Celebrating the Legacy of Sue Maurer: Moravian Academy’s Beloved Art Teacher Retires

When Sue Maurer first stepped onto the campus of Moravian Academy in January of 1986, she brought with her a fervent passion for art and an eagerness to share her creative journey with her students. Over the next 38 years, Sue's dedication to art education transformed the lives of countless students through her dynamic teaching in ceramics, painting, papermaking, and a myriad of other artistic disciplines.

Sue’s journey began in the attic of Snyder before she moved to the beautiful art space in Couch, where she inspired students with her innovative approach to art. Her commitment to her craft extended beyond the classroom. In the summer of 1994, she spent five weeks in Malaysia on a Maron Travel Study Grant. There, she learned the intricate art of making paper from indigenous plants, which she eagerly brought back to her students. This unique experience allowed her to teach her students how to incorporate plant fibers into pulp, creating distinctive designs in handmade paper.

Sue’s wisdom extended beyond art techniques. She once shared profound words on navigating transitions:

“I’d like to recommend when dealing with change, which is inevitable, what soothes me: watching the act of creating through the dancer, actor, painter, potter, printmaker, photographer, poet, sculptor, woodworker, musician, and singer. Their work has a beginning, middle, and end. Their work is birthed, has life breathed into it, and separates from its creator when it is deemed ‘done.’

She continued, “I highly encourage you to take up creating to soothe your soul and assist you in making sense of changes. If that isn’t enticing, I invite you to watch others creating art live, such as glass blowers, jazz musicians, and street portrait painters, in real-time—right before your very eyes. The act of creating is ever-changing, yet the stream of artists continues on with the indomitable spirit within each of them: to make. This truth I depend upon, and it satisfies my soul knowing all will be okay.”

Sue Maurer’s impact on Moravian Academy is immeasurable. She has nurtured the creative talents of hundreds of students, helping them find their artistic voices and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts. As she retires, the school community will greatly miss her vibrant presence and inspiring guidance. However, in her own words, "I am retiring from my position but not from my support of Moravian Academy!"

We wish Sue Maurer all the best in her well-deserved retirement and thank her for the indelible mark she has left on Moravian Academy.