Mary Ann Culotta

1949-2019

Mary Ann Culotta was a mixed media artist and art educator who had an immense impact across the state of Alabama during her career as an advocate for arts education. Mary Ann served as an art teacher, art supervisor, and Director of Arts Education during her 34-year tenure at Jefferson County Schools and the Jefferson County Board of Education.

Dr. Culotta succeeded in getting the state to pass legislation making arts study a requirement for high school graduation in Alabama and helped institute the Academies of Visual Art and Theatre at Shades Valley High School. She served as the Art and Design Examiner for the International Baccalaureate Organization for the Southeast U.S.

She was the recipient of numerous awards for her work: Educator of the Year from the National Arts Education Association, Administrator of the Year from the Alabama Music Education Association, the Governor’s Award for her achievements as a leader in the arts, and Proclamations from County Commissioners for the Jefferson County Music Festivals. She was an arts advisor for Shelby County Arts Council and served on the boards of numerous organizations.

After retiring from Jefferson County Schools, Mary Ann taught classes at Samford University where she was first inspired to be an art educator as a college student.

Space One Eleven Involvement: Former board member, ARTfix Teaching Artist so much more!