The National Art Education Association (NAEA) Conference is the premier event for art educators in the United States. Held annually, the conference brings together educators, students, and professionals from across the country to collaborate, share ideas, and learn about new trends and developments in the field of art education.
The 2018 NAEA Conference was held in Seattle, Washington, from March 22nd to March 24th. The conference’s theme was “Art + Design = STEAM,” highlighting the importance of integrating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with art and design education. The conference aimed to provide educators with the tools and skills needed to create a more comprehensive and interactive art education experience for students.
The NAEA Conference 2018 featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers who are leaders in the field of art education. The keynote presentations served as a source of inspiration and motivation for attendees, providing fresh perspectives and ideas for enhancing art education.
One of the keynote speakers was Dr. Yong Zhao, a distinguished professor at the University of Kansas and an expert in education reform and globalization. Dr. Zhao’s presentation focused on the importance of creativity in education and how it can be fostered through art education. He emphasized the need for educators to embrace the unique talents and strengths of their students, rather than trying to fit them into a standardized mold.
Another keynote speaker was Lisa Congdon, an artist, author, and illustrator based in Portland, Oregon. Congdon’s presentation focused on her journey as an artist and the role that art education played in shaping her career. She emphasized the importance of creativity and self-expression in art education, and how it can help students develop critical thinking skills and confidence.
Overall, the keynote speakers at the NAEA Conference 2018 provided attendees with valuable insights and inspiration for enhancing art education. Their presentations encouraged collaboration, creativity, and innovation, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education that includes art and design.
Workshops and Sessions: Learning and Innovating in Art Education
The NAEA Conference 2018 featured a wide range of workshops and sessions, providing attendees with opportunities to learn and collaborate with other art educators. The sessions covered a variety of topics, from technology integration in art education to innovative teaching strategies and techniques.
Some of the most popular sessions included “STEAM: Merging Science and Art Education,” which explored ways to integrate STEM concepts into art education, and “Digital Art: Creating, Sharing, and Connecting,” which covered digital art-making tools and techniques.
Other notable sessions included “Art and Social Justice,” which discussed the role of art in promoting social justice and cultural awareness, and “Teaching Art to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” which provided strategies and techniques for teaching art to students with special needs.
The workshops and sessions at the NAEA Conference 2018 offered valuable opportunities for attendees to learn and collaborate with other art educators. The sessions were designed to provide practical and innovative ideas for enhancing art education and creating a more engaging and interactive learning experience for students.
Exhibitions and Events: Celebrating Art and Design
In addition to the workshops and sessions, the NAEA Conference 2018 also featured a variety of exhibitions and events showcasing art and design from around the country. The exhibitions provided a platform for artists and designers to showcase their work and share their experiences with attendees.
One of the most notable exhibitions was the “Youth Art Month” exhibition, which showcased artwork from K-12 students across the country. The exhibition celebrated the creativity and talent of young artists and highlighted the importance of art education in schools.
Another notable event was the “Artisans Marketplace,” which featured a variety of unique and handmade items created by local artisans. The marketplace provided attendees with an opportunity to support local businesses and artists while also enjoying the creativity and talent on display.
Overall, the exhibitions and events at the NAEA Conference 2018 celebrated the diversity and creativity of art and design, providing attendees with a unique and inspiring experience. The exhibitions and events highlighted the importance of art education and its impact on individuals and communities.
Attendee Experience: Collaborating for a Better Future in Art Education
The NAEA Conference 2018 was an excellent opportunity for art educators to come together, share ideas, and learn from one another. Attendees left the conference feeling inspired and motivated, armed with new techniques and strategies to apply in their classrooms.
One attendee, Samantha, a high school art teacher from New York, said, “The NAEA Conference 2018 was an incredibly enriching experience. I was able to attend workshops and sessions that gave me new ideas for lessons and projects to bring back to my students. I also had the chance to network with other educators and share my own experiences and ideas.”
Another attendee, John, a university professor from California, said, “The keynote speakers were fantastic, and I came away from the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for art education. I was also impressed by the quality of the workshops and sessions, which were led by knowledgeable and engaging presenters.”
Overall, the NAEA Conference 2018 provided attendees with a unique opportunity to collaborate, learn, and grow as educators. The conference’s emphasis on collaboration and innovation reflected the importance of working together to create a better future for art education.
Conclusion: The Importance of Collaboration in Art Education
The NAEA Conference 2018 was a resounding success, bringing together art educators from across the country to collaborate and learn from one another. The conference’s theme of “Art + Design = STEAM” highlighted the importance of integrating STEM subjects with art and design education, creating a more comprehensive and interactive learning experience for students.
The keynote speakers, workshops, and sessions at the conference provided attendees with valuable insights and inspiration for enhancing their teaching practices. Attendees left the conference feeling motivated and empowered to make a positive impact on art education in their communities.
The NAEA Conference 2018 demonstrated the importance of collaboration in art education, highlighting the need for educators to work together to create a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students. As the field of art education continues to evolve, collaboration and innovation will be essential in creating a brighter future for students and educators alike.