Carol Shaw

Carol’s easy going nature and ready smile make her a great asset to the art department where she is Art Assistant teaching Art to grades 8, 9, and 10. “The students love and trust her,” remarks her Department Head.

Carol says that the best part of her job is, “Not having to worry about wearing good shoes! I love the relaxed atmosphere in the art room and being able to provide an opportunity for students to express themselves creatively. I hope that it provides a good balance to their demanding schedule and academic responsibilities. I enjoy seeing the pride that some students display, who may not have been previously confident about their artistic skills. Sometimes they surprise themselves as well as surprising us!”

One of Carol’s jobs at the School is to put up displays in the main foyer throughout the year. She is careful to choose themes that coincide with School events. She also moves student artwork around the campus, particularly in the staff room in the Main Building and in the Shaw Centre Gallery. “I have so much art work to choose from. It is a great part of my job to be able to share with the whole School the work that goes on in the Hobbies Building.”

Don Rolston, Director of Fine Arts, has been instrumental in Carol’s success at Shawnigan. She says that, “Don is inspirational, both as an artist and teacher with an incredible work ethic and tireless sacrifice on the part of his teaching. He truly cares about his students and is an excellent teacher who commands a classroom effortlessly.”

Carol is stepping outside the classroom soon to take part in the Shawnigan EDGE program trip to northern Thailand. Though not a seasoned traveller, Carol is eager to make this journey with our EDGE team of twelve students. “I am looking forward to being immersed in an entirely different culture and I hope to completely fill my sketchbook as well.”

Carol lives just beyond the School’s northern border with her husband, Richard, and two sons, Nick and Trevor. She also spends a great deal of time with her dogs, Eddie and Copper. Carol works in her home studio on several different artistic endeavours. She is currently writing an illustrated children’s historical fiction novel about the First Peoples who inhabited Cowichan Bay before European contact. She has also had several shows of her own paintings, and one of her pieces was auctioned at last week’s Spirit Gala. Carol says that, “Living in Shawnigan is very conducive to creativity. I can’t imagine living anywhere else right now.”