Ann + Susan Conners

Ann Conners Barrett: Mr. Hodge’s art class was my favorite, in an art room that was welcoming and wonderful! I always looked forward to the next adventurous art project. Mr. Hodge was such a positive, supportive teacher and he encouraged us to feel good about our artwork and creativity, at whatever level that was. I continued art classes in high school and especially enjoyed ceramics classes at UW Oshkosh. That creativity discovered in Mr. Hodge’s art class has stayed with me and still inspires me in my profession and hobbies. My sister Susie, who created the “Neigh” piece in about 1972, said art class was fun and that she liked it as much as horses! She appreciated that Mr. Hodge found the good in all her artwork. I have loved being friends with the charming Hodge family technically since kindergarten and enjoy going on art tours and to art museums, oftentimes going with Mr. Hodge himself!

(above) Neigh, linoleum block print, done in Mr. Hodge's class by Sue Conners

(above) Lion Face, ceramic, circa 1970, done in Mr. Hodge’s class by Ann Conners Barrett

(below) Favorite Coffee Mugs, ceramic, circa 1977 by Ann Conners Barrett

(below left) Still life with Cat, ink and watercolor, circa 1971, done in Mr. Hodge’s class by Ann Conners Barrett

(below right) Still Life with Cute Stuffed Dog, oil on canvas, circa 1976 by Ann Conners Barrett

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