Juaquin Moya, friend and soul conneciton

I met Steve in Albuquerque, NM and we worked together at Bosque School. From the beginning, Steve stood out to me as an inspiring teacher who attracted all kinds of students, especially those on the fringes. I recall observing him during our faculty meetings with pencil and sketch book in hand, drawing a portrait or landscape. It was one of my favorite things to do during our weekly faculty meetings. I have so many memories of Steve at Bosque School as an art teacher. The art installation of birds Steve made with his students still hangs in the atrium of Budagher Hall at Bosque School.

To this day there are many pieces of Steve that remain close to me, at work and at home. On my refrigerator hangs “Steve Modzelewski’s Behavior Expectations” for his classes:

Be a good listener. When someone is speaking, wait until they have finished their thought before you begin. Be respectful of others. Ask questions politely.

Have compassion. It may be frightening for some to show their work to a group.

Constructive and honest feedback is important. There should be a sense of safety among members of the class. Trust is essential to creative growth. Provide an atmosphere of fellowship and helpfulness.

The study of art is not a competitive sport. The success of someone else can never block our own success. Be helpful; learn to rely on one another.

My favorite is the last “classroom norm” Steve states for his students, but Steve built an inclusive community inside and outside his classroom. His art work hangs on the adobe walls of my home and also has special meaning in my life. In my bedroom resides the tables Steve made and I feel his presence regularly.

I’ve shared with Mary Anne the many dreams I’ve had where Steve comes to visit me. He is important in my life and I’m blessed to have him alongside me on this journey. In 2014 I started Horizons Albuquerque, a non-profit that provides out of school support for students from low income families that combines literacy and art, in partnership with Bosque School and many of the Horizons’ core values are the ones Steve created for his art classes.

I feel blessed to have known Steve when he was on this earth, but I strongly believe he is still with me and all of us to this day. Steve would want us to celebrate life and I want to honor all that he has left with us on this earth.

With humility, compassion, and love, Juaquin Moya