Visual Art Teacher Features!

TOSS is an ally and collaborator with our local Burke County Public School System and we want to feature and celebrate their incredible art teachers! Check out the amazing educators we’ve featured thus far through our monthly social posts.

Amber Rickertsen

With over 21 years of experience teaching art in Cleveland and Burke Counties, Amber has had the joy of working with students at every level, from elementary to high school—even teaching on a modified school bus! Eighteen years ago, she followed her heart to Burke County to marry someone who had already made a life teaching there. Though she wasn’t born in Morganton, her father was, and much of her family still calls it home.

She loves showing students how to create, knowing it builds confidence, creativity, and life-long skills. She gets excited about each new art medium and the endless possibilities they bring. She’s also passionate about traveling, her three cats, and, of course, the Muppets! Thank you Amber for all the creativity you impart on the next generation!

Summer Thompson

Meet Summer Thompson, an art educator who’s been inspiring students in Burke County Public Schools for 11 years! Starting her teaching journey with Family and Consumer Sciences at Draughn and Freedom, Summer transitioned to teaching art at Walter Johnson for 7.5 years and is now in her second year at Heritage Middle.

Growing up in Burke County, Summer chose to stay close to family—and we’re so lucky she did! She loves helping kids discover new skills and the joy of learning.When she’s not in the classroom, Summer enjoys making things, spending time with her husband, and playing with her cats. Big shoutout for her dedication to creativity and education in our community!

Duane Brown

Duane Brown is in his 25th year of teaching art, inspiring creativity and growth at Walter Johnson Middle School. Duane is passionate about fostering student progress across all art mediums, with a special love for ceramic hand-building.

After moving from Wake to Burke County in the fall of 2023, Duane and his wife have embraced the mountains, enjoying whitewater rafting and hiking in their free time. His dedication to art and love for the mountains puts him right at home here within the BCPS. Thank you so much, Duane, for bringing your creativity and passion to our community!

County-wide Art Expos

TOSS helps to organize student art exhibitions in collaboration with BCPS visual art teachers. Posters, printed with student art is displayed in downtown business windows and in the offices of BCPS (Central Office and Olive Hill Resources Center) throughout the year. In the spring we award prizes to three students who win the popular vote for their posters, displayed downtown.