Lisa Krannichfeld
Art Educator, Pulaski Academy; Professional Artist
Pulaski Academy, a private institution that has been servicing families in central Arkansas for more than 40 years, is committed to academic excellence and intellectual growth balanced with opportunities for each student to develop ethically, physically, artistically, and socially. I’m honored to be able to facilitate the artistic development aspect of Pulaski Academy’s mission. I teach seventh- and eighth-grade art in the middle school, and ceramics in the upper school. Outside of the classroom, I am a professional artist proudly represented by M2 Gallery in west Little Rock.
On Power
People often underestimate the power of a good compliment. Receiving a good compliment on something you accomplished makes you feel great, while simultaneously making you want to work harder. Compliments both reward and inspire — a great tool that any leader should use.
I feel most powerful when I see someone completely mesmerized by a piece of art I created. A true sign of power is the ability to persuade, convince and enlighten people, or more simply put, the ability to teach. When you open a person’s eyes to something they’ve never experienced or known before, you have the power to change their minds and expectations. That is pretty powerful.
On Success
I think success is never really achieved in the mind of a successful person. There’s always another goal to accomplish or another obstacle to overcome. My drive and ambition are what make me successful.
On Motivation
I get to share the beauty of art with people every day, whether they are my students or future patrons of the arts. My career goal is to become a National Board Certified teacher in art and to have my work hang on the walls of museums.
A Powerful Day
During my first year of teaching, I was working with one of my classes on creating a narrative collage that expressed a personal memory or event. One eighth-grade girl created an image about her parents’ recent divorce. Later she came up to me and said she felt at peace after making that collage and she was glad she did it. It made me feel incredible because I provided the opportunity for her to express what was dying to get out of her. The fact that she was hooked on making art after that was a great bonus!
The Quiz
- Favorite place in Arkansas: It’s a tie between relaxing in Eureka Springs and hiking in Devil’s Den State Park.
- Favorite restaurant in Little Rock: Boulevard Bread Company. Their baguettes are simple, but so good!
- Social Networking: Regular Facebook user. Semi-regular Twitter user. Currently addicted to Pinterest — it’s a Saturday morning ritual of mine.
(See the full list of the 2012 Women to Watch here!)