Feelings of nostalgia overwhelm Johnita Becker’s senses as she maneuvers into Art Instructor Steve Dudek’s studio at Barton Community College. It’s been nearly 20 years since she last set foot in the classroom, which is where she found her calling as an art teacher.

Now she’s back, and once again enrolled in the art class that, under Dudek’s guidance, defined her vocation.

"He made me have to learn a lot on my own," she said. "He made me think instead of giving me all the answers. All the drawing classes he set up taught me about values, and I became much better at realistic art through the methods he taught. Art education was stronger at Barton (than other colleges I attended)."

Becker started the art program at Kinsley High School in 1995. In 2001, she continued her career in the Hutchinson school system until 2009, when she decided to resign and return to central Kansas.

The culmination of Becker’s efforts thus far can be viewed publicly in the form of an art display. It is located in the glass display case found in the hallways of the Fine Arts Building across from the Shafer Art Gallery.

"Eclectic," she said matter-of-factly about her art, explaining that her collection ranges from abstract works to portraits. "I do whatever I’m in the mood to do. I do favor pastels."

Though she loves art as her own creative outlet, she said teaching art is more fun.