Libby McArthur has always been drawn to art. As a child, she sketched on the backs of restaurant placemats.
“That creativity stemmed into my adolescence,” McArthur, of Mokena, said. “I would find myself doodling on all my homework and notes.”
Now an accomplished artist and educator, McArthur recently achieved a significant milestone: her ink drawing, Drip, was selected for the National Art Education Association (NAEA) juried exhibition.
The exhibit, showcased on the association’s website, arteducators.org, highlights the creativity and expertise of visual arts educators from around the world. McArthur’s work was chosen from 433 submissions spanning 29 states, Canada, South Korea, and Vietnam, with only 82 pieces making the cut.
During her time at Lincoln-Way East High School, McArthur’s artistic talent was nurtured by instructors Paul McDermott and Dale Sandoval, who encouraged her to pursue her abilities. This guidance inspired her to follow a path in art education. McArthur earned her degree in art education from Western Illinois University and went on to complete a master’s degree in art history and an English education endorsement at Governors State University. She later earned a second master’s degree in instructional design and technology from Western Illinois University.
McArthur began her teaching career in the Sycamore School District before joining Evergreen Park Community High School, where she currently teaches art.
The challenges of teaching art during the COVID-19 pandemic reignited McArthur’s personal artistic practice. “During COVID I was struggling with being a teacher, especially in art as I had to change everything to teach art hybrid and/or remote,” she said. “I started doing more with online art communities, experimenting with my work, and working with the IAEA (Illinois Art Education Association) and NAEA (National Art Education Association). It also made me start making art again as a way to help with the anxiety of the pandemic.”
In fall 2023, McArthur created a series of black-and-white ink drawings inspired by global mythology. Among these, Drip reflects the Norse myth of Jormungandr, the serpent said to encircle the earth.
“Black-and-white ink drawings are my preferred medium,” McArthur said. “I find that ink is the best way for me to be creative because of my ADHD. Ink allows me to clean up faster, work quickly, and complete a drawing sometimes in one day. My hyper fixation (ADHD) will let me listen to books and draw for hours so most time I can finish a drawing in one day.”
NAEA Executive Director Mario R. Rossero praised McArthur’s work in an email notifying her of her inclusion in the exhibition. “Your work was thoughtfully reviewed by a panel of jurors and selected for display from among 433 peer submissions,” Rossero wrote.
Submissions were evaluated on criteria including originality, clarity, innovation, material usage, and craftsmanship. McArthur’s Drip stood out in this competitive field, showcasing her talent and dedication to the arts.
Beyond her artistic practice, McArthur is a dedicated member of the NAEA and currently serves as a liaison for Illinois as well as co-chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee for the Illinois Art Education Association.
“Art is one of the most precious things in my life,” McArthur said. “I hope me reaching for dreams is an inspiration for my own kids and my students.”
To view McArthur’s work and other featured pieces, visit the NAEA Member Exhibit at arteducators.org.