TEACHER'S CORNER: HELPING STUDENTS FIND THEIR CREATIVITY

Robert C. Friedrich III sees art in everything.

Friedrich, a third-year art teacher at Cape Girardeau Central High School, enjoys photography, painting, sculpting, gardening, antiques, old cars and art history. He teaches a sculpture class for The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

"This is just something I've always loved," said Friedrich. "I see teaching as a way to express my enjoyment of art and at the same time encourage others to enjoy art themselves."

Friedrich, who has shown his work at several art galleries, said he likes to watch students create something they can be proud of. He likes to work with students on contemporary, nonconventional art.

For example, one semester he had students paint furniture they planned to use when they went to college. Another time, he had students develop a class project based on Louise Nevelson's wood assemblages. The end result was an 8 feet by 15 feet wide project that was displayed outside the Southeast Missouri State University art museum.

"Students often amaze themselves," Friedrich said. "It's fun to see how their talents and confidence can develop with a little encouragement."

Friedrich stresses individuality and self-esteem in his students. He said he likes to see his students win local, regional and state awards for their work, but their personal development is equally rewarding.

"Of course, I love to see kids get awards at the art shows, but I get a kick out of how the other teachers are so impressed with the kids' work," he said. "It's also a wonderful feeling when a parent tells you that you have made a difference in their child's life."