Students choose to embrace art for different reasons. Sometimes, they take an art elective because they want to try something new. Other times, friends introduce them to it. But for Alicia Fine, art has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
“I think I was always an artist. My mom will tell stories about how I would design outfits on my dolls. My sister would take the clothes out of the box and I’d create new outfits,” said Fine. “I’ve always had a very creative side. In high school I won a lot of awards and I thought, ‘I can really do this.’”
Fine, a Paxton, Massachusetts native, began teaching at WHS this year. She currently teaches Metalworks, Art 1, Art 2, Digital Photography and will teach Ceramics second semester.
Before coming to Wayland, Fine received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University and her Master of Education degree from Worcester College. She has also taught at Andover High School for two years and at Malden High School for seven years. Fine chose WHS because of the assortment of courses that appealed to Fine.
“I was excited that there was metalwork here and also ceramics, which was my minor in college. I was pleased I could teach both of those, and that’s really exciting,” Fine said.
Fine really enjoys teaching others about art.
“There are a lot of things I like about teaching, but I like being there the moment something really makes sense to someone else,” said Fine.
In addition to teaching a variety of art classes, Fine also takes part in many other art forms. In the summer, she teaches Metalworks at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She also participates in artist residency in Chicago and paints a lot there.
Fine also knows that art isn’t always appealing to everyone, but encourage students to give it a try.
“I think everyone should try to take an art class,” said Fine. “It is accessible and you don’t have to necessarily think of yourself as an artist to be in the class, or to be successful in the class.”