J.C. Stallings was first inspired to create by his middle school art teacher. Now a middle school art teacher himself for Roanoke City Public Schools, Stallings shows young people every day that they, too, can make art.

For his portrait, he draws from his own classroom throughout his challenging, yet rewarding day. Of his classroom, Stalling says, “By showing up each day and focusing on relationships, the empathic qualities of art help transform difficult behavior into a class culture that is engaged in supporting mutuality through creativity.”

The dynamic work includes drawings of his students and portrays the energy of a typical day in the classroom.