From dusty prairies to deep seas to outer space, Jim Gilman takes art to new levels with his students at Powell High School.

In recent years, Gilman’s students have created unique large-scale art projects, including scaled replicas of a historic stagecoach and 30-foot WWII submarine; they’re currently putting the final touches on a space shuttle.

Described as an innovative teacher who challenges students and encourages teamwork, Gilman was recently named the Powell school district’s Teacher of the Year.

“Jim Gilman is a recognized master teacher. He is known nationally for the special projects he leads at PHS, such as the current project — the space shuttle — and students participating in the federal duck stamp competition,” said Kevin Mitchell, superintendent of Park County School District No. 1.

Gilman’s students regularly win awards at the state art competition, and some have gone on to become professional artists and art teachers. He got word Friday that one of his students will soon be announced as the statewide award in the 2017 duck stamp competition.

Gilman is in his 20th year teaching art at Powell High School. Since starting at PHS in August 1996, he has expanded what he teaches students in his classes.

“I found that when I first started teaching, I had a very limited idea of what an art teacher is,” Gilman said.

His first out-of-the-box type of project was taxidermy. Gilman is the only Wyoming art teacher who teaches taxidermy, and his students’ projects have ranged from deer and ducks to bears, wolves, mountain lions, a lynx and a river otter.

“Jim is passionate about art and the quality of his students’ work,” said Jim Kuhn, PHS principal. “He respects students’ creativity and channels it into a wide variety of art styles.”

Gilman still teaches students typical art lessons: how to draw, paint and do sculptures. Students also learn the importance of Monet and Van Gogh, and what Impressionism is — but they learn more than just details and methods.

“What I’ve found is the overarching themes of problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, persistence, craftsmanship, personal responsibility — those are things that I’ve found I can teach through art,” Gilman said.

Those are lessons students can apply to everything, not just one specific subject, he said.

“I think those [lessons] have probably made a bigger difference than just teaching art,” Gilman said.

When students work together on building a submarine or space shuttle, they have to solve problems along the way.

Under Gilman’s guidance, kids work out the solutions. They are driven to do their own research, find the answers and figure out how to make it work.

“Mr. Gilman fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, never afraid to challenge but careful not to be overtly critical when student work falls short of his high standards,” wrote English teacher Vin Cappiello in a letter nominating Gilman for Teacher of the Year. Cappiello said he has “watched in awe” as Gilman and his students worked on the space shuttle this school year.

The large-scale art projects — which also include a Sopwith Camel biplane, Viking ship and dragon — are on display throughout the high school. Visitors have toured Powell High School just to see students’ artwork.

“The most amazing part of what Jim does in teaching art is the ability to motivate students both in and outside of art classes to look at whole building artwork,” Kuhn said.

Students also have fun in Gilman’s classroom, he added.

“Jim uses a great sense of humor to motivate students,” Kuhn said.

Gilman said he’s humbled to be nominated for the award by a fellow teacher. He credits supportive administrators and staff for the ambitious projects he’s taken on with art students.

A former PHS principal, Joann Hirsig, first encouraged Gilman to take on taxidermy in his art classes years ago. Kuhn, the current principal, has offered an amazing level of support in recent years, Gilman said.

“The other faculty members have been instrumental in making something like this happen,” Gilman said, thanking fellow teachers and building custodian Mike Brooks. “Without them, I can’t do these projects.”

The large-scale projects have incorporated numerous subject areas, including robotics, woodworking, welding, textiles, graphic design, history, math, science and English.

“His approach to student learning using multidisciplinary projects is a model for all teachers,” Mitchell said of Gilman.

As the district’s Teacher of the Year, Gilman will be considered for the Wyoming Teacher of the Year award.

“He is truly an outstanding teacher who is so deserving of this award,” Kuhn wrote in a letter recommending Gilman for the statewide honor.