When asked about her 32 years teaching art at EMS, Barbara Gautcher responded by saying that “God is faithful.” In the mid-1980s, former EMS guidance counselor Michael Shenk casually asked Barbara’s father if he knew of anyone who could teach art. When Reynold Simmons told Michael that his daughter Barbara was looking for a teaching position, it led to over three decades working at EMS.
Barbara believes she was “called to work here.” Citing Isaiah 43, Barbara stated that God called her by name, and has been faithful in her career. Mrs. Gautcher’s faith in God has bolstered and supported her teaching of hundreds of students, from 1985 until her retirement in June 2017.
Barbara has noticed changes over the years in teaching art. Virginia has been a national exception, she commented, by including significant amounts of art teaching in the K-12 curriculum. She notes that by the time students reach her classes, they have had art classes several times in earlier grades. With that foundation she has been able to offer electives in pottery, stained glass, watercolor, printmaking, and photography. Another big difference noted is that students are more technologically based today and do not look things up in books. “But you don’t get depth or details” that way, Barbara reflects.
Interacting with students, faculty, and staff has been a highlight of working at EMS for Barbara. She’s made lifelong friends with former students and faculty. Everywhere she goes in the Harrisonburg area she runs into people she knows through her years of teaching art.
Barbara has traveled to Europe nine times as an art teacher, either with Touring Choir or leading her own E-Term experience for students. It was during a sabbatical in Ro- mania at an art symposium that Barbara made contacts that led to the Touring Choir eventually travelling there for music and service. Later Jay and Sherri Hartzler moved to Romania in order to do mission work.
Stateside, Barbara has served on Rockingham Fine Arts Board, taught summer school at JMU, and served on the Spitzer Art Gallery Board for 25 years. She is an artist member of the Oasis Gallery in Harrisonburg, and she has served on Inter-Church Board since 1994. Her service on the Inter-Church Board is what has kept her in long-term contact with friends Myron and Esther Augsburger. Esther pioneered and established the art program at EMHS in the 1970s, and for many years Esther and Barbara have worked together in a variety of ways and places.
Whether leading the EMS Evening at the Gallery, or through helping Juniors design the Junior/Senior Banquet, or taking art field trips locally and around the state, Barbara has loved working with students. “It’s been pure pleasure to work here,” Barbara concludes. Godpseed and thank you Ms. Gautcher!
