Meet Gianna Dowell! She is our Art Teacher and started last October. Even though it’s only been a few months, Gianna has loved working at Hope Academy. She was initially drawn to Hope Academy because of its small community surrounded by people and students who are authentic as they overcome the obstacles they are facing. She has enjoyed getting to know her students and admires that they aren’t afraid to be real and open.

Gianna shared, “I like working in intimate settings with youth where I can help them learn but also help them be aware of their own emotions, thoughts and feelings while expressing it through art to help them take control of their life in an abstract way.”

Art is such an amazing outlet to be expressive, creative and vulnerable. This is Gianna’s hope for her students: “That they learn how to healthily cope with any issues they are having, learn how to be openly empathetic and find a passion in art they didn’t even know was there.” 

Gianna is originally from Evansville and now living in Indianapolis. She double majored in Art History and Studio Art. Previously, Gianna worked as a freelance artist and for Amazon. Some of her hobbies include writing music, art commissions and watching anime. 

Her favorite quote is “everything always happens for a reason.” We are sure glad that Gianna is at Hope Academy inspiring our students to express their creativity.