“Art is a place for children to learn to trust their ideas. Themselves. And to explore what is possible.” Maryann F. Kohl
Allison Swanner Certified K-12 Visual Art
Teacher and Owner of Exceptional Artist, LLC
My Philosophy
I believe that beginning the creative process at a young age allows children to develop confidence and embrace divergent thinking. Like any skill, creativity requires practice—the more it is exercised, the stronger and more natural it becomes. As an art educator, I nurture this growth through hands-on, meaningful art-making experiences.
Whether in the classroom, at camp, or through curated art boxes, I strive to create a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art skills, explores a wide range of tools and materials, and introduces students to art theory and history. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity, build problem-solving skills, and encourage creative risk-taking.
Exceptional Artist is rooted in creating opportunities that empower children to be creative, confident, and self-expressive. Our programs focus on positive art-making experiences where every child can succeed, regardless of skill level, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts and the confidence to think creatively.
A Special Student
I have always loved making art, but it was a special child who inspired me to become a teacher. While enrolled in the M.S. Architecture program at the University of Tennessee, I worked a summer job for the Clark County Children’s Council in my hometown of Winchester, Kentucky. My role included designing and leading a week-long summer art program for approximately thirty elementary students.
By the end of the program, several students stood out for their work ethic and artistic talent. One of those students was a quiet, shy first grader named Demarcus. Though soft-spoken, Demarcus was a remarkable artist. His creativity and craftsmanship were evident in every project he completed. I still vividly remember the joy on his face when I called his name to receive an award—his smile filled the room.
The following week, I received a phone call informing me that Demarcus was in the hospital. His family had just learned that he had leukemia. I was able to visit him and speak with his family, who shared that he had not stopped talking about art camp. He was especially proud of the award he had brought home.
Demarcus passed away a few weeks later. As a memento, his family gave me one of his stuffed animals to remember him by. It now sits in my art classroom as a quiet reminder of the impact a child can have on a teacher.
Although my time with Demarcus was brief, it changed my life. That summer opened my eyes to the profound importance of children’s art and the role educators play in nurturing creativity, confidence, and joy. It ultimately led me to change my career path—from architect to art educator—a decision I carry with gratitude and purpose every day.
A Little History
I grew up in Winchester, Kentucky, graduating from George Rogers Clark High School in May 2001. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from Maryville College, a Master’s degree in Art Education with K–12 certification from the University of Tennessee, and an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership and Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.
In 2008, I began my teaching career at Lake City Elementary School in Rocky Top, Tennessee, where I designed and implemented an art curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade. In 2010, I was honored as Lake City Elementary Teacher of the Year and Anderson County Teacher of the Year.
After nine years at Lake City Elementary, I accepted the position of art teacher at Clinton Elementary School, where I teach kindergarten through sixth grade. In 2019, I was named Clinton Elementary Teacher of the Year and Clinton City Schools Teacher of the Year.
I truly have the best job in the world and feel incredibly grateful to be part of such an outstanding school system and a supportive, inspiring community.
The EA Story
My first art camp took place in 2011 in my hometown of Winchester, Kentucky. At the time, several elementary schools in the area did not have art programs. As an elementary art teacher, I understood the importance of early exposure to the arts and wanted to create an opportunity for children to explore their creativity.
Unsure of what the interest level might be, I opened registration for a one-week day camp for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. To my surprise, sixty students signed up. With limited space available, I taught all sixty children in the cafeteria of the local middle school. Looking back, the experience was organized chaos—but it ended as a tremendous success.
The following year, the Winchester camp continued to grow, and I expanded the program by adding a second camp for my own students in Anderson County, Tennessee. In 2014, I officially founded Exceptional Artist, LLC. Since then, Exceptional Artist Camps have continued to grow each year, fostering creativity, confidence, and a strong sense of community among young artists.
Creative Opportunities