A Gallery Experience for Art Educators

Join us for a Gallery Experience for Art Educators 
at Tephra ICA 
 November 7th, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

This free event offers a unique opportunity for art educators to connect, explore contemporary art, and gain inspiration to bring back to their classrooms. 

Don’t miss this enriching experience!

VAEA State Conference 2023

Tomorrow kicks off the Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA) state conference! If you have never joined the fun, let me tell you a few reasons why it is important to me...

VAEA provides a nurturing community where artists, educators, and enthusiasts forge meaningful connections. This camaraderie fosters an environment where individuals with a shared passion for the arts can engage in enriching conversations, share experiences, and support each other in their creative journeys.

As a member of VAEA, access to a wealth of cutting-edge curriculum resources becomes readily available. Stay at the forefront of art education with innovative teaching methodologies, lesson plans, and professional development opportunities. VAEA ensures that educators have the tools they need to inspire and empower their students through a dynamic and evolving curriculum.

VAEA serves as a catalyst for unleashing and nurturing creativity. Through workshops, events, and collaborative opportunities, members are exposed to a dynamic space where creativity flourishes. Whether discovering new techniques or engaging with innovative ideas, VAEA empowers artists to expand their creative horizons and contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving world of art education.

Membership transcends the traditional boundaries of an association; it is an invitation to be part of a transformative journey. By joining, individuals not only gain access to invaluable resources but also become integral contributors to a community that values and celebrates artistic excellence.

I am proud to be presenting at two sessions this weekend. The first one is a studio workshop with my visual arts colleagues in FCPS, Art Shenanigans: Fun & Play with Art Games. A fast paced workshop that promotes exploration, experimentation, ideation and social emotional well-being.  The second one is a presentation in collaboration with other fine arts supervisors, Marketing Yourself for the Art Education Landscape. We will be sharing tips and tricks for landing the teaching gig you seek! 

See you in Harrisonburg! 

Passion realized ...validated...so grateful.

                  November has proven to be one for the books! I have been an art educator for 20+ years. It is my life's passion, I say that truly...I love to be in a space where there is so much possibility and raw creativity. It is what gets me out of bed in the morning.  

Asking questions and facilitating the creative experiences of mostly curious yet angsty teenagers creates days of wild times and incredible ah-ha light bulb moments. 

 I learn new things daily and it is always changing. Well, I want to tell you that I was named the Virginia Secondary Art Educator of the year at the VAEA state conference this year! This is such a lovely honor and I am so grateful. 

My family was even invited to the awards breakfast! And that is the cherry on top! I am so fortunate to have a great husband that supports me, even when he thinks my ideas are a little crazy! My sons revel in the insanity that sometimes results from our incredibly busy schedule. However they also benefit, I strive include them in everything! And as a result they have an amazing extended family they would have not met otherwise!

My work ethic is fierce and my passion for the process of art making is invigorated daily in the studio, darkroom and classroom. I am one of the lucky ones that realized how I need to spend my life.  Thank you VAEA for the incredible honor and validating my purpose! 

Painting with Light and Everything Bright...

Had a blast this afternoon practicing light painting with my department today! 
Look out we are ready to inspire MADNESS.

You can never practice enough, it is such fun! 

We will be presenting our play at VAEA this weekend!!!