Mary Beth Hatch

Hatch’s innovative teaching idea, “Natural State, Natural Art,” focuses on engaging the students at Harrison Middle School through art and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts by allowing the students to publicly display their products to enhance the diversity, tourism, and economy within the town of Harrison, AR. Students involved in the program will learn to lead and collaborate with other students as well as local artists within the communities through the creation of mural artwork. As the students collaborate with other students and artists within the community, they will be presented with opportunities to take leadership roles within each mural concept. The teams will work together to make each mural a natural work of art, leveraging photo, video and design software to portray their concepts. Additionally, the collaboration with other students and the local artists will present public speaking opportunities for those students who do not normally partake in this type of learning experience.