Great Bend Public Schools is celebrating Art in Education Week by spotlighting the work of Anna Popp, a new art teacher at Great Bend High School. A recent graduate of the University of Kansas and an accomplished mural artist, Popp has already brought energy, collaboration, and color to her classroom and the GBHS community.
To start the year, Popp welcomed students with a collaborative activity, creating a mural — an art form she knows well. With nearly 100 students participating, her classes collaborated on a “drip” mural installation. Each student created a unique drip design, and together, they assembled the pieces into a cohesive mural that now decorates her classroom.
“I wanted to start the school year with a fun project that brought everyone together,” Popp shared. “Being a new teacher, some of my walls needed more flair, so this was a perfect way for students to learn about art installation while building collaboration and inclusion. My hope is that students feel a sense of belonging and pride when they see their work displayed as part of something larger.”
Popp has already painted 11 murals across five communities — most of them in Great Bend — and is currently working on her 12th. Her passion for public art and community engagement carries into her new role as sponsor of the GBHS Art Club. Together with students, she plans to lead collaborative art projects throughout the community.
“Art has the power to awaken creativity and inspire collaboration,” said Brock Funke, GBHS principal. “We are excited to welcome Anna to GBHS and can’t wait to see the continued impact she will have in her classroom.”
As her classes transition into ceramics, Popp says the mural project has already helped her students grow closer and feel confident in their ability to create meaningful art together. “Art doesn’t just decorate walls,” she added. “It builds connections.”
Great Bend USD 428 recognizes the creativity and dedication of all its art educators, who inspire students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The district is enriched by the talents of elementary art teachers Shannon Wedel and Caleb Bartlett, middle school art teacher Pamela Williams, and GBHS art teacher Sergio Ramirez, who is also a mentor teacher for Popp. Together, this team of educators fosters imagination, collaboration, and artistic growth in classrooms across the district.
For more information, please contact the USD 428 District Education Center at 620-793-1500.
About Art in
Education Week
Art in Education Week is a national observance that celebrates the vital role of arts in schools. From developing creativity and problem-solving to building collaboration and cultural awareness, art education is an essential part of a well-rounded education.
