Igniting Student Creativity: An Interview with Art Expert Emily Vielma

When it comes to inspiring students through the arts, Skyrocket™’s Art Program Manager, Emily Vielma is a natural visionary. With a rich background in teaching and program design, Emily has led Skyrocket™ Education Services’s Arts and Creative Expression Programs with one clear mission: to ensure every student—regardless of resources—has access to meaningful, transformative arts experiences.

We sat down with Emily to talk about how the arts spark engagement, fuel career exploration, and even boost student well-being.

From Teacher to Arts Innovator

Emily teaching her Arts class and staff members at an off-site Art & Creative Expression event.

Emily began her journey with Skyrocket™ by listening carefully to schools’ needs.

“I got to know the schools really well and understood the logistics and limitations—for example, not always having enough space for a program or enough budget to bring in somebody. My vision was to create something flexible that schools could actually access, whether that was a full program, one class, or even a single-day experience.”

Even with tight budgets and cramped spaces, she remains convinced that schools can create meaningful art programs. Her teaching experience informs every design decision she makes. She's witnessed how arts education can reignite passion in students who have grown disengaged from conventional coursework.

Why the Arts Matter More Than Ever

Students enjoying a fun pottery and studio art session at their Arts & Creative Expression classes.

Living in Los Angeles, Emily is acutely aware of the opportunities creative industries provide.

“One in six jobs in LA is creative. I want students to get a taste of that and see themselves in potential career paths. But beyond careers, the arts are essential to living a well-rounded life—especially after COVID, when students lost critical social spaces. Arts programming helps them reconnect, re-engage, and find their voices again.”

She’s seen firsthand how the arts foster confidence: students arriving quiet and withdrawn often leave proudly performing their own original music or art in front of peers. These moments represent breakthrough experiences in self-expression, public speaking, and personal courage that ripple into every aspect of students' lives.

Programs That Meet Students Where They Are

A hallmark of Emily’s work is flexibility. Some schools bring students to large one-day events, while others host workshops right on campus.

“We hire professional artists, bring all the supplies, and run the class on site. That way, even schools without in-house teachers or local arts access can still offer students a high-quality experience.”

This adaptability ensures that whether a school wants a single workshop or a robust series, Skyrocket™ can deliver.

Emily is giving students hands-on experience in photography, guiding them through professional techniques while letting them explore with high-quality tools.

Beyond Drawing and Painting: Career-Focused Arts

Many people hear “arts programming” and think only of painting or theater. Emily designs experiences that go far deeper.

Take the VIP Records Rap & Recording Experience, where students worked with hip-hop artists, DJs, and engineers—including professionals who have mixed tracks for Tupac. Students learned everything from lyric writing to recording, mixing, and even DJing.

“We want them to walk away not only with creative skills but also with career-readiness skills—like how to network, use social media, deal with criticism, and actually make a living through the arts.”

Other experiences include Fashion Design, which encourages individuality and collaboration, and the Art & Mindfulness Retreat, where students learn to slow down, reflect, and practice creativity as a tool for managing stress and anxiety.

Transformations That Last

When asked about her most rewarding moments, Emily lights up.

She recalls one student who arrived at a mindfulness retreat too anxious to speak or make eye contact. A year later, the same student returned transformed—confident, engaged, and eager to participate.

“It felt like a full circle moment. The arts gave her a pathway to step out, practice courage, and come back ready to own her voice.”

On a multi-day music trip, another student who had once hidden under his hoodie ended the journey performing guitar for his peers—then encouraging and supporting a chaperone in a moment of need.

Stories like these demonstrate the profound, lasting impact that well-designed arts programming can have on student development, extending far beyond creative skills to encompass personal growth, social-emotional learning, and character development.

Why Principals Should Invest in the Arts

Emily knows that school leaders face tough choices. But she urges them not to underestimate the measurable and immeasurable value of arts programming.

“It’s easy to cut the arts because they don’t always show up in immediate metrics. But they directly impact graduation rates, retention, and overall academic success. More importantly, they help us raise the kind of critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers who will thrive—and lead—in our world.”

Students kick off Skyrocket’s Fashion Design Experience by exploring different fabrics and learning how to drape them on dress forms—bringing their design ideas to life!

Looking Ahead

Emily’s “blue sky” vision includes expanding arts for social impact—like filmmaking trips where students could tell powerful local or global stories.

“I want students to feel empowered to use their creativity not just for expression, but to speak into issues they care about and make a difference.”

A Final Word

Skyrocket™’s Arts & Creative Expression (ACE) programs are more than enrichment—they are life-changing opportunities for students to discover their passions, connect with peers, and imagine new futures.

For principals and school leaders, these programs aren’t just an investment in creativity. They’re an investment in student success, engagement, and long-term potential.

Interested in bringing Emily’s programs to your school? Contact Marlin Navarro at marlinnavarro@skyrocket-ed.com.