For Sarah Harless, being an artist and teacher is about more than creating beautiful paintings. It’s about bridging the gap between creativity and education and bringing her passion to life in and out of the classroom. Harless, a high school art teacher at Kelton ISD, is currently featured in the America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, where her artwork will be on display through Saturday, Oct. 12. Alongside her work as an educator, Harless has been a participating artist in the prestigious show for four years.
Harless, who commutes daily from her home in Sayre, Oklahoma, to teach at the small rural district in Kelton, Texas, says the show has been a valuable opportunity for her students as well. “It’s neat to have my students come and be encouraged to do the youth art contest, but also to see all the professional artists in the show,” Harless said. “They get to witness the entire process from start to finish, and then see the final artwork hanging in a museum. It’s been beneficial for the kids — they take you more seriously when you actually do what you say as an artist.”