Milwaukee City Wire

Laura Lofton, an art teacher at Escuela Vieau in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), has been honored with the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) Outstanding Educators Award. The museum recognizes only two educators from across the state each year for this accolade.

Lofton recalls her own childhood experiences with art fondly, saying, “I looked forward to art class every week. It’s easy if you feel like you’re good at something.” She strives to instill a similar appreciation in her students by making them feel competent and enthusiastic about their artistic abilities.

In addition to teaching art, Lofton leads the Girls on the Run chapter and coaches robotics at Escuela Vieau, which serves students from K3 through grade 8. She has successfully developed the school's robotics program by securing a grant from the state Department of Public Instruction.

Lofton believes that both art and robotics appeal to creative minds. “It’s that creative brain that’s the same,” she noted. Her diverse interests include sculpting, painting, and visible mending, which she shares with her students to enhance their learning experience.

Art education offers numerous benefits such as improved memory and social-emotional development. “We get benefits from it whether we see ourselves as artists or not,” Lofton said.

Recently, Lofton's 7th and 8th-grade classes focused on creating posters for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. art contest held annually at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. The theme this year is "What Are You Doing for Others?" Lofton encouraged students to reflect on Dr. King's message and express it creatively through their artwork.

Lofton's efforts have led some students who struggle academically to excel in art, finding a niche where they can thrive. “I have a lot of kids who really love art,” she said.

In August, Lofton received her award at MOWA's gala alongside Vieau Principal Marko Radmanović. Reflecting on community support for arts education, she mentioned contributions from organizations like Rockwell Automation toward building a new makerspace at Vieau School.

The new makerspace will provide more resources for both art classes and robotics teams, replacing makeshift arrangements such as using hallways or carts stationed on different floors due to lack of elevators in the building.

Her nomination for MOWA's Educators Award was submitted by a leader in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's art education programs who praised her mentorship skills and leadership qualities—attributes confirmed by museum staff during their selection process: "Lofton eagerly accepts student teachers every semester...her passion exemplifies dedication."

“I welcome fresh ideas," said Lofton regarding working with student teachers while noting how beneficial these experiences are not only personally but also professionally: "They feel empowered."