Lisa Gillis

For over two decades, I have had the privilege of teaching art to children ages three to six at a Montessori school in Marblehead, where I was first invited to create an “Art Through Literature” lunch elective. What began as a small enrichment class grew into a full-time role as the school’s art teacher, allowing me to shape a program rooted in creativity, curiosity, and meaningful connection.

My academic background—a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing with a focus in Art, along with a certificate in Interior Design—has informed both my organizational approach and my artistic perspective. In the classroom, I blend storytelling with hands-on exploration, introducing young learners to art through themes they can understand and relate to. In my literature-based classes, I read stories and design projects inspired by their themes, seasonal elements, and illustrations. For the broader school community, I develop projects centered around artist studies and creative expression.

Each spring, I guide students in creating a collaborative piece for the Marblehead Arts Festival. These projects often combine mixed media, recycled materials, and social or environmental themes. For example, during our study of Georges Seurat, students explored pointillism while learning about endangered monarch butterflies and how planting milkweed can support their survival. Another year, inspired by Gustav Klimt, we created geometric golden cod while discussing the environmental challenges facing New England fisheries.

This year, through Picasso’s Bouquet of Peace, students are exploring the meaning of peace, symbolism in color, and the power of unity expressed through art. My goal is to foster not only artistic skills, but also empathy, awareness, and a lifelong appreciation for creative expression in even the youngest learners.