Catherine Butler

Faculty Spotlight

Catherine Butler, Visual Arts Department Chair

Catherine Butler has been teaching students of all ages in some capacity since she was in art school. Whether it has been through the Cleveland Museum of Art, college, community art centers, or artist residencies in schools, Ms. Butler is a seasoned art teacher. This is her 15th year at Laurel. She recalled vividly her mother hanging a big roll of paper across one of the dining room walls where she and her brother were always allowed to draw with crayons. “When I was older I would receive art kits of materials, often with books with step-by-step how-to-draw projects. My dad would always do the projects, while I drew whatever I wanted to,” she said.

All visual arts faculty are working artists, providing role models, and connection to the greater Cleveland arts community.

~Catherine Butler, Visual Arts Department Chair

At Laurel, Ms. Butler oversees the Visual Arts Department. She says, “Laurel teachers are committed to the development of individual visual voices and learning styles while fostering an accepting community and providing a safe space for students to express themselves. Students have exposure to a variety of media, and information about artists, and cultures from around the world throughout the curriculum.* They also have opportunities to take a deep dive into an area of interest. All visual arts faculty are working artists, providing role models, and connection to the greater Cleveland arts community. Process is at the heart of the experience as students realize their artwork is a vehicle for communicating thoughts and feelings. Field trips and visiting artists enhance the curriculum.”

The visual art program throughout all divisions at Laurel promotes aspects of the five pillars of resilience as described by LCRG. These include purpose, self-care, creativity, relationships, and a growth mindset. In Visual Art, students learn by doing and teachers offer opportunities to experiment and unleash their creativity in a safe and nurturing environment. This helps students build relationships with their teachers and their peers. Visual art classes also provide a place to be “in the zone,” completely absorbed in the process of making art. Visual Art also plays an important role in expanding critical-thinking skills. When working with various media, students build a growth mindset through learning from their perceived mistakes and using what they learn to revise and refine the work they are doing. They develop a sense of purpose as they grow their skills and confidence working in various media.

*See "Curricula & Faculty by Grade" for Visual Arts in Laurel School's K-Grade 2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6-8; and "Explore our Curriculum" for Grades 9-12.