By Nicole Graper
Madison School Community Recreation

“I like to teach because I meet people who have an interest in art and they have the desire to go for the challenge of learning what might be unfamiliar. Works of art can create legacies or just simply be hours of fun. I like delivering that message and opening that door,” described Heidi Levy.

Levy has taught for MSCR for three years. She got her start from her mom, who was an art educator. Most of her experience comes from formal instruction by Dan Edmondson, Jonatas DaSilva and Richard Schwanke. These artists were influenced by David Leffel and his work with the Art Students League of New York. 

Levy’s interest in Chinese-Japanese brush painting has developed over the past 12 years. Several of these techniques are applied to drawing and other types of painting. She has participated in juried art exhibits at the Kohler Art Center and Museum of Wisconsin Art. 

Levy is a licensed clinical social worker and uses her experience teaching about mental health and substance abuse to graduate social work students. She also wrote a book, “Famous Wisconsin Artists and Architects,” for the Badger Books series “Famous Wisconsin.”

A favorite quote is one by realism artist, Josh Clare: “Painting is hard. It does not get easier. You just get better at doing a hard thing.”

Levy will be teaching a class entitled “Chinese-Japanese Brush Painting: The Natural World” Mondays, Jan. 27‒Feb. 24, 9‒11:30 am, at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Use course #23314 to register at mscr.org.

MSCR offers a variety of recreation programs for all ages. Check the MSCR Winter/Spring 2020 Program Guide or visit mscr.org for more information.