Congratulations to our Sharon McCoubrey Award in Visual Arts recipient and 2023/2024 Bachelor of Education graduate, Makeena Hartmann!
“Receiving this award is a huge honour,” says Hartmann. “I feel very grateful and motivated to continue sharing my love of art with future students.”
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Hartmann loves spending time in nature and sharing laughs with her family and friends. She stays active through sports and other fun activities, and also makes time to be creative. While she enjoys a range of mediums, lately she’s been focused on acrylic painting and sculpture, often using recycled or salvaged materials in her work. Her work is inspired by the beauty of the natural world and the importance of protecting it.
View her art on Instagram at @designsbymaki
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH HARTMANN
What inspired you, or motivated you, to pursue the field of education as a career?
I have wanted to pursue a career in education for much of my life. I came from a family of educators, and my passion for knowledge and sharing the joy of learning with others grew from a young age. I worked with youth through coaching and volunteering in an art class, and the meaningful connections inspired me to continue in this direction.
Looking back, is there a moment at the Okanagan School of Education that stands out as meaningful, funny, or transformative?
For me, the most meaningful part of my time in the Okanagan School of Education was experiencing true, authentic kindness. From the specific acts and celebrations of kindness we practiced in the program, to my classmates’ sincerity, to the all-encompassing support provided by my instructors and advisors, it made me feel great hope for the future of education.
What advice do you have for incoming teacher candidates?
My advice would be to keep an open and receptive mind to absorb the wisdom being made available to you on a daily basis, and to enjoy the journey with like-minded individuals.
About the Sharon McCoubrey Award in Visual Arts Teaching
Associate Professor Emeritus Sharon McCoubrey created the award to be presented to a Bachelor of Education student who has demonstrated leadership and passion for creativity with a commitment to advancing the teaching of visual arts.