Elvira Tisthammer is the art teacher at James Elementary School. “I’ve always liked art and I was just lucky to get this art position. I’m very fortunate.” Q. Who is your favorite artist? A. Georgia O’Keefe Q. What is your favorite book? A. I like anything by Pearl S Buck. She’s an old author and these books are classics. I’ve read almost everything she’s written. Q. Who is your greatest influence? A. My third grade teacher. She would have me stay after school and clean the blackboard and beat the erasers on the sidewalk. She would give me money to buy us both a candy bar afterwards. I felt like a teacher’s pet. Q. What is your favorite part of your day? A. I like sunrise and sunset. Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? A. Traveling around the world, I hope. The art of the matter is compiled by Freedom New Mexico staff writer Casey Peacock. She can be reached at: casey_peacock@link.freedom.com