For Oklahoma Bible Academy art teacher Lacye Russell, the dream of leading a classroom began long before she earned her degrees or built a program in Enid.
“I have known since 4th grade that I wanted to be an art teacher. My elementary school art teacher, Mrs. Stephanie Busbea, was amazing and I wanted to be just like her. It was through her that I had my very first artwork displayed at a statewide art exhibition in Little Rock, Arkansas.”
A native of south Arkansas, Russell attended El Dorado High School before continuing her education. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Fine Arts from Memphis College of Art.
Along the way, Russell was shaped by educators who helped cultivate both her artistic ability and passion for teaching. She credits a number of influential teachers from her elementary, high school and college years, while also drawing support from her involvement in the Oklahoma Arts Education Association.
“I am extremely blessed that I have had many amazing art teachers in my life- from elementary school through college Helene Lambert, Pat Johnson, Ed Pinkston, Peter Jones, and Marie Bukowski. I also serve on the Board of the Oklahoma Arts Education Association, and I have developed many close relationships with many amazing art teachers across the state through that organization. They are many great art educators across Oklahoma, and I am so fortunate to call many of them my friends.”
At OBA, Russell’s purpose extends beyond teaching students artistic techniques. She wants them to recognize their value, develop confidence in their work and carry creative problem-solving skills into every area of life.
“I want every art student to leave my classroom knowing that Mrs. Russell loves and cares for them. They may not all become professional artists in the future, but I know they will use the creative thinking skills they have learned in my classroom to do many big and wonderful things. I also hope they continue to take pride in what they create and value craftsmanship.”
Russell said the support of OBA administrators, student families and fellow faculty members has helped the art department continue to grow. Away from campus, she enjoys spending time with her family, painting, cooking and teaching occasional adult art classes at Autry Technology Center.
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