Spotlight Series: Lloyd Walsh

For nearly 34 years, Lloyd Walsh has helped shape the creative and critical thinking skills of students at Palo Alto College, inspiring generations of artists, designers, and curious first-time art students along the way.

Lloyd’s journey into the arts wasn’t a straight line. He began college as a music major before realizing music was more of a passion than a career path. “I’d always done art. Drawing, photography, painting, and I decided to give it a try,” he shared. That decision led him to photography, then painting, and ultimately to earning his MFA from the California College of the Arts in Oakland. Shortly after returning to San Antonio, a newspaper ad (sent to him by his father) led him to a part-time teaching role at Palo Alto College in 1992, one that turned into a lifelong career.

Today, Lloyd teaches Drawing I & II, Painting I & II, and online Art Appreciation, while also maintaining an active career as a professional artist. Primarily known for his paintings, Lloyd has exhibited work locally, nationally, and internationally, with pieces included in the San Antonio Museum of Art. Balancing teaching and studio practice isn’t always easy, but it’s essential to who he is. “I don’t know many artists who make a living just making artwork,” he said. “We all have to find another gig, but I try to stay engaged as a working artist. I’m always in the studio working on something.”

As an educator, Lloyd is deeply student-centered. “I really get inspired by the students. I get excited when they get excited,” he said. His classes emphasize hands-on demonstrations, accessibility, and confidence-building. Especially for students who may be taking their first art class. “Learning to draw and paint are very teachable skills,” Lloyd explained. “The bigger question is: once you have the skills, what are you going to say?”

Lloyd believes art education is critical to developing creative problem-solvers. “There’s no one correct answer. Art teaches students how to think creatively, how to improvise, and how to solve problems. Even when you don’t fully know what the question is yet.”

Beyond the classroom, when he isn’t working on his own pieces (view here), or performing with his band The In and Outlaws, Lloyd helps curate exhibitions in PAC’s teaching gallery, supports the annual student art show, and encourages students to engage with San Antonio’s vibrant arts scene. He also co-leads the study abroad art program planned to relaunch in Summer 2027 to Salamanca, Spain, giving students an immersive, international arts experience.

When asked about his legacy, Lloyd keeps the focus on students. “I hope we’ve passed on knowledge that prepares the next generation to make artwork, to think critically, and to keep growing.”

After more than three decades at Palo Alto College, Lloyd Walsh continues to prove that art education is about offering students a voice, confidence, and possibility.