Oona Wade

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As both an artist and future educator, I am passionate about fostering creativity, self-expression, and artistic exploration in the next generation.

Art has always been a meaningful part of my life and has served as a personal outlet for expression, reflection, and growth. Coming from a family of creatives—with my grandmother as an artist, my grandfather as a writer and my mother who is a skilled maker/artisan of pretty much everything —I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by individuals who nurtured and encouraged my imagination and creativity. Their influence helped shape not only my love for the arts, but also my understanding of the importance of creative support and mentorship.

As I continue my journey in art education, I become increasingly grateful for the creative abilities and perspective that art has given me. This gratitude inspires my desire to help others discover and develop their own creative voices. I believe art education extends far beyond teaching technical skills; it provides students with opportunities for self-discovery, confidence-building, critical thinking, and meaningful expression.

As an aspiring art educator, my goal is to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where all students feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to take creative risks. I strive to cultivate a space where students of all backgrounds and artistic abilities can explore their identities, express their ideas, and develop confidence in their unique perspectives. Through my teaching, I hope to inspire students not only to grow as artists, but also to recognize the power of creativity in understanding themselves and the world around them.