Brienne Kvetkus, known to students as Ms.K. has been teaching art in Montclair Public Schools for 18 years. Being creative was always something Kvetkus leaned into, so although she attended Rutgers University to study athletic training, she became an art major and graduated with a BA in Visual Arts from Mason Gross School of the Arts. Kvetkus loves to tell this story to her students to remind them to follow their hearts and be open to change. After college, working as a substitute teacher, Kvetkus found a love of teaching kids and decided to pursue an art education degree at Montclair State. She was a student teacher at Northeast and at Glenfield, where she went on to teach art for 13 years before working at the high school.

When not teaching, Kevtkus loves to travel and brings along her mini paint set to do quick watercolors. She finds that taking time to make art is therapeutic, allowing her a magical moment to reflect and enjoy nature amid the hustle of travel. Ms. K teaches AP Art History, Art 1 Honors, Art Foundations, and Fibers

Dan Gerdes is a photographer and graphic designer by trade and teaches both of these subjects at Montclair High School. When he is not managing his family’s comings and goings, he is usually thinking about graphic design or photography—or music, another of his passions. You can see more of Dan’s work on his website dangerdes.com or on his Instagram @dangerdesphotography.

Angela Yanette is an experienced and passionate art teacher with over 13 years of experience nurturing creativity and artistic skills in students of all ages at Montclair High School. Angela’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and inspiring environment where students can explore their artistic style and technical skills. Her expertise spans various mediums, including ceramics, sculpture, and digital art, including CAD and 3D printing.

Outside of the classroom, Angela’s style reflects her love of travel and combines organic materials with carving, wood burning, ceramics, and 3D printing. “Exploring ways to bring all of it together within one sculpture is a thrill and a challenge,” she says. “I start with an idea and let the story unfold as it all comes together. Suddenly, I’m casting in plaster, 3D printing, or gathering organic materials. Every sculpture comes from the heart, inviting the viewer into its story to look around and dream.”

Ann Cavallo is completing her 24th year teaching in Montclair. She taught at Watchung Elementary School for 20 years and is finishing her fourth year at Montclair High School with an emphasis in ceramics instruction. Cavallo received her undergraduate degree in painting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and her master’s in ceramics from Montclair State University.

Using handmade clay and glazes, Cavallo employs the ancient Japanese technique of raku to fire her work. In raku, glazed ceramics are taken from the kiln while they are still red-hot and placed into metal garbage cans, called “pits,” that are filled with combustible materials such as sawdust or newspaper. This process starves the piece of oxygen, creating a post-fire reduction atmosphere that creates a myriad of colors within the glaze. “Raku is my favorite technique because the artist only has so much control,” Cavallo says. “So much magic can happen that is unplanned. It is always exciting and somewhat unpredictable.”