Writing and artwork by students in Michaela Schnetzer’s class at Nashville School of the Arts

The students who completed this book are second year sculpture students at Nashville School of the Arts. The book took approximately 9 weeks to complete and was the result of extensive research into censorship and book bans, historically and currently in the state of Tennessee. Students worked in collaborative groups of 3-5, which was difficult at times, but proved to be an extremely beneficial learning experience (although they asked to not work together for a very, very, very long time at the conclusion of the project).

At Nashville School of the Arts, we believe that by becoming more aware of our environment, we can begin to notice opportunities for change. The Visual Arte Conservatory at NSA is a program which heightens our students’ awareness of themselves, their world, and the role of art in society.

Through a balance of technical training and the connection of ideas, we foster artists as well as discerning patrons for the future. Our program enhances our students’ capacity to question the world around them, to respond to it creatively, and to effect great change.   

To keep up with NSA Visual Arts, find our website at https://nsa.mnps.org or follow us on Instragram: @arting_with_ms.s

Michaela Schnetzer is a 16 year teaching veteran at the Nashville School of the Arts. She holds a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in Art Education and Painting and a MA from Grand Canyon University in Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to moving to Nashville, Michaela lived and taught on the Navajo Nation in Arizona – an experience that still guides and influences her educational philosophy and art practice today.