Around Crownsville/Gambrills: Millersville Elementary art teacher honored

Sometimes it's just nice to know your hard work has been noticed by your boss or peers. For Darlene Montani, art teacher at Millersville Elementary School, that recognition was made public last week when she was named the Anne Arundel County Outstanding Elementary School Career Art Teacher for 2009 by the Maryland Art Educators Association at their annual fall conference.

"It shows that what I'm doing, I'm doing really well," she said.

"I was very surprised at first, then very excited because I work very hard."

Darlene has spent the last six years at Millersville teaching students from kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as periodic special-needs classes.

"We were absolutely thrilled that (she) was chosen," said Tammy Brendle, principal at Millersville Elementary.

"(She) just has a way with all of our students, and the art work is incredible. It's above and beyond the norm."

Tammy said that Darlene was nominated by the head of the county school's art curriculum; she didn't know anything about it until Darlene received the congratulatory e-mail.

"It was a surprise," she said. "We're thrilled that now the rest of the county gets to know our Ms. Montani."

It was Suzanne Owens, coordinator of Art for Anne Arundel County, who picked Darlene for the award.

"Whenever we have a new teacher, who needs to see an exemplary teacher in action, we always think of Darlene," she said.

In her biography for the award booklet, Suzanne said that Darlene "teaches exemplary lessons that emphasize multiculturalism, critical thinking and cross curricular connections."

She also mentioned the quality of artwork that Darlene's students have produced, and the rapport she builds with her classes.

"That's exactly what we're looking for in a superior teacher," she said.

"It doesn't come overnight … it takes time to develop a program, and she has really done a wonderful job."

Darlene has been an art teacher for 20 years, first in Colorado and then in Maryland. And she loves her work.

"I think what I love about teaching first of all is the excitement I see on kids' faces," she said. "At the elementary level, they all love art."

In her fifth-grade art class Wednesday morning, Darlene talked about foreground and background, texture and Van Gogh. After a review of terms, students bent over their foil relief projects, etching patterns into the foil.

"I love art class, it's really fun," said Gabrielle Wilburn, who was also in Darlene's fourth-grade class last year.

"She's a really good teacher. She really helps a lot of people when you need help," she said.

Sitting together at one of the heavy-duty tables, Stephany Chicas, Evan Sibert and Kelsey Hartzell all agreed that art class was fun.

"She's funny," added Evan, who's been taking art from Darlene since the first grade.

"It's fun, you get to learn new elements," Stephany said.

"I always wanted to be an art teacher."

Darlene particularly enjoys working with her older students.

"I like asking the questions … and to see how they interpret those challenges," she said.

And she likes to mix in art history, famous artists of the month, and techniques ranging from paint to clay.

"They're so open and receptive," she said. "I try to expose them through the year to different types of media."

Darlene majored in fine arts for her bachelor's degree and in visual arts for her master's, but turned to teaching after graduation.

"I found that once I started, I really loved it. It's like my love of the arts, I wanted to pass (it) on," she said.

"I've always had a love of the arts."

Looking for books? The Herald Harbor Community Association is holding their fall flea market and used book sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at the Community Center, 390 Hall Road in Crownsville.

At the same time, the association will be conducting a food drive to benefit the Light House shelter in Annapolis.

The event will be held rain or shine; to donate books, videos or jigsaw puzzles, call Janet Clauson at 410-987-2027.

For food drive information, call Kim Jackson at 410-923-3171. And for general information, call Bunny Krause at 410-987-5776.

Ready for Halloween? The 20th annual Haunted Barn and Hayride is open at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds on General's Highway in Crownsville.

The event is from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday nights, and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday nights, through Halloween.

Admission is $10. Children 6 and younger are admitted for free. Snacks and drinks are available.

For information call 410-923-3400 or visit www.aacountyfair.org.

Do you have a story to share or event to announce? Send your Crownsville or Gambrills news to hroth@ capitalgazette.com.