It’s obvious to anyone who visits Kathie Walker-Millar’s home, attends one of her shows or sits in on one of her classes, that she loves art. Passion can be heard in her voice, felt in her paintings, or seen on her clothes in the form of clay or paint. She not only loves creating art, but she loves teaching others how to create, appreciate and understand it themselves. She exemplifies the concept of giving each student a personalized education, and all who have graduated under her leadership know that she is not just their professor, but a friend and source of encouragement for life.

The following interview was taken from a Faculty Spotlight featuring Kathie that will be featured in the upcoming issue of the Chieftain:

How does studying music, art or the theatre prepare students for life after college (even if a student does not choose a career in fine arts)?

More Americans go to museums than to sporting events. A well-rounded liberal arts McMurry graduate who has studied art, even when it is not their career choice, will feel more knowledgeable in museum and gallery settings; appreciate original art and design; collect original art; and/or continue to make art as their creative outlet.

Art helps us to observe more, perceive more and remember more. Children who learn to draw increase their scores in reading and other “academic” areas. Studying art connects us to our past, present and future. Exposure to the art of other cultures opens us to appreciating ethnic diversity. In art we visually experience: reflections of beauty; the everyday events of society; integrating design element of form with function; the problems and blemishes of society; and the spiritual.

Art balances our lives: physically by requiring use of the right-side of our brain (most college coursework emphasizes the use of the left-side of the brain); emotionally by providing a safe format to release our emotions; mentally by giving us the tools and skills to record our personal experiences and afford the opportunity for reflection.

Finally, art also promotes creativity and higher thought processes. This nation and the world need citizens who can envision possibilities; explore ambiguities; and grasp the multiple perspectives and dimensions of the 21^st century global society.

What is your most memorable experience at McMurry either inside or outside the classroom?

One of my fondest memories at McMurry was a reception held 8 years ago in front of the Ryan Fine Arts Gallery welcoming us back from China with our 9 month old daughter, Maya. The warmth, support and generosity from my colleagues and students still make my heart smile.

When I teach a class in Basic Pottery and a student learns to throw or a drawing class and the student learns see and therefore to draw, it is always a sublime moment.

Every graduation is a memorable experience, both sad and very exciting. And then after graduation, hearing from a student and how he or she is succeeding in life and career is one of the things that gives meaning to my job.