Christa Wessel, the dynamic art teacher at Central Community High School, has a simple philosophy: art is about discovery, courage, and connection. In her seventh year at Central and with 13 years of teaching under her belt, Christa has turned her classroom into a vibrant spot where students find their voices, embrace creativity, and, most importantly, feel at home.

“Art is personal,” Christa says. “It’s a space where students can express who they are and who they want to be. It’s not just about learning to paint or sculpt—it’s about connecting with themselves and with each other.”

Her passion for fostering these connections is evident from the moment you step into her classroom. Thanks to recent upgrades supported by the district, the art room now boasts bright white walls, a black ceiling to keep focus on the workspace, and a dedicated ceramics station. “This space feels like home for us,” Christa says with pride. “The district asked what I needed, and they delivered. It’s amazing to see how much they value the arts and our students.”

Christa credits her own high school art teacher with inspiring her journey. Growing up in Marine and attending Triad High School, she found encouragement and guidance in the classroom. “My teacher helped me realize art was my passion,” she recalls. “Now, I get to do the same for my students.”

At Central, Christa’s curriculum offers a range of experiences, from traditional drawing and painting to ceramics and printmaking. She encourages students to explore and challenge themselves, whether it’s carving linoleum blocks for printmaking or hand-building intricate clay pieces. “I focus on the process of making art,” she explains. “It’s about experimenting, finding courage, and pushing through challenges.”

Christa’s students have earned recognition in competitive settings like the Belleville Art Show and juried exhibitions at local colleges. “It takes a lot of bravery to put your work out there,” she says. “But that’s part of the magic of art—it builds resilience.”

Beyond the accolades, Christa treasures the daily connections she makes with her students. “I feel like a proud mom all the time,” she says with a laugh. “Watching them grow, challenge themselves, and figure out who they are—it’s the most rewarding part of my job.”

Her students feel the impact of her dedication, often returning to share how their time in her classroom influenced their lives. “It’s amazing when they come back and say, ‘Here’s what I’m doing now,’” Christa says. “Whether or not they pursue art professionally, they’ve found pieces of themselves in this room.”

One of Christa’s favorite classroom mottos, displayed on a painted sign, reads, “Creativity takes courage.” For her, it’s more than just a phrase—it’s a guiding principle. “A blank piece of paper can be scary,” she says. “But the courage it takes to create something, to put yourself out there, that’s a skill that goes beyond art. It shows up in work, parenting, and life.”

As a department of one, Christa juggles multiple roles, from teaching to leading the school’s art club. Her passion extends to lifelong learning—she’s currently exploring options for a master’s degree to strengthen her own skills and, in turn, her students’. “I want to keep growing,” she says. “The better I get, the better I can help them.”

Central’s community plays a significant role in Christa’s success. “This place is a family,” she says. “The teachers, the staff, the parents—they all genuinely care about our kids. They show up with donations, support our programs, and make sure we have what we need.”

Looking ahead, Christa hopes to continue building the program while maintaining its core values of connection and courage. “Art is about more than creating—it’s about finding yourself,” she says. “And at Central, we’ve created a space where students can do just that.”