After spending most of her life teaching art, Marti Cyrus is realizing that she will never be able to give up art entirely; however, she is also realizing that it is time for her to try something new.

Cyrus has been an art teacher from the day she stepped out of college; therefore she has never had any other career.  She has taught an art class for twenty-eight years at AHS, and over thirty-five-years in total. She discovered her love for art from the first time she took an art class and hasn’t stopped yet.  However, this year she is retiring and planning to try something else.  Although she will retire from her job, she will still spend plenty of time on her own artwork.

For Cyrus retiring will truly be something new, since that is what most of her life has been based on.

“I can’t imagine not being an art teacher, but it might be time for something new,” said Cyrus.  “I think I actually enjoy teaching, more than working on art.”

Throughout all these years she has touched many students lives, by becoming a favorite teacher and an inspiration to students.  After hearing Cyrus’s name across the room, junior Maria King blurted out, “I love Marti!”

Many students feel the same way, and are incredibly disappointed that Cyrus is leaving.

“While you’re in her class, you can start to see yourself improving in all types of art. She really gives you a love for art which is nice,” senior Alison Woods said.

Cyrus has pursued being an art teacher for this exact reason.  She loves art because she believes that it is one of the only careers that has the chance to impact people in positive ways. Another student, sophomore Kyle Rosin, is now in his second semester of art and has had a similar experience.

“The two semesters I have spent with Marti have been nothing less than inspiring, and I can’t imagine art class without her,” Rosin said.

However these students don’t realize the unbelievably long list that Cyrus has always wanted to achieve.  The list that she has, incorporates almost anything you can think of, from traveling the world to painting in her backyard. The main reason her list is so long is because the only thing that she would certainly not like to do is go on a cruise.  So what will Cyrus be doing after she leaves AHS?

Opening a bakery called Pieology that is only open from 9pm to 2am.

Working at the L’occitane where the soaps smell good and would never talk back to her.

Learning to play the ukulele.  She would love to play the ukulele on the beach of Kauai, so that she can also sell paintings of the waves.

Opening a feminist bookstore called Cracked Up.  All of the tables in the store would be made of chalkboard.  The chalkboard tables would also contain stamps, postcards, plenty of books and glasses for the women who need them, pie, and coffee.

However, until one of these ideal journeys comes into play she will be spending all of her time walking, gardening, water painting, and waving to all of us from her back yard.