, Sydney and Toby.