The Arts

Leah Crawford did not start her career teaching, but she always knew that’s what she wanted to do.

Crawford is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher - Commercial Art at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, a public magnet career and college preparatory high school in Jacksonville.

A Jacksonville native, Crawford graduated from Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology in 2011 and from Flagler College with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design in 2015. After graduation, she moved to Orlando for her first professional job but returned to Jacksonville after a year. Crawford spent more than five years working in the design industry in a variety of environments including agency and business settings. She began teaching at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology in September 2020.

“I always thought I would end up working in education although I didn’t think it would happen this early in my career – but I love it,” Crawford said.

Crawford teaches Commercial Art Technology in the Communications Academy, preparing students for careers in the creative industry after high school or college. The Communications Academy also offers programs in Television Production and Digital Information Technology/IT.

A self-described “art kid,” Crawford had a passion for art and knew early on she wanted to study design. Her transition to teaching occurred in part because she maintained relationships with many of her former teachers.

“I had many key educators – in elementary, high school and college,” Crawford said. “They all left an impression on me. I knew one day I would love to emulate that energy in a classroom setting.”

One of her mentors is Michael Fuller, now retired but who had been Crawford’s commercial art teacher at the Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology. Fuller contacted Crawford when a teaching vacancy became available.

“I wasn’t looking for a change, but when it was put in front of me, I knew I needed to jump at the opportunity,” Crawford said.

As an educator, Crawford draws on her professional design experience combined with her passion for creative problem solving. For the transition to teaching, Crawford earned her teaching certificate and Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop certifications. Crawford enjoys working with students.

“Being an educator isn’t just showing up to a classroom,” Crawford said. “I’m excited to help launch students into their careers.”

Students at the Academy earn industry certifications and regularly receive on-the-job training through internships. Crawford’s students work on a variety of real-world projects. In April, they will design marketing materials to promote the Healing Hearts Project’s fun run. This project also provides an opportunity for the academy to support a non-profit organization.

“Skills with Adobe products are guaranteed to give a leg up when pursuing a career at any point in time because of the early exposure that was provided,” said student Dante Pierre. “When you're exposed early to these kinds of professional programs, you develop a skillset that never truly becomes obsolete.”

Many of Crawford’s students value the Academy’s programs.

“I believe this Academy is helping my school life improve overall,” said student Danielle Wilson. “I'm learning things about websites, programs, editing and design, and I'm learning concepts that allow my school work to look nicer and my creativity to flow.”

Josué Cruz is an artist and Intercultural communicator whose passion is bridging the gap between creativity and performance.

The longtime artist and entertainer has worked in the arts for several years as a performer and a facilitator. Cruz is Owner and Managing Partner of LPT Salsa, LLC, a 10-piece salsa music orchestra, and the Director of Development for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. which enriches the arts through its support to cultural organizations, individual artists and the Public Art Program. He also contributes to numerous publications as a freelance writer.

“I always had an attraction for the arts but I never thought it would be my career path until my later high school years,” said Cruz, who moved to Jacksonville from South Florida in 2011.

Cruz recognized his interest in creative writing after winning a poetry writing contest as a middle school student. His love for performing emerged as a teenager and continues today. Cruz is lead vocalist for LPT, a group that performs locally as well as across the globe. One of his most memorable performances took place in a small Australian town that didn’t offer many live music performances.

“It’s very rewarding to perform in places that are absent of art and experience how important art is to that community,” Cruz said.

He is a connoisseur of all fine art forms spanning from opera to rap, poetry, romantic landscapes and neo-classical imagery. Cruz’s enthusiasm for facilitating the growth and success of artists is equally strong. As Director of Development, Cruz is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s fundraising needs. These include individual, foundation, and corporate sponsorships, establishing major gifts and planned giving programs, and grant-writing.

“It all comes down to the impact you can have going forward,” Cruz said.

Cruz’s career began as a Language Arts/Creative Writing teacher and evolved with a wide variety of cultural, educational and leadership positions.

“I love learning about a project and helping people turn their dreams into realistic, attainable goals,” he said.

For success, artists must possess the skills of their craft, whether it is writing, music or the visual arts. Other skills come into play including perseverance, organization and communication skills. Cruz believes an artist’s success is a result of having adaptability and humility. Rather than follow a narrow path, be multi-dimensional and learn as much as you can about everything.

“You never know when a piece of knowledge is going to open a door,” Cruz said.

An entrepreneur at heart, Cruz says his enterprising spirit has helped him navigate a career in the arts.

“You have to understand the business of art in order to make a sustainable living and have a positive economic impact on your life,” Cruz said.

Grant funding though the Cultural Council and other organizations is available. Cruz said it is vital for artists to do their research before applying and be prepared to demonstrate their capabilities in the application and reports.

Most importantly, Cruz said understand what opportunities you are willing to pursue.

“Recognize that line you won’t cross,” Cruz said. “A successful artist knows his or her values.”