Bianca Jackson is an artist that loves to share her knowledge. It started when her kids were young as they watched her build a Victorian doll house made of numerous materials including many innovations of her own. Soon friends of her children were interested and would come watch her projects develop. “Binky” as she is known to her family and friends loves to paint. She has painted large murals on each of her grand children’s bedroom walls. She hand paints furniture for children and decorates items around the house with creative finishes, handles and hinges. As a substitute teacher in Randolph County, Binky has numerous stories about introducing students to art at many local schools and in various class subjects. “I was a substitute teacher for the Wood Shop class and taught the kids to paint their birdhouses in individual Bianca Jackson teaches ways to play with paint ways” she said “then they took the birdhouses home as gifts for Mother’s Day. In a Home Economic class I brought in materials to show the students how to make a center piece and coordinate it with the place settings. Many boys lean toward monsters and fantasy images but occasionally one will surprise me and paint flowers.” Bianca Jackson believes that everyone has artist ability and needs an opportunity to experience art lessons. She teaches classes in a cozy environment in her home. For several years now she has been enjoying the development of several regular students and amazed by their talent. Binky’s home art classes are a combination of coffee, conversation and exploration of many approaches to creative ideas. “I wish Randolph County could provide art classes for all children. It’s an important part of learning and personal growth. And if not in school we really need a place to have classes for art” she said “art is good for the soul and helpful for sparking new energy in people of all ages.”

By Corinne Cox