Ms. Anne Sinclair is finally retiring after 28 years of teaching! If you are reading this, it is likely that Ms. Sinclair has positively impacted your life, whether she has taught you something as simple as how to hold a paintbrush or as grand as inspiring you to use art as a powerful means of therapeutic self-expression. To celebrate Anne’s passionate dedication to art education, her friends and family are pitching in to give her the send-off she deserves: a retreat at the esteemed Penland School of Crafts right here in North Carolina.

Those who have met Anne know she is unconditionally dedicated to art. While raising her four children, she completed her Master of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, in addition to her degrees in Art History and Art Education. She has been the Art Teacher at Hoggard High School for the past 24 years, where she has nurtured the curiosity of thousands of students, always offering a place for them to express themselves, no matter how uncertain the times. Anne has been recognized nationally for the caliber of her work, as both an International Baccalaureate teacher for the past 10 years, as well as a National Board Certified Teacher for over the past 20. She has also mentored other teachers on how to achieve these prestigious recognitions, much to their delight!

Yet as committed as she is to her craft, Anne has been equally as committed to her students and community (if not more so!). Any one of her students can attest how her consistently positive, open attitude has given them the space to build a deep-seated confidence that has served them in all aspects of their lives. She has led numerous efforts to promote art across the Wilmington area, such as her work raising money for North Carolina National Treasure artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi's residency with the Cameron Art Museum or her fundraisers for the Women’s Shelter. Between all of this, she still finds time to create her own works, which she displays regularly in both individual and group exhibits.

And what better way to celebrate Anne than to send her to a place she has always dreamed of going, but could never justify the expense? The Penland School of Crafts is an artist’s retreat in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge mountains that is dedicated to instructing and inspiring artists from across the globe. Ironically enough, the thing Anne has expressed the most excitement about from her retirement from teaching is becoming a student again, and she has even mentioned Penland as her idea of a perfect, post-retirement getaway. Once we raise enough money to hit our goal, we will surprise Anne with her choice of any Penland workshop, accommodations, and food. (If you see her before she retires mid-June, please keep this surprise under wraps!)

If you have any stories about how Anne has had a positive impact on your life, please share them below or send them to my email! Anne always loves a good story, and we are sure she will relish each of them!