Against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, Leysin American School harbors an extraordinary collection of artistic talent. Each member of this creative community brings unique perspectives and practices that enrich the school's cultural tapestry. We are lucky enough to have celebrated artists on staff, their stories painting a picture of artistic excellence that spans disciplines, cultures, and traditions. Meet just a few of our extraordinary visual artists on campus below.

Skye Fiedler ‘96 (Visual Arts Teacher): Coming Full Circle
When eight-year-old Skye first declared her intention to become an art teacher, few could have predicted the global journey that would eventually lead her back to LAS. As a student here in the 1990s, she developed her artistic foundation under the guidance of Ms. Lunn.
 
Over the past 47 years, Skye has traveled extensively across Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, North America, and South America. These diverse experiences have broadened her global perspective and significantly enriched her approach to art education.
 
Dresden International School principal Joyce Larson says, “I do not say this casually—Ms. Fiedler is a premiere art teacher and the best I’ve known in my 20 years in education. She inspires children to fall in love with expressing themselves in visual arts, and she teaches them techniques and skills to be successful. Ms. Fiedler appreciates the artist in all of us, and no child leaves her class at the end of the school year believing they can’t do art. Children are proud of their art, and Ms. Fiedler is adamant about displaying it just as proudly around the building.”
 
Now, after teaching more than 360 students per week across three continents, she's returned to inspire a new generation of artists. Her impact on campus is immediately visible. Student artwork transforms the Savoy building into a dynamic gallery space, with installations ranging from the cafeteria to the local doctor's office. "Each piece tells a story," she explains, "not just of individual creativity, but of our collective journey as a global community."

The challenges of managing such a large program at LAS while maintaining her own artistic practice have taught Skye valuable lessons about adaptation. Her personal work, which she describes as "box-sized" due to the practical constraints of international living, draws inspiration from her extensive travels and underwater adventures. Recent pieces explore nostalgic memories of Leysin, filtered through the lens of her global experiences. Because of her influence, the art department has expanded beyond traditional boundaries. The founding of the Leysin Artists local art exhibition exemplifies her commitment to building bridges between the school and local community. Her innovative approach has garnered international recognition, including a visit from Her Highness Sheikha Moza to her classroom in Qatar.

 

John Gidding ‘95 (Entrepreneurship and Design Teacher): Design Without Limits
From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the serene peaks of Leysin, John Gidding's journey embodies the international spirit of LAS. A former student himself, his path through Yale and Harvard's architecture programs eventually led him back to the place where his creative journey began.

In his studio, John approaches each piece with methodical precision. "I mix each color fresh anytime I paint," he reveals, "using primary colors." This attention to detail carries through to his teaching, where he encourages students to see design and entrepreneurship as two faces of the same creative coin. His work spans an impressive range – from photorealistic paintings to eco-friendly landscaping, from television appearances to classroom innovation. Recently completing a second Masters in Educational Technology, John continues to push the boundaries of what design education can achieve.

The Alpine setting provides constant inspiration. "Taking photos here has become an exercise in imagining how each scene and atmosphere might be represented as a painting," he notes. His classroom becomes a laboratory where this inspiration transforms into practical skills, preparing students for careers that might not yet exist.

 

Jen Beighton (Visual Arts Teacher): Breaking New Ground
"I don't really consider myself an artist," Jen Beighton says with characteristic modesty, yet her influence on LAS's creative landscape is undeniable. Teaching in what she describes as "the best and most inspiring art room" of her 25-year career, she brings a designer's precision to artistic expression.

Her journey from 3D design to art education reflects a broader understanding of creativity's role in learning. During her maternity leave in 2009, she established "Looseleaf Design," creating print publications and websites. This experience informs her teaching, where she encourages students to see art as a process rather than just a product.

Innovation marks every aspect of her practice. Her master's research project explored the intersection of traditional and digital learning in art education, developing both a physical book and companion app. Currently, she's challenging herself to develop new skills in painting, committing to participate in the 2025 Leysin Artists exhibition.

Her connection to the local community manifests in practical ways – from lino print cards featuring local peaks to silver jewelry sold at the Leysin Christmas market. Each piece represents a bridge between the international school community and its Alpine home.

 

José Miguel Ortega (Kitchen Staff): The Kitchen Artist
In the LAS kitchen, between preparing meals and managing supplies, José Miguel Ortega creates art that crosses cultural and professional boundaries. Born in Seville, Spain, and trained as a physical education teacher, his artistic journey began with comic books and led to a deep appreciation for masters like Velázquez and Rembrandt. Later, he began to appreciate other great masters, such as Sorolla, Zurbarán, Caravaggio, Leonardo, and Michelangelo, as well as Dalí and Magritte, feeling especially attracted by the effects of chiaroscuro.

His creative process is a study in mindfulness. "I create an atmosphere conducive to the moment," he explains, describing his ritual of coffee, music, and focused concentration. This dedication shows in his meticulous pen drawings, where delicate strokes are built to create powerful portraits that have found homes across Europe.

“When I look for a model to draw, for me the most important thing is to transmit emotions or sensations to the viewer. In that aspect and independently of other people's orders, the choice of the model to draw is important, since it must always capture some story behind it.

Once the model has been chosen, I make the first pencil strokes on the paper or cardboard, depending on the technique I am going to use. For mixed media I use a paper that supports both dry and wet techniques. In this case I generally use markers, colored pencils, pastels and even acrylics.

Since arriving in Leysin in 2017, José has expanded his technical repertoire while deepening his connection to the school community. His portraits, commissioned by staff and families, create lasting bonds that transcend language and culture. "Art speaks when words cannot," he reflects, "telling stories that belong to all of us."
 

Anita Dore (Marketing and Communications Associate): Visual Storyteller
Anita Dore brings an artist's eye to every project she tackles in her work at LAS. Raised in upstate New York by parents who encouraged careful observation of the natural world, she developed a multifaceted approach to creativity that spans painting, ceramics, photography, and design.

Her work finds beauty in both grand vistas and minute details. "I'm inspired by how steam swirls up from a cup of coffee or the iridescent sheen of soap bubbles," she shares. This attention to detail infuses her visual storytelling, whether she's creating school materials or working on personal artistic projects.

With refreshing honesty, Anita acknowledges the challenges inherent in creative work. "Sometimes a painting comes together quickly and easily, but often it's a struggle," she admits. This vulnerability in discussing the creative process helps demystify art for students and colleagues alike.

 

A Creative Ecosystem
Together, these and the many other visual artists at LAS create more than just individual works—they foster an environment where creativity thrives in unexpected places. Their diverse approaches demonstrate that art knows no professional boundaries, while their combined influence helps students understand their place in a global creative community. From classroom to kitchen, from design lab to marketing office, each contributor adds unique colors to the school's artistic palette. Their work proves that in the right environment, creativity isn't just an activity – it's a way of life that enriches every aspect of the community.

As the Alpine light plays across the peaks surrounding campus, these artists continue to inspire, teach, and create. Their presence ensures that LAS remains not just a school with art programs, but a living gallery where every corner holds the potential for creative discovery.
 

 

 

Read the full Panorama here