 Becky Hoskins, affectionately known as "Miss Becky" by her students, has dedicated her life to art and education. As an independent teaching artist, she works across parochial and public elementary schools, bringing the transformative power of art to students throughout Adams County. Overcoming Budget Barriers: Bringing Art to Every Classroom Regardless of the financial challenges, Becky works to bring art education to as many students as possible. Through partnerships with organizations like Arts Quincy and local PTAs, she brings art directly into classrooms. "I love making sure students who might not have the chance to experience art are able to do so," she says. However, there is a critical need for more funding to expand arts opportunities for students. Becky advocates for more investment from schools, local organizations, and individuals. “More funding would allow for consistent art education, reaching every student and inspiring creativity,” she adds. Becky has played a key role in Arts Quincy’s educational programs, offering lessons through the Instant Arts catalog, which brings teaching artists into classrooms. She also assists teachers applying for the Instant Arts grant, which helps cover costs for guest artists. Additionally, she leads he Arts Quincy “After School Arts Club” pilot program, where K-8 students at select schools can explore visual arts beyond regular school hours.
A Diverse Approach: Exploring Multiple Art Techniques Becky’s teaching approach spans various art forms, from painting and drawing to printmaking and sculpture. "My lessons often connect with what students are already learning in other subjects and align with Illinois Arts Learning Standards," she explains. By integrating art with the broader curriculum, she helps students see the connections between creativity and academic learning. Becky focuses on building essential life skills, such as critical thinking and perseverance, by guiding students to set goals and problem-solve in their artwork. The Healing Power of Art: Fostering Mental Well-Being Art promotes mindfulness and well-being. "Art allows students to focus on the process, letting their creativity flow without worrying about the final product," Becky says. This focus on the journey over perfection helps students connect with their emotions and experience calm and purpose through creative expression. A Holistic Education: Customizing the Art Experience to Meet Student Needs Becky tailors each lesson to meet individual needs. For students who struggle with fine motor skills, she incorporates tracing and cutting to improve hand-eye coordination. For those working on academic skills, art can reinforce math concepts like proportion and fractions. For students facing challenges, art provides a space for success, boosting confidence. “Art becomes a place where students who struggle academically find success," Becky reflects. Art also fosters social skills through collaboration, allowing students to share supplies and work together. Miss Becky encourages students to embrace mistakes and focus on doing their best, providing a safe space for growth. The Dream for Regular Art in Every Classroom Becky’s dream is for every student in Adams County to have regular art education. “Until then, I try to make a difference by bringing art to students as often as I can,” she says. She is grateful to organizations like Arts Quincy for providing funding that makes her classroom visits possible. As an advocate for the arts, Becky urges the community to support increased arts funding. "The more we invest in the arts, the more we give our children the opportunity to grow creatively and emotionally," she says. The community must unite to ensure art remains a vital part of every child’s education.
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