As she supports our IB DP artists with their final preparations ahead of their exhibition on March 5, we sat down with our Senior School art teacher Ms. Mehrer to hear her journey from rural BC to global exploration as an artist and educator, and how she has been shaped by the diverse cultures she has encountered along the way.
What inspired you to become an art teacher, and how did your journey in education begin?
From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by art. Growing up in Naramata, BC, a relatively rural community brimming with creative individuals, art was a constant presence. My early experiences included teaching art at summer camps at the Penticton Art Gallery during high school.
My sister, who is also an artist, and I have explored the world together, seeking artistic opportunities wherever we could find them. We’ve participated in a street art workshop in Berlin, explored galleries in major European cities, and this past winter we immersed ourselves in the printmaking traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. Visiting Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City was an unforgettable experience.
I love all forms of art from around the world. My interest in Islamic art and architecture led me to live two years in Abu Dhabi and ten years in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s through this lens of observing the world that I feel connected to humanity—not just across cultures, but across centuries. Art is an amazing, wordless language, and I love sharing works with students and seeing how they also “plug into the Matrix.” Many of my former students now hold fascinating positions, such as curating at the Guggenheim in Venice, designing fonts in New York and creating jewelry in London.
You have had international experience as a teacher, having worked in Taipei, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. How have these different cultural contexts shaped your approach to teaching art?
I appreciate the richness of a culturally diverse classroom. We explore music from around the world and delve into the concept of what constitutes a “good” artist. The notion that artistic greatness is solely defined by realistic drawing is a distinctly Western-centric perspective. Outside of Europe, the artistic landscape shifts dramatically. Wood carving, puppet making, architecture, Islamic tessellation and textile design are all beautiful and highly skilled art forms.
This raises important questions: Why do we privilege one form over another? Why do we consider oil paint the pinnacle of artistic media, when it’s not ideal for illustration, a medium so prevalent in graphic design? These are fascinating questions to consider. By challenging these established norms, we break free from limited perspectives and enter a much broader, more creative world. It’s about examining these restrictive rules and exploring the possibilities that emerge when we open our minds. This is precisely what I love about the IB programme.
Can you tell you tell us about your artistic background and how your experience as an artist informs your teaching style?
My parents were both creative individuals. My father, who owned a motorhome factory in Penticton, was incredibly inventive and took great pride in his work. He constantly sought ways to improve his product, often experimenting in our garage with me by his side. I was immersed in an environment of problem-solving and creative thinking. I strive to provide my students with similar experiences because creative problem-solving is a valuable life skill applicable to numerous areas. Whenever possible, I allow students to choose their own materials and encourage them to find their own solutions to construction challenges, intervening only when absolutely necessary. I believe the true learning comes from the process of independent discovery.
What advice would you give to students who are just beginning their artistic education or are preparing for an exhibition like the IB DP Art Exhibition?
Looking back on my own journey in visual arts and education, I would offer the following advice to students—immerse yourselves in the world of art. Visit galleries, explore museums and engage with the works of artists who resonate with you. Don’t limit yourself to any single style or period; explore widely and discover what truly captivates your imagination. Beyond simply looking at art, try to understand it. Consider the artist’s intentions, the historical context and the emotions the work evokes.
Crucially, reflect on your own connection to the world. What inspires you? What issues are you passionate about? What stories do you want to tell? Your art is an opportunity to express your unique perspective and share it with others. Think about how you can visually communicate these ideas, not just to a contemporary audience, but also to those who might encounter your work a century from now. What message do you want to leave behind? What is it that you truly want to say? The most compelling art often comes from a place of deep personal meaning, so be authentic and let your voice shine through.
Could you describe your role in supporting students in their journey toward the IB DP Art Exhibition?
The IB Art exhibition represents the culmination of a student’s artistic journey, a significant milestone marking profound personal and artistic growth. It’s fascinating to observe the transformation in students from when they first enter the program in Grade 11 to who they become as artists and individuals by the time they exhibit. Often, the students themselves don’t fully realize the extent of this change, but it’s evident to those who have witnessed their development.
The IB programme is undoubtedly challenging, but the rewards are substantial. I frequently hear from former students who, having graduated, express a deep longing for the art room and the camaraderie of the class. They often affirm that the experience, despite its rigors, was ultimately worthwhile.
For me, success isn’t necessarily measured by students becoming professional artists. If they leave the program with a lifelong appreciation for art—whether as creators, architects, designers, curators or even simply as engaged supporters and patrons—then I feel we’ve guided them toward a richer, more fulfilling life.
The exhibition serves as a powerful testament to this growth, showcasing not only their artistic skills but also their critical thinking, creative problem-solving and personal expression. It’s a moment of celebration, reflection and a stepping stone into their future, whatever path they may choose.
Visit the DP Art Showcase
The DP Arts Showcase evening on Wednesday, March 5, will feature the DP Visual Arts Exhibition as well as DP Theatre performances and DP Film showings.
On what’s set to be a great event, from 5:00–8:00 PM, the six DP Visual Arts students this year will exhibit their work for the first time, the result of two years of creative exploration and commitment. The art exhibition will also be open for viewing the following day (Thursday, March 6) for students and drop-ins.
