CHALKBOARD CHAT is an interview series highlighting the teaching artists and administrators who dedicate their time and expertise to ArtsConnection students.
Cibele Vieira
Teaching Artist
What’s your earliest memory of being moved by art?
Where I grew up in the south of Brazil, we didn’t have galleries or museums. My earliest memories of being moved by art had to come from books. I remember seeing The Silent Studio, by Douglas David Duncan, who photographed Picasso’s studio after his death. I wasn’t just moved by the art itself, but by seeing the artist’s private workspace—his process made visible. I also remember discovering Van Gogh in art books, all those colors and the weird brush strokes, made me dream of one day visiting a big museum to see his work in person.
Describe your primary school arts education in three words
Limited, basic, and inspiring.
I had very little art education as a child, mainly just colored pencils, glue, and colored paper. Today, when I step into a classroom filled with young children, I want to encourage them to explore and enjoy different materials, bringing along a wealth of visual inspiration.
How long have you been working with ArtsConnection?
Over three years now! I started running a photo Club in East New York. As of today, I have run art classes from primary to high school. We have made collaborative wall decal murals, print making, art shows, and shared many laughs!
What has been one of the biggest challenges in your teaching journey?
I’ve been teaching art in hospital settings for over 13 years, and when I began teaching in schools, my biggest challenge was finding the balance between structure and flexibility. In after-school programs, you never know if a student will be present in the next class, so maintaining continuity can be fragile.
How has teaching children changed your outlook on art?
I don’t think it has changed my understanding of art, but it has definitely broadened my knowledge—especially when it comes to materials and approaches. I have learned to work with textiles and more modern materials like acrylic pens that can be easily manipulated.
Lastly, in your own words, why do you feel the work we do at ArtsConnection is important?
Inspiring the next generation to think creatively and critically about our reality—and giving them the tools to cope with it so they can build a better world—is both fundamental and an honor.
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