Flor Rodriguez
Degree: BFA in Art with a concentration in education
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Germanton, NC
How did you first get interested in art?
I’ve always had a passion for creating since I was small, even though my creativity wasn’t fully fostered early on. I didn’t have art classes in elementary school, and I spent most of middle school working on master copies of artwork. My passion for creativity was best fostered and impacted in high school by my former art teacher, who introduced me to the idea that art could even be a career option after graduation. Soon after, I entered my AP art portfolio and other pieces into the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards through Charlotte, where I met my former advisor, Tesh Ramey. She, along with Megan Garner, gave me my first tour of the art department and the Rowe building. I’ve always been a hands-on learner who believes in making do with any and all materials. Since we didn’t always have the funds for paint growing up, I would often get caught painting with my mom’s nail polish or my sister’s makeup.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
I hope to become a K–12 art educator and teach in the public school system, ideally floating between elementary, middle, and high school throughout my career. I also have a long-term goal of opening a STEAM-based afterschool art program or a summer camp after I’ve spent some time teaching. I strongly believe that the arts and creativity should be accessible and deeply integrated into the daily lives of future generations; it’s crucial for their development and growth.
What is your favorite thing about the Department of Art & Art History?
My favorite part of the art & art history department has to be the diversity and sense of community within my classes. I truly love my professors—the environment we’ve been able to create and foster here has been nothing but kind, motivating, and incredibly influential for my creative journey. It’s especially inspiring to see that my professors are not only dedicated in the classroom, but also continue their own creative practices outside of it. As a future art educator, that level of passion and commitment is something I deeply admire and hope to carry forward in my own career.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
This past summer, I worked with CLT is Creative, a nonprofit organization that helps local artists connect with their communities, other creatives, and job opportunities. As part of the experience, we were encouraged to create artwork that brings joy and color to everyday spaces. I had the opportunity to contribute a piece for Charlotte’s very own Sheffield Park Turtle Pond and even did some live painting at a community event. On campus, I try to stay active by participating in clubs like Cerama, where I stay connected with other artists!!
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
If I’m not in class, you can definitely catch me outside—rain or shine! I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s frolicking between classes or soaking up the sun on the weekends. I also enjoy doing yoga at our campus rec center, thrifting, and exploring all the little nooks and crannies of Charlotte via the light rail usually with friends, of course! I spend a lot of my free time this way, along with journaling.