IUPUI Top 100 Q&A: Emily Crowel on art education

Four Herron School of Art and Design students have been honored with 2020 IUPUI Top 100 Awards.

Emily Crowel, Shelby Elrod, Abigail Mendoza, and Dane Wallace would have been recognized during the Top 100 Outstanding Students Recognition Dinner in April, but COVID-19 prompted the 20th annual event's cancellation.

So, over the next two weeks, we're illuminating their achievements through a series of Top 100 Q&As.

A senior at Herron, Emily Crowel is also an IUPUI Honors College student, a resident assistant, a 500 Festival Princess, a member of the IUPUI Regatta Royalty court, and a soon-to-be art educator. Here, Crowel discusses her leadership roles, teaching art, and the significance of being a Top 100 student.

HERRON: What motivated you to become an art teacher?

EMILY CROWEL: I've always been in love with art; I've been drawing for as long as I can remember. When I was in high school, it was really difficult to enroll in art classes because so many people were trying to take them. I finally got accepted into an intro to 2-D class during my junior year. It felt like some weeks I spent more time outside of class on my artwork than I did on my AP homework because I valued it so much.

I realized I wanted to be an art teacher because I love children, teaching, school and learning, and art. It just made sense. I was accepted into Herron with only two semesters of art classes in high school. It was a struggle during my foundation year to feel like I truly belonged at Herron, but once I began my art education classes, everything made sense. Working with students, crafting lessons, and helping others find a love for art keep me motivated in my art educator role.

HERRON: During your last semester, you've taught at an elementary school as part of your field experiences toward certification for teaching pre-kindergarten through 12th grade art classes. What has the unique artistic viewpoint of children taught you about creating art?

CROWEL: Teaching art to elementary school students has been such a rewarding experience. The kids have really taught me that you can enjoy art at any age. As long as they're having fun with their learning and creating, I'm doing a good job of teaching.

Teaching in elementary school has also taught me that there is no such thing as "good" art. The aesthetic discussion of what art is, and the value of art, is ever-changing from person to person, era to era. It's important to express that to the students and their parents, too.

HERRON: Has COVID-19 impacted your field experiences?

CROWEL: For the rest of the spring semester, I'm co-teaching grades 6 through 8 at Carmel Middle School while navigating eLearning. I was supposed to take over teaching completely when schools closed and classes moved online.

This experience has taught me that being flexible and adaptable is so important as an educator. Teaching art online isn't impossible, but it's a different experience than being in the classroom. I've had to get creative with my lessons.

HERRON: What is the most important lesson you've learned about teaching and inspiring young artists?

CROWEL: I've learned that all students are capable. Regardless of their background, their home life, their interests, or their abilities, all of them are capable of being amazing, successful artists and individuals. They all deserve respect and love when they enter my classroom.

I'm always teaching them something through the way I act, the words I speak, and the way I treat myself and others. I hope that what I teach them is all positive and that I serve as a role model for them, regardless of who they are.

HERRON: What is the one thing you wish others knew about the field of art education and its role in society?

CROWEL: It drives me crazy how there's this preconceived notion that art isn't important to education, and that artists aren't intelligent. Art is so important to society. It's everywhere you look! It's in your films, your advertisements, your homes, museums, your clothes, your technology. That's why it's important to teach others the value of art through art education.

My favorite conversation to have with people is the aesthetic discussion. What is art? What makes something "good" art? What makes something "valuable" art? It's a discussion that has no right or wrong answer. However, it is important for people to know that art is an important personal experience. My goal as an art educator is to teach people that.

HERRON: You were among 33 Indiana women chosen to serve as 500 Festival Princesses for 2020. Through this role, you'll be involved with statewide outreach programs and other forms of community service. What do you have planned for the months leading up to the Indianapolis 500 since it's been postponed?

CROWEL: The Indianapolis 500 and 500 Festival events have been moved to August, which I'm excited about because we were all worried they would be canceled for the year. Because of the move, 500 Festival Princesses are encouraged to try different kinds of outreach opportunities. For instance, I've been making encouraging chalk drawings on sidewalks outside. I've also recorded myself reading children's books and written 25 letters so far to people who are heavily affected by the pandemic.

The 500 Festival Princesses are doing social media takeovers for the 500 Festival, where followers will get to see "A Day in the Life of a 500 Festival Princess." Mine is scheduled for the middle of May, and there will be a takeover every Tuesday and Thursday leading up to the big race. We've also created collaborative TikToks during quarantine, so check out the 500 Festival Princess TikTok account.

Although, it isn't what I expected, I'm still thankful for this unique experience.