Between the love of teaching and the passion of art, teaching always came first for retiring art teachers, Harry Wilson and Chalita Brossett Robinson. But soon that will all change.

On Feb. 3, the Wylie and May Louise Jones Gallery featured the photographs and paintings of art teacher Robinson and photography instructor, Wilson. Both plan to retire this year which means more time to expand their artistic endeavours.

“When you are teaching, it is hard to be an artist because you can’t devote all your time to it,” Wilson said.

“When you’re teaching, it (the art) is in slow motion. I want to travel more and devote more time to my photos.”

Although both will miss certain aspects of teaching, they both agree that you just know when it is time to move on – and it is.

Wilson’s photos include images of his trips to Europe and Asia, as well as a collage of self-portraits.

“I’ve been interested in photography since grade school,” Wilson said. “It is easy for me. I like the simplicity of it.”

For 34 years,Wilson has helped his students value art.

“To be sucessful, they need to have a real passion for art. It has to have real value to you,” Wilson said. “Any art class is about learning to see and think like an artist.”

Not only was the night a celebration of both the art and direction given by these two teachers, it was also Robinson’s birthday. To pay tribute to the special occasion, friends of Robinson brought a few token memorie- – Mardi Gras beads and coins – of her hometown New Orleans.

The title of Robinson’s collection “Second Line: A Celebration of Life,” consists of several pieces depicting angelic forms and movement.

She was excited to show her work and was very happy with the turnout from friends, co-workers, students and family.

“This is great. It is always nice to have friends come and see the work,” Robinson said.

Her daughter’s Lauren and Dana Robinson, as well as their friend Eric Coly, came up from Los Angeles for her big day.

“I couldn’t be more proud of her,” Lauren said. “This is just wonderful to watch.”

Students of both Robinson and Wilson were swarming around the art displays saying good-bye to their former professors and collecting every last bit of knowledge and encouragement they could.

“Mr. Wilson is an exceptional photographer, and Chalita is a fabulous painter,” said Alexi Sreine, art major and former student of Wilson.

Both Robinson and Wilson have left lasting wisdom with their students.

“If you have the desire to achieve your goals and have the discipline and persistence, you will be rewarded,” Robinson said.

The art of both Wilson and Robinson will be on display through March 9.