In the well-equipped and supremely decorated art room of Centralia High School, Chris Tucker’s impact is unmistakable. With over 20 years of dedication as the school’s art teacher, he has transformed a traditional program into a dynamic space where creativity, mentorship, and innovation thrive.

“When I started, I didn’t know how much potential this program had,” Chris says. “Now, it’s become a community of artists who inspire each other to achieve more.”

Chris’s journey to teaching art was anything but straightforward. Growing up in Carlisle, Illinois, he knew he had a passion for art but wrestled with uncertainty about making it a career. It wasn’t until college that he fully embraced the path of art education, despite initial skepticism from his family. “My parents were cautious,” he recalls. “They knew there were limited positions for art teachers, but in the end, they supported me because they saw how much it meant to me.”

That passion for art and teaching has shaped a program that not only produces exceptional artwork but also cultivates leadership and resilience. Chris’s philosophy is simple: use art to teach life skills. “Art is inherently about problem-solving,” he explains. “It teaches students to approach challenges with creativity and persistence, skills they can carry into any field.”

Central to the program’s success is its self-sustaining mentorship system. Advanced students in upper-level classes mentor younger students, creating a culture of collaboration and mutual growth. “It’s a virtuous cycle,” Chris says. “The older students model excellence and encouragement, and the younger ones aspire to follow in their footsteps.”

This supportive environment has yielded remarkable results. Under Chris’s guidance, Centralia’s art students have consistently excelled in regional competitions, including the prestigious Belleville Art on the Square, where they’ve won top awards, including back-to-back Best in Show titles. “It’s not just about the accolades,” Chris emphasizes. “It’s about showing students what they’re capable of when they put in the effort.”

Chris’s program blends traditional and digital art, reflecting the evolving nature of the field. With state-of-the-art technology funded by the school board, students learn digital techniques alongside foundational skills like painting and drawing. “We’re preparing them for the real world,” Chris explains. “Most art-related careers now involve some level of digital expertise, so it’s critical they have that experience.”

But it’s not just technical skills that Chris aims to impart. Recognizing that many of his students are perfectionists, he’s developed methods to help them balance their high standards with a willingness to take risks. “Perfectionism can hold students back,” he says. “I try to teach them to use it as a strength rather than a barrier.”

Chris’s commitment to his students extends beyond the classroom. His decision to pursue a master’s degree in oil painting wasn’t just for personal growth—it was to ensure he could offer the best possible education. “I wanted to improve my craft so I could better teach my students,” he explains. “The program has grown immensely because of what I learned.”

For Chris, the greatest reward isn’t the awards or recognition—it’s the growth he sees in his students. “When a student gains confidence, not just in their art but in themselves, that’s everything,” he says.

Looking ahead, Chris is excited to continue evolving the program. Whether it’s incorporating AI tools like MidJourney to enhance creativity or exploring new techniques, his focus remains on equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in both art and life.

“Art is about so much more than creating beautiful things,” Chris says. “It’s about learning to see the world differently and finding your place within it.”

For Chris Tucker, that’s the true masterpiece—and one he continues to paint every day at Centralia High School.