Professor Brandon Witschi, M.F.A

Art education is a transformative process that nurtures not only technical proficiency and historical understanding, but also the capacity to observe, question, and create with intention. As an educator, I am committed to empowering students to discover and develop their unique voices as artists, designers, and critical thinkers. My teaching practice is rooted in the belief that art is a powerful tool for communication and change—one that thrives in diverse, inclusive, and intellectually engaged learning environments.

I recognize that every student enters the classroom with distinct experiences, identities, and perspectives. My role is to cultivate a space where those differences are valued and leveraged as strengths. I design my courses to be inclusive and accessible, using a variety of teaching methods to support diverse learning styles and needs. These include:

Multimodal instruction, combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning activities to ensure that students can engage with content in ways that resonate with them.

Flexible project formats, allowing students to choose media and themes that reflect their interests and cultural backgrounds.

Collaborative critique sessions, structured to promote respectful dialogue, peer learning, and constructive feedback.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, such as offering multiple means of representation and expression, to reduce barriers and foster equity.

Culturally responsive pedagogy, integrating global perspectives and encouraging students to explore how art intersects with issues of identity, power, and social justice.

In an art appreciation course, I guide students to examine how visual culture both shapes and reflects societal values, encouraging them to connect historical works to contemporary issues. In studio-based courses, I emphasize experimentation, iteration, and reflection—mirroring the practices of working artists and designers. Students are encouraged to take creative risks, engage in critical self-assessment, and collaborate across disciplines.

My teaching is anchored in three core principles:

Critical Engagement

Students learn to analyze visual culture with depth and rigor, questioning assumptions and connecting art to lived experience. I incorporate case studies, current events, and community-based projects to make learning relevant and impactful.

Creative Practice

Through hands-on exercises, open-ended projects, and iterative critique, students build technical skills while developing conceptual clarity. I support their growth by providing individualized feedback and opportunities for self-directed exploration.

Community and Responsibility

I foster a classroom culture that values collaboration, empathy, and ethical practice. Students learn to navigate diverse perspectives, engage in civic dialogue, and consider the social implications of their creative work.

Ultimately, I want students to leave my classroom with more than knowledge or skills—I want them to carry forward a sense of confidence in their creativity, a deeper appreciation for the power of art, and an understanding that their voices matter. I aim to demystify art as something distant or elite, and instead present it as a living, vital practice that can inspire change—within themselves and in the world around them.