Adam Werner ('06 BFA, Painting)

Tell us about yourself.
Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, I currently live in the southside of Fort Worth, Texas with my family: Robbie Werner, my wife, and our three kids, Amaris, Paige, and Asher. Amaris is on her own now, but also lives in Fort Worth and is a UTA student.

Why did you choose to attend UTA?
Robbie was a student there when we got engaged. At the time, I was attending UNT in Denton, and that just seemed much too far away, so I applied to transfer.

What did you study at UTA? What attracted you to that field?
I initially studied graphic design, but realized that I didn’t want to spend that much time on the computer. After a hiatus of a few years, I returned to UTA to focus on studio art since I enjoyed working much more directly with drawing and painting.

Describe your UTA experience. How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
The art studios and faculty at UTA are really amazing and underrated, I believe, since the school may be more known for other fields. You are learning from active working artists and close to so many world class museums in both Fort Worth and Dallas.

Did you receive a scholarship while at UTA? How did it help you to achieve your goals?
Yes. I received an outstanding transfer scholarship. I thought it was great that there was a specific scholarship for students in my situation, coming from another university, where your work there was still recognized as you entered UTA.

"The more you discover and learn from others, the more connections you make,
the more your perspectives expand and the more you can start to understand and appreciate about the world around you."

What is your current professional position? What do you do in this role?
I am the manager of community teaching programs at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. I coordinate educational programs and partnerships with the museum and other community organizations that connect to works in the Carter’s collections and exhibitions. This enables interactions with the museum beyond visiting the museum building itself.

Describe your path to your current position. What have you learned along the way?
Before I was in museum education, I was involved in art education in the classroom. I taught elementary and middle school art in public schools for 11 years. I didn’t realize I was going to focus on art education during my undergrad, so I had to seek out alternative certification after receiving my BFA. Had I known, I think I would have sought out an education program as part of my degree and gotten certified while in college. Having some student teaching experience would have been beneficial and probably would have made my first years teaching go a bit smoother.

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today?
I made it a point to attend as many of the art events, gallery openings, artist talks, etc. that I could when I was at UTA. Not only was that a great way to learn, but that habit of getting out, meeting people and networking in art circles has continued to foster valuable connections and relationships throughout my life and career. Many of my fellow students and professors from my time at UTA are my colleagues and friends today and many have been references or connections that have helped in my career as well. It’s been enriching both personally and professionally.

What role has UTA played for you as a family?
UTA was a place Robbie and I spent a lot of time as young students before we were married. Then, it was the place that allowed me to return to school and finish my bachelor’s degree to start my career in art education. It has become a place my daughter has found success with her college education. Now, it is a workplace for Robbie and where I am returning to pursue a master's degree in education to continue my career.

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?
I would encourage students at UTA to use the opportunities they have to meet and get to know others, especially those who are different from you. The more you discover and learn from others, the more connections you make, the more your perspectives expand and the more you can start to understand and appreciate about the world around you.