Anita Bates

Michigan Nightlight: What does being a leader mean to you?
Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies Art Instructor Anita Bates: Being a leader does not always mean you have a leadership title. It does mean, however, that you set a standard or example that people look to. An effective leader realizes that they are not the smartest one in the room and draws upon the strengths of the community to create a great team. A leader allows for input and productive dialogue and is able to engage others in activities that will have some sort of benefit.
 
What is your dream for kids?
My dream for children is to have them live in a world where they can fully express themselves in a positive manner: to be

Info sessions and incubators designed to help people who want to promote the arts and educate the community at large would be very beneficial.

expressive without fear of being told that what they are doing is not valuable.
 
What is one concrete thing that could be done to improve the environment for social sector work in Michigan?
There are many people in the state that have a desire to do life-inspiring and life-changing work. Many people, however, don’t know where to begin. Info sessions and incubators designed to help people who want to promote the arts and educate the community at large would be very beneficial. People need to be able to organize themselves in order to help others. Accessibility of information and resources is paramount.
 
How do you know you’re making progress?
I know I’m making progress when a student, who comes to my learning studio in September with little to no confidence in their art-making skills, is able to create a finished work of art that they feel good about. I have had students who struggled through every project and when we get to the last project, they are pushing themselves and making critical decisions on their own with respect to the artistic merits of their work. That is progress. When I overhear students, in particular those who do not

When I overhear students, in particular those who do not consider themselves artists or creatives, having conversations about artistic media, I know that our art team is making progress.

consider themselves artists or creatives, having conversations about artistic media, I know that our art team is making progress.
 
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my life as a creative. That means the ability and opportunity I have been given to create and bring out the creative energy in others. When I was a very young girl I made a statement and it has manifested itself; I told my mother that I was going to be an artist and teach people how to make it.
 
In speaking with younger people who are interested in careers in arts education, what advice would you give?
Always be willing to learn. There is always room for personal and professional growth. Keep a young mind; that is, be willing to change a strategy and stay current. Also, it is extremely important to maintain yourself as an artist and creative being.