Mrs. Patience Shirk

I am excited to be starting my first year with Loudoun County Public Schools here with the pack at Trailside Middle School! I have spent the past 9 years teaching middle school art in Frederick County Public Schools, and previous to that taught art at all levels from elementary through to College level courses! I earned my BA Hons in Studio Arts/Sculpture from the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland, and continued my education at the University of Oregon to receive my MFA in Sculpture. Coming from a family of educators, for me a natural part of being a practicing artist includes passing on the experience and knowledge I have acquired along my own academic journey to young artists. I love getting the opportunity to guide and inspire them as they grow as artists, and for them to see all the ways that art can enrich their lives! I live in Stephenson, Virginia with my husband Kevin, two young sons Miles and Drew, and long haired Dachshund Ollie. In my spare time I can be found working in my studio on my own work, reading,  or exploring nature with my family.