Hi, I’m Maddie Clark Sanford—Delightful Art Co.'s resident history nerd! I joined Delightful Art Co. in 2022, and I now teach Paint Your Way Through Medieval History, Paint Your Way Through American History, and Paint Your Way Through Ancient History. I’ve also helped write and create the books, The Art of Ancient History, and The Art of Medieval History and the Renaissance (coming Summer 2025). My favorite part of my job is venturing down the historical rabbit holes my students send me on with their probing queries and the fun, new facts they teach me!

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I hold a degree in history from Appalachian State University, where I graduated summa cum laude and with university honors. During my studies there, I met a professor who was writing her doctorate on teaching English with arts-based methods, which has greatly inspired how I create my classes and teach. History is a lot more fun (and memorable!) when we get creative with it!

Apart from my lifelong love for the stories of the past, I have a strong appreciation for beauty and a love of creating. I’m particularly drawn to mixed media compositions, mixing cut paper with watercolors or acrylic paints, and I also love to explore other creative avenues, including sewing and textile arts. Whether it’s painting, sewing, or collage, I’m happiest when I’m making something—and helping others discover the joy in creating, too.

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I currently live in Yorktown, Virginia, and you can catch me out and about exploring all the historic places nearby with a hot chocolate in hand. I also enjoy trips to New York for musicals and museums, visiting the mountains of North Carolina, and spending time with my family– my husband James, our daughter Jane, and our giant sheepadoodle, Arthur.

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No matter where life takes me, I’m so blessed to teach with Delightful Art Co. and connect with students who love art and history as much as I do!