“Art is the noblest mission of humanity, because it is to exercise one's own understanding of the world and make others understand it, ” said sculptor Rodin. And printmaking artist Allison Louise Cusato from the United States has also earnestly fulfilled this mission in her artistic education career.

The Change in Career Direction

Allison once worked as an art designer at a technology center after graduation in 1998. Having been working for several years, she gradually realized that she “wanted to do something useful. Something that could help others.” The world is changing rapidly since entering the 21st century, and students need to be creative thinkers no matter what career fields they choose. Creativity works hand-in-hand with problem-solving skills – which will help students to be leaders when they enter the workforce, rather than simply sitting back and letting others dictate what to do, providing them with more possibilities and choices in the future. Therefore, in August 2005, Allison shifted her career plan from graphic design to the field of teaching. Allison started her career as a teacher in the United States public education system. She considers that this was challenging in myriad of ways, as she worked at two schools, had a large number of students, and a budget that did not always stretch as far as it needed to. Still, Allison is pragmatic as she reflects on this time, as she was able to learn a lot about how to fund raise and promote art as a serious subject, worthy of consideration and a reasonable budget.

In order to better take on the responsibility of educating students and communicating the arts, Allison returned to the university in 2011 to pursue a Master degree of Arts. Allison gained further experience as she moved to teaching high school students, where she was able to truly guide students into developing their own styles and bodies of work.

The Challenge of Working Abroad

In June 2017, Allison applied for a number of jobs across the United States and among the growing number of application forms she filled in, she connected with an overseas recruiter who introduced her to the possibility of teaching overseas. She chuckles when she admits that she did not expect to hear back at all. In Allison’s view, it was not possible that any school would want a foreign art teacher. Yet, one month after applying, she found herself living and working at a school in Beijing. Unlike any city she had lived in before, the level of development, urban environment, mobile payment and the convenience of public transportation in Beijing impressed her deeply, and she felt that living in China was an easy thing. Besides, Allison admits there was a certain level of culture shock when she first arrived in China, which made her feel curious and give her the motivation to try to integrate into local life and spread art.

Allison had held many personal art exhibitions in the United States. After living in Beijing, she stated that she often brought her story home to her family to let them understand China. She also exhibited her own wood block print Untitled at the 6th Hubei Fine Arts Festival "The New Silk Road·One Belt One Road International Painting Art Exchange Exhibition". Allison is also an avid photographer and her social media moments usually reflect a monthly “Best of 9” series of the photos she takes, documenting her stories in China through her own words and pictures. She said, "China is the safest place I have ever lived in my life."

The Exploration of Teaching in Ningbo

In July 2021, Allison had a new goal to seek further advancement in her career. Ningbo provided her with the opportunity she aspired to - to become a leader: Head of Art at Ningbo HD School. As she acknowledges, it is not easy to be a leader, a teacher, and an author all at the same time. It requires her to actively seek balance and to take those moments of rest, which is helpful for herself to create. For example, Allison is an advocate for one not being too hard on oneself, if one is not feeling particularly inspired creatively. She also indulges in trying to take in as much art and music as she can or swimming and bodybuilding as that lends itself to finding inspiration.

“Being someone that people can come to, someone who is not going to judge.” is something that means a great deal to Allison. As a teacher, Allison’s focus lies on creating a classroom space where students feel free enough to explore and develop their sense of creativity. While she believes in students enjoying themselves, she also is a proponent of students gaining something towards developing their artistic skills from being in the classroom. When students progress to higher levels of study in art, they are required to develop their own portfolios and this lends itself to fostering a sense of seriousness and focus in class. While Allison is proud of her students’ artistic achievements, it is witnessing and being part of their personal growth that she would consider to be the best part of her job.

Allison is not only concerned about her students, she is also passionate about the communication and exchange of the arts. Earlier this year, she collaborated with WAS Art Centre to create a forum for art teachers in Ningbo. It provided teachers with a platform to share experience, ideas, and pedagogies. Her hope is that the forum can create a chance for more collaboration among educators in the future.

Allison is that rare blend of both energy and calm, held together in a delicate balance by her unwavering belief. Along the way, she found her own direction and creativity, and found a way to help others.