A paper mache whale shark once turned a fourth grader into a professional artist.
When a discouraged student was ready to quit because his art “didn’t look good,” here’s the teacher who convinced him it was worth sharing–and selling to become ACE Prep’s first commissioned artist! Meet Ms. Gillespie, who after three years at ACE (first as a 5th grade teacher, then as art instructor), knows every scholar in the building.
At our tuition-free charter, Ms. Gillespie’s classroom becomes a laboratory where creativity meets academics, where kindergarteners discover their artistic superpowers, and where “I can’t draw” transforms into confidence and skill.
ACE Prep emphasizes intensive reading and math instruction. How do you sneak literacy and math concepts into art projects without your students realizing they’re learning ‘academic’ subjects?
I love when I am able to align an art project with a current school subject! A few examples are the 4th graders creating one point perspective pieces and using math vocabulary such as horizon line, parallel lines, and line segments. In 3rd grade we create rainbow light prisms because they have a literacy unit on how the eye sees light. In 6th grade, we created a piece inspired by Aaron Douglas as they were learning about the Harlem Renaissance. It’s so fun hearing them make the connections between subjects!
What’s the most unexpected thing a student has created in your classroom that made you think ‘I never would have thought of that’? What does that tell you about how kids see the world differently?
We were making optical illusions and one student asked if he could make his into an eye looking out. It turned out amazing and was one of my favorite pieces! I always encourage my students to think outside the box and love to help support their creative vision!
Describe a student who walked into your art room convinced they ‘couldn’t draw’ or ‘weren’t creative.’ How did you prove them wrong, and what did they discover about themselves?
This is one of my favorite stories from this past year! We created paper mache Whale Shark sculptures in the 4th grade class. One scholar wanted to give up as it was a long process that covered a couple weeks of classes and he wasn’t happy with how his was looking. There was a moment where I told him the art is subjective and showed him some pieces from Picasso that we both thought were a bit strange but had sold for millions. I told him that he might not like his art but that doesn’t mean he should give up because others might love it! A few months later at the art show a staff member loved his piece so much she bought it from him and he became the first ever commissioned artist at Ace Prep! He told me the next day that he learned to not give up on his art!
When your current kindergarteners are in high school, what do you hope they remember about making art at ACE Prep? What ‘art superpower’ do you want them to carry with them forever?
I want them to remember that there are no right and wrong answers in art! Art doesn’t have to be perfect, in fact the “imperfections” tend to be the best part of the piece! I want their “superpower” to be following through even if they don’t feel like it is perfect the first time!
How long have you been teaching at ACE Prep – what is your favorite thing about interacting with students?
I have been teaching at ACE Prep for 3 years now – one as a 5th grade teacher and two as an art teacher. I love that I know all the scholars in the entire building! It really makes the school feel like one big family. I also love seeing students show me their personal art they make at home or during their free time. It’s awesome seeing their own personal art styles!
Ms. Gillespie demonstrates ACE Prep’s belief that character and creativity matter as much as academics. Her art room becomes a place where scholars discover resilience, academic concepts come alive through creative expression, and where every child learns their unique perspective matters. Check out our online art gallery!
If you’re ready to join us and experience the ACE difference, click here to enroll for Fall 2025.
About ACE Prep
ACE Prep is a tuition-free public charter school serving K-6 students in Indianapolis since 2016. With our BE GREAT core values and whole-team, whole-child approach, we provide an exceptional college preparatory education that develops both academic excellence and strong character. Our individualized support and comprehensive enrichment programs nurture each scholar’s growth in a safe, close-knit community where students flourish academically and personally. Enroll now: aceprepacademy.org/enroll-now
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Find us: aceprepacademy.org