Whether she’s in her classroom or her studio, art teacher Rebecca Duffy brings creativity, experimentation and enthusiasm to everything she does.

From Celtic folklore to modern color palettes, Duffy paints with both her brush and her imagination. Her pieces span a wide variety of styles ranging from modern to classical art inspired by her cultural roots. Through her work with Arts Worcester — a nonprofit that supports and exhibits local artists — and her teaching, she continues to inspire others to explore their own artistic voices.

Before finding her passion for teaching, Duffy worked in museum education and community arts organizations. However, she realized her greatest joy came not from curating art, but from inspiring others to make it.

“I want to give my students as many opportunities as I can to learn, grow and be inspired,” Duffy said.

Duffy demonstrates this goal both on her Instagram and in her classroom. The artwork she posts often draws from her own heritage, such as a sculpted plastic bronze bull painted with Celtic-inspired patterns. She blends those influences into pieces filled with folklore and mythology, often with a modern twist.

“I’ve been mixing Celtic folklore and my own background — Irish, Pennsylvania Dutch and Norwegian — with my modern style,” Duffy said.

By sharing her creative process and inspirations, she shows students that art can seamlessly connect culture, imagination and individuality.

Her creative process has evolved over the years, driven by her growing ambition to explore new techniques. Traveling to places such as Ireland and New Mexico has played a key role in shaping her artistic choices. By visiting new places, Duffy has been exposed to diverse styles, colors and cultural influences that continually bring fresh ideas and perspectives to her work.

“[I used to work] with mostly oil paint, but oil paint is difficult if you are traveling,” Duffy said. “If I’m traveling and want to bring my work home, I need it to be dry when it comes back, and that doesn’t work with oil.”

To challenge herself further, she explored palette-knife painting after receiving a materials grant. She completed an entire series using only palette knives, applying paint “almost like frosting a cake.” That willingness to take creative risks reflects her belief that art should always be an adventure.

“Once I have done something for a while, I know what it’s going to look like,” Duffy said. “The adventure isn’t there anymore, so I give myself a new challenge.”

Her passion for experimentation extends to the classroom, where students see how trying new approaches can spark creativity and growth. Duffy says that creating and sharing art in a community — whether through exhibits or school — keeps her inspired and productive.

“After doing acrylic for so long, I decided to experiment with using palette knives instead of brushes,” Duffy said. “I got a materials grant to get really good paints and mediums and a variety of palette knives. I did a whole series of paintings using no brushes — just palette knives.”

Junior Olivia Gray, one of Duffy’s students, says Duffy’s creativity and passion have a major impact on her students.

“She helps me realize more of the elements of art and what I can use from her art to put into my own,” Gray said.

Gray also sees Duffy’s personality reflected in her artwork.

“Her artworks are very bubbly, happy and joyous, and I think she’s a fun person with lots of personality and joy in her life,” Gray said.

Being part of an art community, such as Arts Worcester, also plays a key role in keeping Duffy motivated. It gives her the structure she needs to stay productive and push her work forward.

“If I don’t have an art show or a deadline, I might not make as much art as I’d like to,” Duffy said.

Whether she is experimenting with palette knives, traveling for inspiration or encouraging students to take creative risks, Duffy continues to embody the spirit of lifelong artistry.

“Her art is very unique,” Gray said. “It shows her personality and what she wants other students to illustrate in their artworks.”

In both her studio and her classroom, Duffy’s passion for creativity inspires others to make art of their own.