News
Teske bids farewell to art instruction at show in Newburg
Tyler Ohmann
04/30/2013
At a ‘mini’ art show at the Newburg Senior Center last Friday more than 20 current and former students of Marjorie Teske came to wish her well as she celebrated retirement.
Teske, who taught art both at her home studio and formerly at the Newburg United School District, said a couple reasons motivated her to call it quits.
“At my age you get a little less energy and that started me plans to retire,” Teske said. “And with my husband’s health problems, that was the major reason.”
Teske began art lessons in Westhope and then with her elementary teaching background was told she should start teaching. From then on it has become the biggest part of her life.
“I loved it. It became my passion,” Teske said. “Not too many people are blessed like that. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
While Teske won’t teach any more formal lessons to students, she said she can’t get away from art all the way.
“I get really attached to my students, so when I need a students fix, I am going to have some art workshops,” Teske said.
Teske said that she will definitely miss her students and watching them succeed and improve.
“Watching their art ability expand,” Teske said she’ll miss most. “Watching their creating, and I had some of them bring their old art and the stuff they’ve been working on and it’s remarkable all the experience they’ve gained.”
The retirement party, which included dozens of pieces of artwork from several artists, including featured artists Juliann Brandjord, Laura Ellen Brandjord and Amanda Monson, culminated with a gift for Teske from her students.
From her newest to some of her first students Teske received a page or two for a scrapbook. The pages, made by the students, included their works and memories they had with Teske.
The gift brought Teske to tears, and despite her retirement, she said her passion will live on.
“I just want to thank all my students,” Teske said.