It seems that everyone’s favorite art teacher got carried away with the sun this past summer. With the shocking change in his appearance, Mr. Erickson returned to school this year with some of the summer sun still with him. His new bleach blonde look has the school buzzing.
This sudden change was the result of boredom. Mr. Erickson said he “got bored and needed to cover up my greys.” He decided to reinvent himself and is always looking for something different to do. He continued, “Your hair is just like a canvas; you can get creative and if it doesn’t work out, it will grow out.”
For those of you that haven’t had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Erickson, he has an effervescent personality that is always followed by a huge smile on his face. His spontaneity is just one of the things his students love about him. Junior Dana Elka said, “My favorite thing about Mr. Erickson is his crazy personality.” Sophomore Connor Glynn agreed, “My favorite thing about Mr. Erickson is he’s not like the regular teacher.”
One reason Mr. Erickson connects with so many students, junior Brianna Moore said, is that “Mr. Erickson is very down to earth and understanding.” Science teacher Ms. Tracey agreed. “Mr. Erickson makes a good connection because he brings his real world experience of advertising commercial art and fine arts to the classroom and with his students.” Mrs. Erickson said, “He can relate with them and he’s still a kid at heart.”
Mr. Erickson loves working with his wife. He said, “It’s great working with my wife, because we’re in the same profession and love to bounce ideas off each other. We definitely enhance and inspire each other professionally because we work together with the same group of students. I can drive to work with my best friend and spend it having quality conversation.”
Mr. Erickson made the choice to be an art teacher, he said, “Because I love art and creativity and am very passionate about it. I love working with kids and connecting with them to infect them with the same passion. My students keep me young and more importantly, challenge me and teach me as well. I love what I do. I have the greatest job!”
Outside of school, Erickson shared, “My life is all about Mrs. Erickson and our [6] kids. I love spending time with the family and going to their events.” On the weekend they love to cook together and rent romantic comedies on Netflix. The Erickson’s favorite meals to make together are pulled pork, which is Mrs. Erickson’s recipe and stuffed flank steak Mr. Erickson’s signature dish.
Mr. Erickson teaches Digital Photography, Ceramics and Studio Art. If you haven’t had the chance to take one of his courses definitely try to before you graduate! It is life changing.