My name is Astra Patterson and I have been teaching art and computer graphics at Benson for 30 plus years.  I believe that Benson is one of the best high schools in the State of Nebraska.  The students here are talented, generous, and very friendly.  We are a "family" through and through.  The students in the Art Department are known for "bringing home the gold" in art competitions and continue this trend of excellence year after year.  The entire art staff is dedicated, hard-working and skilled in various art media.

Benson High is very proud to have the only  Design Academy at the high school level in the State of Nebraska.  This is a four-year program dedicated to preparing students for possible careers in the art, design, and creative building skills industry.  We have an updated iMac lab that includes state of the art computers, software, 3-D printers, laser cut printers, and other equipment used by this academy.  

I personally like to do pastel portraits and have completed many for family and friends.  I also do commission work of most subjects.   I have included a gallery showing some of my recent personal work. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about our department or programs.

A Day		B Day
1st BlockA	Art 3-4, Art 7-8	1st Block	Art 5-6, AP Art
2nd Block	Art 3-4, Art 7-8	2nd Block	ACP Art
3rd Block	Advisement	3rd Block	Advisement
4th Block	Art 1-2, Art 5-6	4th Block	Art 3-4, Art 7-8, AP Art
5th Block	Plan Period	5th Block	Art 1-2

Astra Patterson
Art Instructor

astra.patterson@ops.org
402.557.3067