Greetings, students and families!

I am Jen Olson and I will be your art teacher this year.

I was born and raised in Missoula, MT, and attended Prescott School for my elementary education. I remember my elementary teachers having a significant impact on my creative abilities, and I am grateful for their service. After high school, I attended the University of Montana, where I earned my B.A. in English Literature/Creative Writing with a teaching emphasis, my M.A.T. in English Literature, and my Fine Arts endorsement. I have taught on Nantucket Island, in West Yellowstone, and primarily in Missoula. This year marks my twentieth year of teaching and my fifth of teaching art. I absolutely love teaching art, as it allows me to meet the creative side of each student, and I find there is always a lot of joy in the art room. I grew up in an art household, and I make and sell art in my free time. 

I live with my cat, Carlos, who is a big tuxedo kitty. I am an avid trail-runner, mountain-biker, skate-skier, gardener, and lover of food, family, and friends. Missoula is a wonderful playground, and I enjoy getting outside every day to experience it. 

I cannot wait to meet my students this year and I look forward to sharing enriching and engaging art experiences with each of you! I strongly believe every child is an artist, as Pablo Picasso once said. 

Best, 

Ms. Olson

jolson@mcpsmt.org