The art hallway is nestled at the end of the school. The walls are lined with portraits and still lifes from this year’s students. One of these portraits is of art teacher Christian Aanestad. Not only has he taught at West but he has also been a cornerstone of the West community. Leading and teaching art classes throughout the day, venturing out into the commons between painting and jewelry making to make sure kids get into their classes. But who is the tall guy holding a coffee cup wandering around? Many students may know if they have ever taken a class at the other end of the school, but even though his classroom is far from the core of West High, that doesn’t stop Aanestad from being an integral part of the West High community. 

Whether it is set building after school, taking a painting or drawing class or being told in the nicest way possible to “get to class,” Aanestad leaves his mark on every student at this school. 

You can usually find Aanestad, or as his students call him, “Christian,” in the art room teaching classes. But he takes a hands-off approach to his classes. At the beginning of class, he shows them an example or a new technique, then proceeds to let the students take the reigns. He has complete creative control and only allows himself to make minor suggestions to better the art of West High artists. 

Not only does Aanestad lead his students in the art room, but he also serves as the district’s co-art coordinator, making plans and projects to enrich students’ lives through art. 

The Iowa City Community School District’s website reads, “This is a community in which art plays an important role in daily experience.” 

Aanestad is very familiar with that community, as he grew up in the very halls that he now gets to teach in every single day. 

Learn more about Aanestad in the video above.