Interview conducted by Cadence Beatty (Class of 2028)
1. What's your favorite thing about working here?
My favorite thing about working here are the students and the artwork they produce in my classes. I absolutely love it when the lightbulb goes off for them and they’re excited about their art.
2. Where did you go to college?
I went to Wayne State University for my BFA in ceramics (clay), Eastern Michigan University for my teaching certificate K-12 Art, Central Michigan University for my MA in Humanities, and Ferris State University for my English endorsement. I’m also attending Massachusetts College of Art every summer in Boston to learn more about painting specifically in oils and abstraction. I’m definitely a lifelong learner with a growth mindset.
4. What are two things you do when you get to school in the morning?
When I get to school in the morning I set up the warm up drawing prompt for the day, and write the agenda on the board.
5. What are three things you love about your classroom?
Three things I love about my classroom are the natural lighting through the east facing windows, the outdoor art patio, and the drop ceiling with 30 years of tessellating ceiling tiles. I also love the smell of the art supplies.
6. What is one thing you would change about your classroom?
One thing I would change about my classroom is more storage. Artists can never have enough!
7. What are two fun facts about yourself?
Two fun facts about myself are I own my art business called Dana Woolman Art, and I own multiple bicycles for mountain biking in all seasons. I mountain bike a lot in Arcadia, Bellaire, and Marquette.
8. What was your dream job when you were in high school?
My dream job in high school was to be an artist. Working for the state parks was my second dream job.
9. What was your favorite class/subject in high school?
My favorite class in high school was art class and I was able to take it for two classes per day. I also was a student aide for my high school art teacher.
10. Are you proud to be an Onekama Portager?
I am proud to be an Onekama Portager, as I’ve been doing this job for 31 years.
Thank you to Mrs. Woolman for participating in this interview, and to Cadence for conducting it! Keep an eye out Monday for the first of three student spotlights in the next month, where Cadence will interview our elementary, middle, and high school Students of the Month.