Dianne Brudnicki

My art teacher, Mrs. Brudnicki, amazes and inspires me. Lovingly known as “Mrs. B,” she has encouraged me to develop not only my artistic abilities, but my character as well. Through her work as an art teacher, city councilwoman, minister to the homeless, and humanitarian, Mrs. Brudnicki’s vision to touch others’ lives and improve their worlds makes her my hero. Mrs. B sees a need in people’s lives and works to fill it rather than waiting for someone else to step in. She has undertaken a variety of projects from providing homeless women with the opportunity to create art, to working on her local city council to preserve the authenticity of her community.

Her inspirational and caring attitude always challenges me to develop as more than just an artist, but as a loving and compassionate individual as well. After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, she asked all her students to create comforting images and messages to send to the families of the firefighters who died in the World Trade Center. What started as a simple gesture of caring ended in the compilation of an entire book of her students’ artwork, Messages of Peace, Hope, and Love, which was given to everyone who had lost a loved one in the tragedy. Besides teaching art, my hero also heads the Duvall City Council’s Economic Development Committee where she works to preserve the history and authenticity of her small farming town. Within her local community Mrs. B has not only worked with students, but with homeless women in a transitional home called “Acres of Diamonds,” teaching them to take pride in their craftsmanship and lives.

Mrs. B’s latest endeavor is going global to share art and compassion with AIDS orphans in Madagascar, Africa. She will teach art to the children, and record the stories of their lives. Her plan is to compile the orphans' stories and artwork into a book and use the book’s profits to further the children’s education. With all her various projects, my hero’s vision to reach others and her enthusiasm for the task never cease to amaze me. My hero makes me realize how one person can truly make a difference.