Dani Flanary
Name some artists that have influenced you: My first book of poetry was by the great Shel Silverstein so I have to include him, but I would say the poet that got me interested in writing was Emily Dickinson. As far as contemporary artists, I would say Yayoi Kusama is a big influence on sparking creativity, focus, and uniqueness in my work.
Share an artistic accomplishment you are proud of: I had a poem voted by my peers into Central Washington University's literary journal, Manastash. I created and left itty bitty paper cranes at every airport I have flown in and out of for the past 3 years, and one year I painted and randomly put Kusama-inspired pumpkins around the city of Des Moines, IA for fun.
Why do you teach art? Because art is limitless is what it can do, both for the artist and the observer. No matter what the art form, there is a transformation that unknowingly takes place within the artist when their concept comes out and then an entirely different transformation that comes when a person experiences said art. It can change the way people see the world and I find that to be one of the most important reasons to teach and keep it going.
Dani has always had an affinity for all things art, but where she feels most comfortable is among poetry and paper crafts. Finding both activities to be therapeutic and healing, she has always wanted to get an opportunity to share her passion and knowledge with others. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and another in Psychology from Central Washington University. When she is not crafting or writing, you can find her outside gardening, hiking, or kayaking.