LUSK - Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when he grows up.”

Solving that problem has been the goal of Roxanne Fish, who has taught art to the young people of Niobrara County for 26-years. During her time, she has helped countless children identify and cultivate their artistic talents. Now, she has decided to fold up her art easel and call it a day as an instructor. But she leaves the classroom with the canvas of her heart full of memories.

“I loved taking my high school students to art symposium,” said Fish. “They got to be a part of the largest student art show in the state of Wyoming.  There are art competitions, college worships, a banquet and dance, and they had a chance to connect with other art students from all over the state. Black Light Night was my favorite elementary project recently.  The kids look forward to it every year and get so excited when they see their art ‘glow’!”

While Fish was born in Texas, she has lived a majority of her life in Wyoming. She grew up in Powell, Wyoming, where she attended Powell High School. She earned her diploma in 1994 and continued her studies in higher education at the University of Wyoming. In 1999, she completed her college career earning a Bachelor’s in Art Education. In 2024, she was certified by the National Teacher’s Board. This certification was maintained with her completion of a portfolio in 2023.

Art seems to have always been in the vocational cards for Fish. Her family tree is populated by various artists. Among the most powerful artistic influences on Fish was her father, who was a poet, visual artist, and photographer.

“My dad taught me. A lot about artists and creating art,” said Fish. “I wanted to share that passion with others.”

Fish wasted no time imparting that passion to the youthful artists of Lusk. Immediately out of college, she was hired by the Niobrara County School District #1, where she has been sharing her artistic knowledge ever since.  

Yet, the tug of personal projects has finally pulled Fish from to classroom. According to the veteran art instructor, her own art and jewelry-making consumes more and more of her attention. Of even greater importance to Fish is her family, whose academic development now demands her time.

“My son Urijah will be competing in athletics across the state throughout the year,” said Fish. “My other son Nathan will be wrestling for Western Wyoming and will be competing in other states.  I want to make sure that when they look for me in the stands, they see me. Always.”

Fish was celebrated and honored during the 2025 graduating class and then again at LEMS during their last spring concert of the year. Fish was grateful and humble when her students and faculty honored her and said their good byes, but will still see her as she attends her sons sports activities this coming school year.

Likewise, when the aspiring artists of Niobrara County survey the gallery of their memories, they will see Fish as well. Always.