For the past 14 years, Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair Martha Anne Kuntz has helped students discover creativity in ways they may not have expected when first stepping into her classroom. 

Known for her energy, advocacy for the arts and encouragement of creative freedom, Kuntz has spent over a decade building and expanding NDB’s VPA program, while creating an environment where students feel supported experimenting, taking risks and trusting themselves as artists. 

Despite her impact on the department, Kuntz never originally intended to become a teacher. Before entering education, she worked in freelance illustration and graphic design. She described teaching as her “third career.”

“… One thing led to another,” explained Kuntz. “… I never, never planned on being a teacher.”

After working as a substitute teacher and later teaching visual arts at Half Moon Bay HS and in Texas, Kuntz eventually and unexpectedly found her way to NDB. While helping her daughter after the birth of her grandchild, she came across an email advertising an opening for a sculpture teacher at NDB. Although sculpture was what she described as her weakest subject, she applied anyway.

Soon after arriving at NDB in 2012, Kuntz began expanding the art program far beyond sculpture and photography. Over the years, she introduced courses, including graphic design and fiber arts, while also teaching AP Art and Design, AP Art History and a few levels of sculpture. During staff shortages, she taught nearly every art class, while moving back and forth between classrooms throughout the day. 

“… I love sculpture because … I love the freedom of it. I love the fact that no one knows what they’re doing – including me – and we just do these wonderful things …,” said Kuntz.

That openness and flexibility became one of the defining characteristics of Kuntz’s classroom. Rather than focusing only on finished products or strict deadlines, she emphasized creativity, experimentation and trust. 

Kuntz explained, “… trust is a really important thing. Students have to actually know that I have their back, to know that, if they don’t know what to do, then I’m going to help them, or I can give them an idea.” 

She believes that creativity is something often overlooked within college preparatory environments, despite how essential it is across every subject. Throughout her years at NDB, she consistently advocated for the importance of VPA programs and the role creative thinking plays in education. 

“I teach creativity … I teach students how to view their own creativity, and I get really bossy about it because I don’t want anyone telling me what to do. So, for me, it’s really important that I take charge and be an advocate …” stated Kuntz.

One of the aspects of teaching that Kuntz values most is helping students recognize abilities they may not have realized they possessed. She has watched students enter Sculpture I, believing they are not creative, only to slowly gain confidence over time. 

“My goal is always to keep students for as long as I possibly can in my classes, but watching them grow. I mean – Some of the students in my Sculpture II class who are seniors … It’s a way for them to, sort of, take a breath and … not have to deal with … studying things … They’re still thinking, but they’re doing things in a visual, creative way, and that’s the most exciting thing for me, watching them …,” said Kuntz.

Even after decades of working as both an artist and teacher, Kuntz still strongly believes learning should never stop. Three years ago, she earned her master’s degree at age 70, highlighting her strong intellectual curiosity. 

“… We have to keep going. We have to keep learning …” emphasized Kuntz.

As she prepares for retirement, Kuntz hopes the future of the VPA department continues encouraging creativity and exploration, rather than rigid structure. She emphasized wanting students to feel safe experimenting, making mistakes and discovering ideas through hands-on work. 

“I don’t want somebody who comes in and makes it … academic: ‘Here’s a project, do this. Here’s another project, do this,’” explained Kuntz. “I want someone who can flow with it.”

Although she feels ready to go, leaving the space she spent 14 years building has been emotional. As she prepares to leave, several of her personal art pieces will remain displayed around campus, reflecting the creativity and artistic freedom she spent years encouraging as well as her selfless nature and generosity.

While Kuntz looks forward to continuing creating art in her backyard studio and spending more time sewing, traveling and riding horses, she hopes students will continue embracing creativity long after her departure from NDB. 

“I’m hoping that the legacy that I leave is people who remember that they found their creativity at Notre Dame …” said Kuntz. “I want VPA to matter, and I want people to remember what they did and remember that it helped them become the person they are or will be.”