Jeff Spencer has been teaching visual art in the public school system since 1992 and he came to Vergennes Union High and Middle School in 1996. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Johnson State College in 1982. His concentration was in painting and sculpture. After college he continued to paint and draw but received more notoriety for his work as a musician playing bass guitar for the popular Burlington band, “Pinhead”. His paintings generally appeared in group “theme” shows around Burlington galleries and night clubs. The themes of Mr. Spencer’s works center on social/political/humor. In most of his high school classes Spencer uses “Social Statements” as part of the artistic curriculum for his students. He received a Master’s in Education from Saint Michael’s College in 1998 and his supporting thesis was written on the theme of using social statement art in the secondary curriculum to help students develop empathy and a community voice. Mr. Spencer is proud to claim that his latest painting appears in the “Skylight Gallery” located in the main hall of Vergennes Union High/Middle School. He recently was asked by a group of Advanced Art students to paint along with them during class and then include his work with theirs. His 4’X8’ painting titled “This is Taylor Swift” can be viewed by clicking on the title.

Leah Hammond

Leah Hammond has been teaching visual art at Vergennes Union High and Middle School since early 2005. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Vermont in December of 2003. While at UVM her concentrations were in both digital and traditional black and white photography, as well as acrylic painting. After graduating from UVM Leah managed the Firehouse Gallery’s community darkroom and taught silver print photography. At Vergennes Leah teaches all upper level courses of study as well as a grade 7 art exploratory. In addition to teaching she is also the advisor to the Vergennes Union High School Art Club. In her spare time Leah is the director of the Shelburne Art Center’s summer program for children and continues to create her own artwork. A collection of her photography was recently exhibited at the 2009 South End Art Hop.