Page 14 - 2018 Mar-Apr Art-i-facts

Acquisition: Art, The Humans are relational and crave communication. Our

minds hunger for elucidation. Language is the gift of the
Expressive Language expression that facilitates relationships. It allows us to share
our inner thoughts and hallmarks intelligence. Language
is so vital that it has long been the spotlight of study
by experts in psychology, physiology, and the medical
By Kate Hall
profession. Language acquisition during the crucial years
of one and six has been the focus of educators because
it ensures lifelong success, connectivity, and kinship. Art
draws a very similar parallel, for art is communication; a
language unto itself. The best news about art is that the
mind is wired learn it at any age.

Sharon Haeusler Surrency has dedicated herself to
language acquisition. Her studies were guided by
scholarship and that path led her towards education
with a deliberate seasoning of art. Uniquely motivated
by her much younger sister who was deaf, she focused
on children, both traditional and those developmentally
delayed, and later converged on specializing in language
acquisition of deaf students. The skills she honed over
many years of dedicated work would blossom again in
the parallel world of art education.
During her working years, Surrency was careful not
to neglect her art, “I was given a great piece of advice.
That advice was to ‘always keep something (time) for
yourself.’ So, I dedicated almost every Saturday morning
to painting.” Painting nourished her soul, won her
Wine & Rose Workshop. Student work is displayed on the walls.
awards, and provided the armature for her next career
in commercial and gallery art. Surrency could never truly
give up her first love: Teaching. This time she introduced
students to the language of art.

Surrency affirms, “Art is the language of expression.” At
lessons held at Visual Concepts, students are taught to
melt away the stresses of daily life like watercolors spread
on a page. In addition, core concepts of art are imparted
while talents are developed, often producing award
winning students. Many students come only for their own
enjoyment and self-expression.
Surrency recently passed the torch as a three year
president of the Lakeland Art Guild. She modestly
attributes the nearly ten-fold growth of the group and
its numerous achievements to the merits of servant
leadership. When asked what was next, referencing her
continuation of teaching others the beautiful, expressive
language of art she replied, “I am content where I am.”
Those interested in finding their voice through art are
invited to pursue instruction at Visual Concepts. To learn
more visit: www.visualconceptsfl.com/art_classes.html
Wine & Rose Workshop. Student work is displayed on the walls.

14 Art-i-facts • March-April 2018 • www.polkarts.org