"As a high school art teacher, most of my personal art begins as project exemplars for my students. With a humorous twist towards satire in my work, I hope to challenge notions of societal norms, religion and morality, and sometimes politics."
Chad Manders arrived at Maple Grove Senior High School in 2010 after seven years teaching art and multimedia at North View Junior High. At Maple Grove, he teaches classes such as ceramics, computer art, advanced studio 2D design and advanced drawing. “This is going to sound strange, but the event of 9/11 is what led me to become an art teacher,” explains Manders. “Before becoming a teacher, I was a graphic designer. Once 9/11 hit, however, I fell victim to ‘the last hired, first fired’ business model.” Manders says losing his job was the best thing that could have happened. “My production artist job was one of solitude and boredom … There was very little creativity involved. I love working with other creative minds. I love learning. [So] I decided to pursue more education in teaching.” He describes working with youth as one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers. “I learn something new every day and get to see the impact my hard work has on another individual,” he says.
Manders feels fortunate to have the time to create his own art. He tends to work most often in drawing and illustration mediums—graphite, ink, watercolor and acrylic. “I love to illustrate, so from time to time I’ll just sit down at my desk or in front of the TV and just draw. I tend to stick to black and white illustration with pen and ink. I’ve been fascinated and influenced by the black and gray work of tattoo artists,” he says. “However, working with clay is one of my favorite things to do. I try to convey social issues through my work but combine them with wit and humor. I don’t take myself or my work very seriously.”