At Art In Motion (AIM), innovation thrives in the hands of educators who challenge convention and inspire creativity. Venise Keys, AIM's dynamic visual arts teacher, embodies this spirit with a teaching approach that empowers students to explore, reflect, and create on their own terms.
Ms. Keys’ students often describe her as a teacher who pushes them to exceed their own expectations, recognizing her dedication to teaching art projects and the foundational processes of becoming an artist. From drawing and painting to sculpture and fiber arts, her classes emphasize critical thinking, technical skill, and creativity. By exposing students to professional practices like writing artist statements and conducting research, Ms. Keys prepares them for success in the art world and beyond, finding ways to connect art to general education standards. Last year, she had students think about what their career paths looked like after AIM and investigate core components of those interests, like basic vocabulary, basic skills, important figures in the field, and important events that happened in the industry. Students then took that information and synthesized that into their artwork. “I take a holistic approach to our arts projects, pulling together pieces of the general education curriculum and skill sets with an arts focus,” Ms. Keys shares.
Ms. Keys’s classroom ingenuity became a critical component during the 2020–2021 school year, as schools moved from remote to hybrid teaching amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped create AIM's The Wiz Festival, an interdisciplinary reimagining of The Wiz set on Chicago's South Side. During the hybrid learning year, students collaborated virtually and in person to create choreography, art installations, and performances that celebrated their community. Ms. Keys served as the festival's artistic director, coordinating the visual elements and ensuring the event's success despite the challenges of the pandemic. "It was stressful, but seeing what collaboration could achieve was incredibly rewarding," she reflects.
Beyond teaching technical skills, Ms. Keys prioritizes a whole-child approach to learning, leaning into social-emotional learning and trauma-informed instruction. She uses check-ins, intentional language, and a calm demeanor to create a supportive environment where students feel seen and valued. "Young people deal with so much outside of school," she says. "I want my classroom to be a safe space where they can express themselves and find relief through art." A part of this ability to express themselves is Ms. Keys’s choice-based classroom space where students are leaders in their learning experience. She encourages them to pursue their interests while introducing them to new mediums and techniques. Whether carving soap sculptures, crafting visual puns, or exploring themes in art history, her students are constantly challenged to think critically and creatively. "I guide them to discover what excites them and help them develop their unique artistic voice," Ms. Keys explains.
Through her innovative teaching methods, commitment to her students, and belief in the transformative power of art, Ms. Keys exemplifies the mission of Art In Motion, hoping to instill a sense of autonomy and resilience in her students. "I want them to know their education is in their control, regardless of challenges," she says. “Even if they don't pursue art professionally, I want them to carry the knowledge that creativity can be a refuge in a demanding world." Her work is shaping the next generation of artists while equipping them with the tools to navigate life with confidence and creativity.