Full Circle: From the Ryman Arts Studio to the Front of the Classroom

Fall 1999 class photo at USC

By Michelle Ohm (Ryman ’01), Teaching Artist

Returning to Ryman Arts this semester feels like a profound homecoming. My journey began years ago as a Ryman Arts student, a pivotal experience that helped shape my identity as a visual artist and fueled my path through a BA in Painting at UC Santa Barbara and an MFA at Otis College of Art and Design. Since 2008, I have balanced my life between a rigorous studio practice in Long Beach—where I explore themes of femininity and media through drawing and painting—and a dedicated career in art education. Stepping back into the Ryman Arts environment, I am reminded of how those early Saturday mornings provided the foundation for the career I have today, bridging the gap between a young student’s ambition and a professional artist’s reality.

Michelle teaching Foundation Drawing class

It is a distinct honor to return not just as an instructor, but as the very first alumna to become a teaching artist for the program. This milestone carries a weight of responsibility that I hold dearly; I see my role as a living bridge between the students’ current experiences and their future possibilities. When I look at my students, I don’t just see aspiring artists—I see myself. Being able to say, "I sat in that same chair," allows me to mentor them with a unique level of empathy. My goal is to use my journey to empower them, proving that the skills they are honing today can truly lead to a sustainable, lifelong career in the arts.

Michelle offering feedback during class critique

As we move further into this first semester, I find myself constantly reflecting on the transformative power of community. My teaching philosophy has always been centered on inspiring and empowering students to find their own voices, just as my mentors once did for me. Watching my students tackle complex portfolios and find their own creative "wins" has been the highlight of my return. There is a beautiful symmetry in teaching at the place that first taught me what it meant to be an artist, and I am incredibly excited to see how this talented cohort continues to grow and challenge themselves in the months to come.