Cory Bucknam
Art Teacher at Brunswick Junior High and Incoming President for the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA)
Why did you choose to become an educator in the arts?
I was a studio art major in undergrad, with a focus on figurative sculpture, but had no inkling that art education would be in my future. When I moved to Portland in my early 20's, I worked at a paint-your-own pottery studio and discovered that I loved working with kids, especially large groups like birthday parties and the YMCA/YWCA. I remember being rather surprised that my coworkers didn't share my enthusiasm, and that made me realize that I was meant to be an art teacher.
What do you wish more people knew about arts education?
I wish people realized how critical arts education is for our students' wellbeing. The arts bring learning to life, and make life itself more enjoyable.
Why is arts education important for K-12 students?
Arts education allows all students to learn, grow, play, and shine in ways not always seen in other content areas. It allows for exploration of deeply meaningful and authentic topics, and encourages students to think critically and creatively and to develop and express their own identities.
“The arts bring learning to life, and make life itself more enjoyable.”
Why do you believe it is important for art educators to participate in YAM?
Showing a student's artwork in YAM is the visual art equivalent of a theater group performing on a big stage after months of rehearsal. It rewards the work and the process of learning with an incredible authentic audience. It tells young artists "you matter, you deserve to be here."
The PMA has the Susie Konkel Pass, giving everyone 21 and under free admission; The Tidal Shift Award, a youth art prize focused on solutions for climate change; Free School Tours; and Youth Art Month, but can do more for our young communities and emerging artists. What would you like to see the museum do more of in the coming years around youth engagement? What’s missing?
I'm really hoping that the new addition to the museum includes plenty of room to hold art-focused and art-making events geared toward young people. I can imagine things like Youth Art Activism workshops, hands-on labs that relate to current exhibits, and collaboration with teachers on art integrated lessons.
What do you think a museum’s role could be within our society?
A museum can serve as a central community builder, generator of innovative learning, and can serve as a way for us to interpret the past, analyze the present, and plan for the future.
Outside of your role as an arts educator, what role does art play in your life?
The act of creating is why life is enjoyable. It doesn't matter if what I'm creating is ceramics, fiber arts, baking, or gardening. Creating something meaningful out of basic materials is deeply satisfying and fulfilling. The pandemic caused me to connect with my garden on a deeper level than ever, and it has now become one of my primary forms of self-expression.