The Annual Fund's Impact: Spotlight on Upper School Visual Art Faculty Will Baber

As someone who has been part of the Bush community for over thirty years as an alum and faculty member, we asked Will what keeps him at a place like Bush.

 

“The supportive community, the autonomy in teaching, and the freedom to experiment with curriculum are major factors,” Will said. 

In Will’s art classes, students are invited to explore, take risks, and discover their creative voice through a range of artistic techniques and media. His hands-on, project-based curriculum encourages curiosity and courage: from welding, forging, and woodworking to glass fusing, tile setting, painting, and digital design.

 

Support from the Annual Fund brings these experiences to life. It allows Will to expand learning beyond the classroom through visits to sculpture parks and galleries across Seattle, and to provide a wide range of materials that fuel student imagination. The fund also supports innovative tools, like the 50-watt laser cutter and engraver, that empower students to prototype, refine, and bring their ideas to life with precision and pride.

“Community investment ensures that students have access to enriching experiences, innovative tools, and a supportive learning environment,” Will shared. “It helps sustain the school’s commitment to excellence and equity in education.”

>> CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT TO THE ANNUAL FUND

 

In addition to enriching his students’ education, the Annual Fund has allowed Will to continue his own professional growth - keeping him current with emerging art practices and teaching technologies that he brings directly into the classroom. Through this support, he’s attended transformative conferences like the White Privilege Conference (WPC) and the People of Color Conference (POCC), which he describes as pivotal in shaping his teaching approach and deepening his connections with students. These opportunities not only enhance his practice but also strengthen the learning experience for every student he teaches.

“Spending each day in a creative space with students is essential to nurturing thoughtful, well-rounded lifelong learners," he said. "The art studio offers more than just a place to make, it’s a space where students engage both their minds and hands in meaningful, tactile ways. This kind of learning supports the whole student, helping them navigate their school journey with curiosity, confidence, and a deeper sense of self.”

Participation in the Annual Fund supports each classroom, teacher, and student at Bush. Be a part of that collective impact, and give to the Annual Fund today.

Every gift, of any amount, makes a difference!

If you have any questions regarding the Annual Fund please reach out to the Annual Giving Manager Laurel Messenger at laurel.messenger@bush.edu or 206.838.8821.