Art at Thelma Barker

Contact Us

  • Mrs. Erin Nerren, Art Teacher

    ernerren@jmcss.org 

  • My name is Erin Nerren, and I am a veteran art teacher with more than 12 years of experience at the Elementary level. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Middle Tennessee State University in 2006. I gained experience in the Summner County School District, Charleston County School District, and in Metro Nashville Public Schools before coming to Thelma Barker in 2019. 

    Being an art teacher brings me so much joy. Watching a kindergartner delight in the magic of paint mixing or seeing the pride on a student's face when they bring a vision to life is a blessing to witness. Art is a subject that is fun for most kids, and while they are creating, they are also learning important problem-solving skills. It's incredibly rewarding to be able to challenge students and then watch them preserve, work, through problems that might arise, and show growth. I love being able to provide an experience that they may not get anywhere else. 

    I follow Disciplined Based Art Education, teaching Art Making, Art History, Art Criticism, and Aesthetics. While teaching those, I also incorporate a variety of mediums into my lessons. Throughout the school year, students will draw, paint, work with clay, do printmaking, weave, collage, sew, etc. I like to make my lessons as fun and exciting as possible!