FIYou: Gretchen Scharnagl ’00, MFA ’04


Name: Gretchen Scharnagl ’00, MFA ’04

Hometown: Miami, Fla. I’m originally from Connecticut.

Job Title/Department: Visiting Lecturer, Department of Art and Art History

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I teach drawing, visual thinking, ceramics and 2-D design in the Art and Art History Department, color theory in the Interior Design Department, artistic expressions in a global society (with David Dolata and Miriam Willis) for our Global Learning curriculum.

Number of years at FIU: I’ve been since 1997 as a student and since 2004 as a lecturer.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Unlocking the cages of “suppose to” and allowing the freedom of “what if.”

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?

That on the outskirts of the campus, students are learning to think critically, problem-solve and dive into creative experiences, discovering their own potential through art. That global diversity has always been part of our curriculum in the art department.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

The Nature Preserve, because of the joy of taking students there and discovering wonders like owls and kingbirds, snakes and lizards, the evidence of hawks, beautiful caterpillars, in a forest and a lake right on our campus (and making art about it). It is my favorite spot because it is always under the threat of construction, but so far has inspired many to speak out on its behalf. Its value is its self.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

That with the richness of brainpower and determination of authentic researchers and practitioners FIU is a zygote great university.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?

FIU has always facilitated that junction between technology, diverse community, complex lives and ambitious goals. Under our current leadership, a new dedication to art and its importance to higher education have been reaffirmed.

Family snapshot:

My husband of 31 years, Robert, whom I dated since I was 19; my two beautiful scientist daughters, Anna and Klara, who both currently work on research projects connected to FIU; and my fellow faculty, including those retired or deceased, who have been my dearest friends, mentors and co-workers. And my students who sometimes call me mom.

Word that best describes you: Connective.

First paying job: Painting flowers on straw hats for sale through Jordan Marsh department stores, the gift shop at Planet Ocean (now Mast Academy), a cook at Tacos Ole, a salesperson at Arango, teaching drawing at Fairchild Tropical Garden, to name a few of the potential answers to this question.

Favorite TV show: NOVA and Masterpiece Theater.

What is playing on your iPod?

TED Talks.

Your proudest accomplishment:

Raising two fine young adults and being a positive contribution to countless other young adults (sometimes young in spirit without necessarily being chronologically “young”).

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

Art is teaching, experience, research and studio time – there is no time off.

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