Originally broadcast 6/23/08:
Ruth Ezell meets Yvette Woods, an art teacher that has spent more than 30 years inspiring young artists. After receiving a degree in sculpture from the Kansas City Art Institute, she began instructing at Meramec Community College where she taught until her retirement in 2003. A number of her former students have gone on to have a successful career—including Dan Martin, a cartoonist for the Post-Dispatch. In the fall of 2007, Woods came out of retirement and opened Studio W in the Central West End to continue teaching both children and adults her love of art.
3 Comments
July 10, 2008 at 1:36 am
Inspiring!
July 19, 2008 at 7:18 am
Great story…. I went to Forest Park Community College Art program with Yvette… almost 40 years ago… and she had energy then… I am Inspired by her continued involvement…we need more educators and artist like her… Keep up the great work… You are “living it”, not just working it… I hope to continue to hear great things of You… Made me want to run out and join your effort… almost like paying it forward
Good Luck and best wishes Jim H.
May 27, 2009 at 10:24 am
Yvette Woods has been one of the most influential people in my life and career. I had always been told I could draw when I was a kid, but Yvette Woods taught me how to be an illustrator. I never had much self confidence until I walked out of Meremac College with the portfolio and degree that Yvette so graciously gave me. I have been a successful, professional illustrator and designer my entire career and I owe that to Ms Woods.
Thanks Ms Ezell for this beautiful and well deserved tribute to someone who’s name I mention every time someone tells me they cant draw. Yvette Woods can teach you to draw. She teaches you so well that you run from her class yearning to teach drawing yourself, hoping to share her amazing gift of art and vision with everyone else.
Every time I entertain kids by drawing dragons in chalk on the sidewalk, or surprise a friend with a fun portrait, I think of you, Yvette.
Thank you. For everything.
Richard Kitchell – forever one of your many “blood sweating pickles”.