Catching Up with Mr. Gilham

By Mr. Gilham, former Clarence High School art teacher

Last July, I retired after teaching for 29 years at Clarence Central School. My first 7 years of teaching were at Clarence Middle School, teaching 6th and 8th grade art. For the next 22 years, I taught at the high school, teaching everything from drawing, painting, printmaking, illustration, animation, sculpture and ceramics. I also formed the National Art Honor Society and introduced Advanced Placement Drawing. Before I started teaching, I worked in advertising as an art director.

Art has always been a part of my life. I come from a family of artists. My grandfather was an artist in Northern Ontario, Canada; my mom was an artist; and now my daughter is an artist and teacher. During my time teaching at Clarence, I also worked as a professional artist participating in group art shows and regional shows, and I even had a few solo art shows. Being a member of the Buffalo Society of Artists allowed me opportunities to meet and collaborate with other artists in the area. I also painted live on stage at the Music is Art festival for many years.

After school ended last year, I packed up my belongings, and with my wife and dog, moved to Celebration, Florida. Celebration is known as “the town Disney built,” founded in 1996. It is connected to the Walt Disney World resorts by World Drive, which begins near the Magic Kingdom. Needless to say, my wife and I frequent the theme parks regularly. Other than riding the attractions like other guests, I love to take my sketchbook along and draw there. Animal Kingdom and Epcot make the best places to draw. Within Epcot’s World Showcase, I can draw in France, Italy, Germany, Japan, China, and Mexico all in one day. Animal Kingdom is a great place to draw animals and the surrounding landscape.

I have really enjoyed the weather. The warmer weather has allowed me to ride my bicycle, go mountain biking, and hike on a regular basis. On a normal day, you might find me walking my dog or riding my bike around town with a sketchbook, drawing on location, at the local coffee shop, or at home in my studio. 

Being an artist has been my lifelong pursuit. This new chapter is just another part of it. Creativity is a lifestyle, and to be creative means you need to create. I encourage everyone to continue to explore their passions. Be yourself and follow your path wherever that may guide you. Make your personal space the happiest place on earth.