Alison Maddex - Making An Impact

by Chuck Cascio, Author and Former South Lakes Teacher

Alison Maddex

The life of an artist can be challenging, but it also can result in great rewards personally and professionally. Alison Maddex, a 1983 graduate of South Lakes High School, knows both ends of the spectrum firsthand. "It’s tough to make a living as an independent curator and fine artist," Alison admits. "That said, I think I was built to be an arts educator and, specifically, in a diverse setting. I’m always motivated to get people to see the world in multiple layers and from a variety of viewpoints."

Alison's pursuit of those goals has taken her on a journey that has required commitment, patience, and skill–all qualities she has put to use as an artist, art curator, teacher, and more. As head of the Art Department at Upper Darby High School in Philadelphia, her instruction and leadership are influenced deeply by her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University, her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and her own work as an artist and founder of the Time Art Salon at DuPont Circle. In addition, her personal artwork has been displayed in numerous exhibits in D.C., New York, Philadelphia, and elsewhere.

Alison's personal commitment to embrace the challenges of being a lifelong artist and arts educator have been integral in building her career. "I love feeling a part of a variety of age groups and communities," she says.

Memories of South Lakes High School and the Reston community also have influenced Alison. She cites the supportive impact of teachers at SLHS, especially the late Dr. Ray Wilkins, former head of the SLHS Art Department, whom Alison considers her mentor.

"I really loved school–my teachers, wonderful facilities, and sophisticated curriculum especially in the arts, all mainly due to the avant-garde nature of Reston and its residents," she says. "I have many fond memories of friendships connected by pathways, pools, and community shopping centers. We had so much freedom to roam in those days. And I fully recall starting as a sixth-grader at Terraset Elementary School in its inaugural year. It was such a cool environment, with its open classrooms and modern design."

Alison taught art at SLHS for two years after college before continuing to focus on her own art, curating numerous exhibits, and teaching at Shepherd University and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. She applies these multiple experiences to her work as a teacher and artist today. "Teaching teens, I stay current!" she says of her approach to addressing the challenges of leading the art department at a school of 4,000 students in a district where 90 different languages are spoken.

Valuing and encouraging artists to pursue their individual uniqueness are also keys to what Alison sees as her mission: "My approach to teaching is to stress process over product and to keep the content sophisticated--meaning, don’t ever dumb things down. Challenge, but differentiate. Keep things smart and cool."

She has made a point of inviting former art students now working in the field to meet with current students to show them what is possible. "I’m working toward greater visibility for student work and increased connections to art graduates," Alison says. "Last spring, I kicked off a visiting artist series with alumni who took a variety of art professional paths. The artists made quite an impact on our students, proving that a career in art was possible."

Alison wants students dedicated to the arts to understand that there are career options to be reached: "I’m developing extra-curricular workshops for students in the artistic profession, including the business and creative aspects of visual arts careers. Programs like this are critical today, when art schools are closing here in Philadelphia and around the country."