Former art student comes full circle

By KRISTI ALBERTSON

The Daily Inter Lake

Nathan Closson went to college to study art. The 23-year-old Whitefish native builds custom cabinets with his father, Richard. Ultimately, he'd like to pursue songwriting or, if that doesn't work out, become a professional artist.

Teaching was never part of the plan.

But for the last six weeks, Closson has taught art classes at Whitefish High School, filling in for his former teacher, Lonnie Collinsworth.

Collinsworth has spent several weeks at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He went there to have a mass removed, but physicians had to wait weeks for an infection to heal.

His had surgery Wednesday, and while few details are available, the operation reportedly went well.

Collinsworth's positive attitude and perpetual encouragement made him one of Closson's favorite teachers. He started at Whitefish when Closson was a sophomore, so Closson spent three years under his tutelage.

"I think a lot of kids would say he's their favorite teacher," he said. "He's well-liked. He's a great teacher."

Under Collinsworth's influence, Closson, already a talented artist, continued to develop his skills throughout high school. In his senior year, Closson won the prestigious Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest.

He went on to study art at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and at the University of Montana, where he graduated in December.

"He was the one who told me about the duck stamp contest," Closson said. "He was just very encouraging of my work. That was probably the biggest influence: his encouragement."

So when Principal Kent Paulson asked Closson to substitute teach, he agreed - even though he wasn't a qualified teacher.

"I was a little scared," he said. "And I had a job. But luckily, it was [with] my dad, and he's friends with Mr. Collinsworth, so he was happy I could help him out."

After Paulson called him, Closson had less than a week to prepare for teaching six periods a day. He was able to meet with Collinsworth only once to learn what students were working on at the moment and to get a list of future project ideas.

"The first week was pretty rough," Closson said.

The actual teaching wasn't difficult, he said. He did a couple of demonstrations, but teaching art didn't require him to spend much time in front of the class.

"It's mostly just doing rounds," he said, "helping people who need it."

Learning all the "nitty-gritty stuff" was much harder, he said. He had to learn about grading and hall privileges and figure out where all the art supplies were located.

He also had the daunting task of memorizing 130 students' names. By making it a priority, he had the names down in a few days.

"It's hard to get to know that many kids," he said.

Closson had the advantage of three years' experience in Collinsworth's class.

"It was helpful being a student of his," he said. "I was pretty familiar with how things work."

Knowing how things work didn't prepare him for the work itself, though.

"It's been challenging. I never knew teaching could be so hard," he said. "I didn't realize how hard it is dealing with all the kids who don't want to be there all the time."

So far, Closson hasn't had to handle any major disciplinary issues.

"It's mainly keeping kids on task," he said.

On the whole, he said, he's enjoyed the experience - but he isn't in any hurry to change his career plans.

"This has been interesting, but I don't think it's my calling," he said, laughing.

Because he isn't a certified teacher, Closson can't teach any longer than seven weeks. After next Friday, David Spangler is taking over the position for the rest of the year, giving Collinsworth time to recover.

Collinsworth should be back in Whitefish in a few weeks, Closson said.

In the meantime, his students and colleagues are doing what they can to show their support.

Students have been putting their spare change in a "spirit jug" in the front office. The class that gives the most money will be awarded the jug, and the "coins for Collinsworth" will go toward the teacher's recovery.

The Whitefish PTA hopes to extend the support beyond the school by hosting a benefit for Collinsworth tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Moose Lodge at 230 West 10th St. in Whitefish.

The program will feature high-school and local musicians, and art by students and local artist will be up for auction. Admission is free.

"We felt it was important to have something at the community level," said Barb Sorenson, PTA co-president. "He is our art program. He's wonderful."

Collinsworth is always willing to supply art for various school functions, she said, and he helps judge the PTA's Reflections contest every year.

PTA members did some cost estimates, she said; they figure "at bare-bones minimum," Collinsworth's treatment and accommodations in Rochester will cost about $20,000.

"We just felt it incumbent upon us that this is something we need to help sponsor," Sorenson said.

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or by e-mail at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com