Fabulous People: JM Huck

JM Huck is a literary arts teaching artist. “Some of this work I do through We Write Las Vegas. Other work I do is tied to my identity as an eco artist, and often there is a STEAM component. I work with all ages, but on the Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster, I specialize in working with adults.” Learn about JM Huck…

Follow at: @bandittrl; @wewritelv

Hometown: I grew up a “third culture [military] kid,” so I don’t really have a hometown. The places I’ve lived the longest are: New York City (eight years) and Vicenza, Italy (five years).

First job: I have been working since the age of 14. My first job was sorting mail in a post office. I think it was $4.25 per hour? I remember it was a summer program, run by some office on the army installation.

Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: I am a member of Springs Preserve and Left of Center Gallery. I enjoy the butterfly habitat at the preserve, and at the gallery there is a calming fountain in the second-floor African American art collection. I am also a mindful birder, so I enjoy watching/listening for birds at places like Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Wetlands Park, Sunset Park and others. I enjoy learning about the night sky, as well, whether stargazing or visiting the Dale Etheridge Planetarium.

Your biggest accomplishment and why: I’m proud of changing my relationship with my mother. We used to be at odds since she wasn’t as supportive of my creative career as my father was. But we have mended that gap in understanding, and she has been extremely supportive in recent years.

The biggest obstacle you overcame: Right as I was finishing college, I did struggle with the sudden death of my father. He was my greatest cheerleader, and when he passed away I didn’t know I had it in myself to keep trying my best. Eventually, through a lot of soul searching in New York–including visiting most of the major museums and going on adventures on most of the waterways–I regained confidence in myself. I now work to share this confidence by helping to inspire others.

Someone who inspires you and why: Rita Deanin Abbey. I see a great sense of focus and dedication in her work, and I aspire to apply that same level of care in my artistic practice. I still have a lot to learn about her work and life, but I am looking forward to this journey.

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: To be a poet, write often. To be a teacher, understand your students–find out what they need and how the skills you have can serve them.

Favorite quote: “You’re already doing it.” -Thomas Putzier

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: In my early 20s, I wanted to be a hospital chaplain. I’m happier now being a literary artist, and in a way poetry (whether reading or writing) is a form of healing.

What makes someone fabulous: Gratitude and generosity.

Photo credit: Doug Ecks