Middle school art teacher Brenda Anderson is retiring this year, 20 years after she first began teaching as an art substitute in the spring of 1994. Anderson teaches seventh grade art classes, Mixed Media I and II, and is the faculty adviser for the Arts Club.

“I am retiring after a great run of 20 years, and sometimes you just know,” Anderson said. “Last year after getting married again, my husband and I decided to travel and for me to be able to focus on my painting, so the school has known for a while my intentions.”

Anderson said that she is passionate about teaching students with an appreciation for art. Some of her previous students, such as Middle School Visual Arts Department Head Katie Palmer ’98, have showcased their works at museums such as the Whitney Museum and the MOCA.

“I have gained patience and a clearer understanding of what the needs are of this newest generation,” she said. “I have always loved my students and want them to be happy and confident. I have also learned that the product isn’t as important as the appreciation of the process.”