My name is Karla Starnes and I am an art educator with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Art Education from Appalachian State University. Before becoming an art teacher, I was an artist but I worked at a desk for many years in a position that made me feel as if I wasn’t making a difference in the world. Later in my life, I was lucky to have the opportunity to become whatever I wanted and I knew making an impact on young people would be fulfilling. So I decided to combine my love of creating art with art education. I started teaching art here at Davenport A+ in the fall of 2020, and fulfilling is an understatement. It is my philosophy that to be a great educator we have to pay attention to details with all of our senses. I want to make sure that each student is seen and acknowledged for who they are, that their voices are heard, and their hearts are felt. Helping each student fully succeed means that we have to understand what they are capable of, and guide them to that target goal.

My personal art practice focuses primarily on making homemade paper. In 2020, my art was part of an exhibit at the Hickory Museum of Art. However, I play with many different mediums that include drawing, painting, or building something. I love to be outside and you can often find me creating my own art outdoors. I also sing and play guitar and mostly do so in the praise band at my church.

Being a part of Davenport A+ has been life changing for me. I love every minute that I get to create with all these awesome students. I love experimenting with different art techniques and your kids continue to teach me as well. It is one of my favorite things about being a teacher, that I am completely inspired by what the students teach me. I cannot wait for another year and a lot more creating! I am completely fulfilled.