Today we’d like to introduce you to David Moya.
David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I always drew. Constantly. Trains. Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers. That interest seemed to just stick. Then, when I was in high school, I decided I wanted to teach. My 9th-grade art teacher was a huge influence on me and remains to be as I transverse the art education landscape.
My art teaching dreams slowed down tremendously in my college years, and I ended up dropping out in order to work. Those few years of working and knowing I wanted to do something else was brutal on the soul. Eventually, I decided to go back to school and was taking two classes a semester. That got old real quick, but I still did forged on for two years. Finally, enough was enough and my wife (newly married) and I decided to knock these classes out together. We both ended up graduating with our bachelors degrees at the same time, and we had our first child while we were trying to finish up. Good times. Tired times, but good nonetheless.
Right after graduation, I decided I wanted to continue my education and was able to earn my graduate degree. I knocked it out in two years, boom. I still wasn’t done, and decided to shoot for the doctorate, which I am one solid year into. While all my academic life was going on, vocationally, I dedicated myself to everything education. Art teacher, supplemental instructor, tutor, teacher’s assistant. part-time faculty. I was doing everything I could get into. I was offered a job as the director for the UHCL Art School in 2017, and have been able to really grow the program with the support of the amazing people I work with. This year I took on another job as the visual arts facilitator for Pearland ISD.
Although I never became the high school art that I thought I wanted to be, I believe I am growing to become a leader who advocates for the arts in every capacity I can. Some think I am ambitious, but I just the work that needs to be done, and there is plenty. Especially in the arts.
Has it been a smooth road?
Ha. There is always something in the way. At first it was me dedication to the dreams I had. I simply wasn’t dedicated, and decided to go with the status quo. Existentially, I felt empty. Lost. And only kept going deeper and deeper and that darkness. Now this may seem cliche, but that was the exact time I discovered the life and teachings of Christ. I had been looking for something to fill that void from all over. People. Experiences. Things, Other Religions. But once I was found, the fullness of life settled in my soul. Becoming a Christian brought its own challenges, especially with the family and friends. Yet, I am still following, and they are still there.
I think trying to advance in my education was very difficult. I am one of those “first generation minority” stories. I had no guidance. No financial help, unless you count loans. I was just going. Made a lot of mistakes. Took a lot of classes I did not need. But here I am. two years before they call me Dr. Moya.
I remember in my internship, while I was in my undergrad, was particularly tough. Not only was I working all day, my wife was taking a full load of night classes. I’d get home from an internship and then go straight into dad mode. Moreover, I had a situation with my mentor teacher, and came to find out she thought I wasn’t “skilled enough as an artist to teach high school.” At the time it was rough hearing that from someone who you thought was supposed to guide you. But now I teach college students, so what do ya know.
Today, the challenge is just finding joy in balancing life. Two kids. A hardworking wife. Oh, we started a baking business too, I work three part-time jobs. The doctorate program, I am also involved at my church as one of the elders (although I think I am pretty young, that’s archaic language for ya). Even though I am this ‘busy’, I never miss a time to be with my family, and all the work I do is for them and the Lord.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As director for the UHCL Art School, I organize all the logistics for the upcoming semesters. Our program in 40 years old in our community, and started out with a humble 40 students in the 70s. Now, we teach over 1200 students in the clear lake area every year. We are in 20+ schools as an after-school enrichment program, and we teach some 15+ classes here at the university. The program is used as a practicum for the university students who want to be future art teachers. I can tell you for a fact, that we graduate quality art educators, and believe it is in part due to the hands-on experience they receive with the art school.
Our program has a history of being based on multiculturalism as we celebrate cultures through art. For example, this past summer we were able to work The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC) in hosted an exhibition of Omani cave art, which we used as a catalyst to teach our students about Oman and the Gulf states. This was such an amazing experience with the children and families able to see the exhibit. This fall we are excited to present the Art of China as we move forward in presenting a more rich curriculum to our community.
I am always looking for new ideas, and possible collaborations to promote, not only our program but arts in general., This year we are also slated to host an even regarding a Mars Project with SciArt. I am also working with a couple of undergrad students to present the art schools first official art show – Honey, I Shrunk the Art Show. We have a busy and productive year ahead of us. Just like I like it.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I definitely think there is room for this type of business in our city. With art programs in schools being cut and under-funded (I work at one of those too), the community is always looking for meaningful ways to enrich their children.
If you were just starting out, I would say you need to be passionate about the arts, because if you are not advocating or promoting your program, then NO ONE is. Two, you have to know the area. What programs already exist, and how can you bring a new experience to those students? Last, keep grinding. Our city is huge, which means opportunity, but you still have to put the work in.
Pricing:
- Depending on the age group, our prices range from $100 to $140 for 8 classes
Contact Info:
- Address:
Arbor Building, University Dr, Houston, TX 77058 UHCL, Houston, TX 77058 - Website: https://www.uhcl.edu/childrens-art-school/
- Phone: 281-283-3345
- Email: childrensart@UHCL.edu
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/uhclartschool/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/UHCLArtSchool/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/uhcl-art-school-for-children-houston
- Other: shrunkart.com
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