Meet Val Tomich | High School Social Studies Teacher and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Val Tomich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Val, how do you think about risk?
In 2020, I discovered just how much I wanted—and needed—to take creative risks. It started small, simply by sharing my work on social media. At the time, everything else in my life was centered around safety and security. For the first time, I was consumed by fears of mortality, both my own and my family’s. Art became an escape from these anxieties, awakening a creative spark I had long ignored. I craved these risks—ones I could control—during a time when so much felt out of my hands.

By late September, I was actively connecting with other creatives, seeking outlets and opportunities to express myself artistically. My efforts paid off: I had sold pieces that ended up with a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and a Grammy Award-winning musician. Amid all this, I experienced profound loss, losing my beloved mother to cancer.

It was the best worst year of my life. But the risk of making art carried me through it all.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While I wouldn’t yet describe my artistic endeavors as a full-fledged “career,” the past few years have been nothing short of transformative. I began creating art during the pandemic when the sudden change in my daily routine freed up time I had never had before. The shift allowed me to explore my artistic side in ways I never imagined. Initially, I dabbled with tutorials alongside my daughter, gradually branching out into projects I had long saved on Pinterest.

Everything changed after the murder of George Floyd. I created a small piece of protest art—hands holding signs—and shared it with my friend Jelane Oginsky, our school’s art teacher. Her enthusiasm prompted me to make more pieces, which I offered in exchange for donations to organizations aiding those impacted by the events of that summer. This initiative raised around $2,500 and led to the creation of nearly 100 pieces. Through this experience, I learned the profound impact art can have in motivating and empowering communities, and I am eager to develop similar projects in the future.

My first art fair type event was the Ann Arbor Art Hop, where I received positive feedback from attendees who didn’t know me prior. This experience led to my participation in the Emerging Artist Program through The Guild and, subsequently, in the Ann Arbor and Wyandotte Art Fairs, where I was honored to win Best New Artist.
Inspiration also came from a video I saw years ago featuring a young girl creating art without self-doubt or hesitation. I’ve strived to embody that same spirit in my work, allowing happy accidents with color and pattern to guide my creative process. My style emerged organically, characterized by quirky portraits with distorted features, created using a mix of acrylic mediums, inks, and spray paint.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my artistic journey is meeting new people and learning about their stories. I cherish the opportunity to connect others with opportunities that may benefit them. I can’t wait to see what kind of good trouble I can get into next!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a big fan of the obvious spots in Detroit– the Detroit Institute of Arts, Belle Isle, and any of the many amazing restaurants are top choices. Unique spots like the Heidelberg Project might be on the list as well.

Live music is also a favorite thing, and I would definitely want to see if any of my friends’ bands were playing at places like LIVE in Ann Arbor, or The Outer Limits in Detroit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Guild of Artists and Artisans has played a pivotal role in my development as an artist entrepreneur. Participating in their Emerging Artist program in 2022 opened countless doors for me, providing invaluable support, mentorship, and learning opportunities from both the staff and fellow artists. From guidance on the application process for art fairs to facilitating unique experiences, I am incredibly grateful for everything they have done for me. In addition to the workshops offered in the Emerging Artist program, they encouraged me to apply for events and facilitated opportunities like being a guest on the local news to promote an art fair, or arranging for me to be interviewed and filmed by the Sharpie company for their online campaigns. Several staff members have taken time to mentor me, or offer me support and encouragement over the last few years. Nicole McKay in particular has been a strong mentor; she recently helped me to understand what I needed to do to organize and facilitate an art fair during the inaugural Trenton Art Festival.

Another key figure in my journey is Michelle Tanguay, a talented artist and the creator of a transformative art festival in downtown Trenton, Michigan. As the Art Festival Producer, she chose me to be the coordinator of a small art fair. She empowered me with the resources I needed to successfully execute the event, which featured 31 artists and a live mural by Jeff Denomme from The Haunted Zoo. Michelle’s belief in my abilities has inspired me to think bigger about my future in the arts, fueling my excitement for collaborations and future events.

Lastly, I must acknowledge my husband, Ward. He has been my greatest supporter, encouraging me to dream big when I was hesitant to take even small risks. His feedback is invaluable, and perhaps most importantly, he proudly displays my art in our home. His unwavering belief in me has been a cornerstone of my artistic journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valtomichart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valtomichart

Image Credits
Val Tomich
Stephanie Arellano
Nicole McKay