“Art Is Important”: Beth Clatchey’s Path to Graduation

For Beth Clatchey, returning to college was not part of the original plan. It was something she discovered later in life, after years of putting her dreams on hold.

Growing up in a small town, Beth developed a love for art at an early age. While her passion was clear, it was not something she was encouraged to pursue.

“My ninth-grade art teacher taught me that art is important,” she shared. “He encouraged me and praised my work, but at home, I was told that if I wanted to paint and draw, it would have to come later.”

After graduating high school in the 1980s, Beth briefly attended a four-year college, but quickly found herself struggling. With limited financial guidance and resources at the time, she returned home and began building a life centered around work and family.

Years passed, but the desire to create never left her.

“I grew up, found a good job, got married, and raised a family, but something was always missing,” she said.

It wasn’t until her children began their own college journeys that Beth realized something she had not considered before.

“I remember waking up in the middle of the night and realizing that I could go back to school. It wasn’t too late.”

After moving to Brewton, Beth took her first step back into the classroom through a community pottery class at Coastal Alabama Community College. That experience reignited her passion and gave her the confidence to take the next step.

With encouragement from Coastal’s faculty, including Mrs. Lowery, Beth enrolled as an art major and quickly found a place where she belonged.

“Everyone was so wonderful and helpful,” she said. “It made my heart sing. Art is important. It makes people happy. It certainly makes me happy.”

At Coastal, Beth found more than just a classroom. She found a community.

From her professors to her fellow art students, she was surrounded by people who supported her creativity and encouraged her to grow.

“I enjoyed every minute of the process, and I wish it weren’t over,” she said.

As she prepares to graduate, Beth is already looking ahead to what comes next. She plans to continue her education at either the University of South Alabama or the University of West Florida.

But first, she is fulfilling another lifelong dream.

A trip to London and Paris.

“I would never have been brave enough to even consider this trip before I went back to school,” she said. “I cannot wait to go to the Louvre and see the masters in person.”

For Beth, returning to Coastal was about more than earning a degree. It was about rediscovering a part of herself she had set aside for years.

“I am not sure what the future may bring,” she said, “but I am so grateful for what I gained at Coastal, a life filled with art.”