Meet Anne Aurand | Art Educator and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne Aurand and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

Growing up, I always found joy in creating. Whether it was drawing in my sketchbook on long car rides, creating a comic book on the bus with a friend, developing film in the dark room while anticipating the resulting images, or even just laying out an aesthetically pleasing tri-fold display. I knew I wouldn’t be happy with a career that required me to sit in a cubical. When I went to college, all I wanted to do was take art classes– all my parents wanted was for me to find a major that would lead to a stable career. Luckily, I found the best of both worlds with Art Education.

As a high school art teacher, I get to create something every day –and the bonus is I am also surrounded by colleagues and students that are not only creative, but incredibly talented. They challenge me to continue to pursue my own creative goals.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
During the Covid shutdown, I made art to connect with others. I would make postcard size pieces and mail them to friends, family, and colleagues with words of encouragement, letters of thanks, or celebratory congratulations! When the world started opening back up, I realized how much I needed to intentionally create. One of my good friends, who’s a full-time artist, encouraged me to start selling my art and prints too. I truly didn’t think anyone would buy anything, but, by the grace of God, there was interest. I cannot thank those who have bought my originals, prints, or commissioned work enough.

While I do make commissioned work, much of the imagery in my personal art reflects the things and memories that remind me of the people in my life, both past and present since my family is a big part of who I am as a person and as an artist. I prefer mixed media, but I lean heavily on watercolor because I love the spontaneity and the organic nature of the mark making.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first thing I would do with my best friend in town would be to go shopping in historic downtown Dallas. Main Street has many fun shops and boutiques to check out like the Tin Bucket Mercantile, Kitsch & Color, Sutton Tate Boutique, and more! For lunch, though, we’d head to downtown Kennesaw for pizza at Vesuvio Pizzeria Napoletana– the best Neapolitan style pizza around! Afterwards, we’d make our way down to the Battery to cheer on the Braves! The fun would continue with an hour at Portal Pinball in Acworth. This place is great– filled with a wide variety of new and vintage pinball games plus old school arcade games and a full bar. We’d then grab dinner and drinks at 1885 Grill in Acworth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am who I am, professionally, because of the impact of a long list of art educators. From my own art teachers like Mrs. Cox, who taught me about myself when she analyzed my mark making, Mr. Smiley, who believed in me when I didn’t think I was anything special, Ms. Landers, who always expected more from me (because she knows what I’m capable of), and Jes Booth, who taught me how to be an art teacher and has continued to support me throughout my carreer, to my colleagues that trust me, push me, and support me.  Dr. Katie Anderson, my county Fine Arts Coordinator, may not be an art teacher, but she has always been more than a wonderful friend; she’s been a mentor and role model, and I cannot imagine working with anyone else.

Instagram: @aaurandart

Other: email: aaurandartist@gmail.com

Image Credits
Mastriana Ranch