Connecting by art, hand

Joan Zierhut often finds herself saying “OK, I’ll do it.”

The Glendale resident simply doesn’t understand who wouldn’t want to do more for others.

She has been volunteering with the Neighborhood Services Committee for a Clean and Beautiful Glendale for more than a year. In addition, she served as a liaison between the Coalition for a Green Glendale and the committee to set up Glendale’s first community-run garden, which is on the Monterey Road onramp.

Zierhut also works as an art teacher at Mark Keppel Elementary School. She helps raise money for the arts programs by having her students make paintings and ceramic pieces, which are then auctioned off. She gained her teaching experience from working with the Los Angeles Unified School District for 11 years as a placement coordinator for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Yasmin Nouh: What prompted you to work at various public schools?

Joan Zierhut: I feel very connected to public school education. I worked as a sign-language interpreter for 11 years. I believe that everyone should have free quality education. Anyone can see that with the public school system, something needs improvement. Instead of complaining about it, you should just do it. They say put your money where your mouth is, and if that means volunteer hours instead of money, then do it.

Q: What inspired you to work as a sign language interpreter?

A: I went to Golden West College. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I needed an easy class to take, so I decided to take an American Sign Language interpreting class. I walked into the classroom and the teacher was deaf. She had a sign language interpreter there with her for the first classes. When I saw those interpreter’s hands flying around, I knew that was it. I felt like I found my place. I felt like I found something that I would be passionate about for the first time ever. It was great. I had the most fun. I got a certificate to interpret sign language. It was great, the most fun. Even though I had to put myself in places that weren’t comfortable.

Q: How did you start teaching art classes at Mark Keppel?