In art education, Carmen Bilton’s teaching philosophy centers around promoting critical thinking, creativity and kindness in the art studio, as students learn to make, appreciate, share and enjoy art, with the intention that these skills and joys can enrich life - and the world we’re a part of. Teaching has always been a vital part of her art and life.

Ever an advocate for the importance of arts education, Carmen has taught art to all ages from pre-school to senior citizen students in school, art center, museum, and various other type settings. She taught college studio art and art history classes full time, working with adult students for years. Then she followed a calling and changed gears to be a public primary school art teacher, reaching hundreds of young students each year with her art lessons. She has served as a visiting artist in residence at many schools across SC and directed her own “Carmen’s Academy of Creativity and Goodness” to enliven her small rural town with theater and art programs for local youth.