*Students in the Primary 2 class during a lesson with lead teacher for Davis Community School, Lisa Goetz*

Since opening the Davis Studio in 2003, Teresa Davis has dedicated her talents to teaching art in the South Burlington and Burlington communities.

But now, with nearly two years of Davis and her team running her studio and school under COVID regulations, Davis found a new appreciation for her passion.

“I think it's (art) always important for mental health and well being, but I have felt that that creative expression was so needed when people were isolated,” Davis said.

“And so in a way for many students, the art class is just this wonderful breath of fresh air and a real escape for them. That can be so restorative and rejuvenating.” Davis said about the benefits of artistic expression.

The Davis Studio offers a wide variety of art classes for all ages and skill levels including drawing, painting, and fused glass in addition to running a community school and preschool for young children.

*6th-9th graders in the ‘Oil Painting’ summer camp, listen intently to teacher, Kat Lawlis’s instructions*

“I think it was the ever shifting sands of new information and new guidance,” said Davis on some of the difficulties of running a community school and studio through a pandemic. “That was the most challenging thing. I would say by far and not being able to, sort of, plan ahead.”

Vermont has not been immune to the spike in teachers leaving their profession due to COVID. The Slate Valley Unified School in Rutland had 73 vacancies, according to a VTDigger article.

Davis said it was important to adapt and maintain a support system for her staff in order to maintain a healthy environment for her team.

“What I saw as the biggest need for me was to just really support my staff and give them a lot of information, give them a lot of support. Be really understanding when they needed to be flexible, and also really making sure they understood why we were doing what we were doing and how important it was.”

Additionally, Davis praised her staff for their positive energy throughout the entire pandemic.

“I think my teachers have still been able to stay energetic. They still feel optimistic. They still feel that the work they're doing is meaningful, and that they have some empowerment and so I just think that has been so critical.”

Davis sees the fruits of her labor reflected in community reactions.

“I'm really grateful for the support from the community. And I think the community has expressed a ton of gratitude for what we do, and how we've kind of risen to the occasion during this time.”