About the Quinlan School of Art
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Founded in 2021 in honor of the institution's 75th anniversary, the Quinlan School of Art offers students in grades K-12 the unique opportunity to explore their creative potential in a structured, nurturing environment. Guided by accredited educators, our program provides formal instruction that fosters artistic expression, cultural understanding, and critical thinking skills.

Meet Our Instructors 

Catherine Preston 

Catherine – Art Educator & Lifelong Learner
​As a native Atlantan with over 31 years of experience in public education, my heart and home have always been in Georgia. I’m passionate about both creating and teaching art, and I’m excited to bring that energy into new settings that truly embrace the arts.
I’ve taught a wide range of art courses—from beginner to advanced—including Drawing & Painting, 2D Design, Surface Design, Printmaking, Screen Printing, Basic Photography, Ceramics, and Advanced Placement Studio Art (Drawing, 2D, and 3D Portfolios). My approach is rooted in adaptability, creativity, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning.

In my classroom, I strive to:

• Foster a welcoming, family-like environment
• Help students find and express their unique artistic voice
• Encourage positive peer feedback to support growth
• Introduce diverse techniques and mediums for creative exploration
• Integrate art history—from traditional to contemporary—into every lesson

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Above all, I believe in the joy of art. My goal is for students to walk into class happy and leave even happier.

Meaghan Grant-Witcher

Teaching Philosophy – Meaghan Grant-Witcher
As an art educator, I believe the most impactful classrooms are not those that produce perfect artworks—but those that nurture curiosity, confidence, and joy. My teaching philosophy is rooted in creating an emotionally safe and creatively rich environment where students feel empowered to explore, imagine, and express themselves freely.

In today’s educational landscape, where play and self-directed learning are often undervalued, the art room becomes more than just a studio—it becomes a sanctuary. It’s a space where children are encouraged to make bold choices, embrace vibrant colors, reinterpret prompts in their own voice, and discover the unique ways they see the world. I strive to cultivate a classroom alive with music, movement, and personal expression, where experimentation is celebrated and there is no “wrong way” to make art.
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While I introduce foundational concepts such as color theory, composition, texture, and form, I do so through open-ended, exploratory projects that prioritize process over product. My goal is for students to understand the “why” of art—how it connects to their feelings, experiences, and identities—rather than feel pressured to create something flawless or exact.

Art should not be a place of perfection. It should be a place of play, discovery, and becoming. That is the experience I strive to create every time I teach.