Oakton Art Teacher to Show at Artist Teacher Exhibition

Two black and white portraits sit side by side. A young boy stares, wide-eyed, from the left. His face appears again on the right, this time wearing a serene expression. In a different image, there is a colorful mix of the U.S. Capitol with a vibrant casino.

The artist behind these creations is art teacher Susan Silva.

“The casino was a statement,” Silva said. “I made that artwork in August when the government couldn’t make a decision about the budget. I felt like perhaps they were running the government like a casino, as if the money wouldn’t run out.”

Silva currently has her photography on display at the fourth annual FCPS Artist Teacher Exhibition. The exhibition at the Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College from Oct. 31 to Dec. 3 showcases the talents of artist teachers from around the county.

Out of more than 350 art teachers in the county, a select 30 are represented, amounting to a total of 46 different artworks. Silva is honored to be among this group.

“I’m incredibly flattered,” Silva said. “Any time you’re offered the opportunity to participate and show off what you can do, you should embrace it.”

From photographing Oakton High football games on Friday nights to capturing pictures of her son, Silva is immersed in creating art.

“I really like sharing what I know about art, whether it be studio, photography, ceramics or any of the visual arts,” Silva said.

Silva has the chance to share this knowledge with her students. Because she also enjoys spending time with kids, teaching was a natural path for her to take.

“It’s a great job because I get to make art every day,” Silva said. “Growing up, I never envisioned myself being at a desk.”

Art has played a key role throughout all of Silva’s life. From high school to college to where she is now, Silva has consistently had her mind set on a life involving art.  

“I was always artsy,” Silva said. “I hung out in the art room all the time. It offers a vast opportunity for self exploration.”

In addition to the community that the art room offers, Silva also draws inspiration for her artwork from day-to-day occurrences. As a visual thinker, she can take quotidian events and transform them into captivating pieces of art of all types.

“I get inspired by my students, my experiences on a daily basis, my travels, the weather, everything,” Silva said. “I see things in my head, link it to something else, and create something that puts them together.”

As for future plans, Silva looks to continue her pursuit of art through both teaching and creating it herself for the public eye.

“I need to get my work out there more, but that’s a time issue,” Silva said. “If there were three more hours in the day it would be easier.”

A reception will be held Nov. 10 at the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center at Northern Virginia Community College from 6 to 7:30 p.m.