Framing the Future

In a time of change how do we frame the important components of art education, while taking a postmodern perspective of not defining narrow boundaries? In art education, we rely on rules and structure but certainly celebrate the anomalies in finding creative possibilities. How might removing the frame all together open up possibilities for new perspectives and ways of viewing the field of art education?

This year’s conference opens up possibilities through a bricolage approach with rich and robust content from a wide array of current topics in the field. The National Art Education association provides the framework through the strategic goals of Learning, Research and Knowledge, Advocacy and Organizational Vibrancy. Within these large frameworks a variety of topics will be shared, discussed and reflected upon through keynote speakers, hands on workshops, learning sessions, and dialogue. Paramount in each session is the emphasis on the lived experiences of teachers and students as they engage in many ways of seeing and understanding the world. Art teachers balance multiple roles, we are researchers of new ideas and pedagogical practices, advocates of the arts and student’s lives, life long learners and members of diverse communities.

Faced with increasing standardization and often decreased attention to the benefit of visual arts in the core curriculum, this conference creates a space for professional development that is diverse in meeting the needs of a wide spectrum of school cultures and teacher interests. The ideas for sessions have occurred through dialogue with speakers celebrating their strengths as teachers and researchers. Framing where we are and were we are headed as field becomes powerful through collaboration of many in open dialogue. This conference is meant to be a space to renew, refresh and revisit our work as a teachers and the broader work of the field.  I hope this conference allows each participant to have voice and to celebrate their work and dedication to the field of art education.

Kerry Freedman speaks of “an effective contemporary leadership vision for art education [which] needs several baseline characteristics. It must characterize knowledge of the visual arts as essential to human life. It must take into account the cultural and personal impact of the range of popular and fine art. It must connect the visual arts to a variety of societal aims as well as educational goals. It must renew an emphasis on creative thinking and behaviors in the face of increased standardization” (Freedman, par. 7).

I look forward to bringing together retired, becoming and practicing art teachers, graduate students, administrators, policy makers and researchers as they share their expertise, framing/unframing content relevant to the dynamic and living curriculums of art classrooms and educational sites.

Amy Pfeiler-Wunder,
Conference Co-Chair

CONFERENCE ATTENDEES WILL:

• Build a deeper sense of the institutional structure and mission of the National Art Education Association and its support of classroom practice.
• Gain insider access to the National Arts (Visual Arts, Music, and Dance) standards.
• Engage in dialogue surrounding current topics in the filed through keynote speakers.
• Connect your lived classroom experience to current topics in the field such as:
  • Advocacy
  • Brain Based Learning
  • Service Learning
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Working with Student Needs
  • Community Based Projects
  • Stem/Steam
  • Design in Art Education
  • Working in Alternative Settings
  • Exemplary Lesson Planning
• Participate in hands-on-workshops in craft studios to learn new techniques for classroom implementation.
• Collaborate with a network of educators interested in emerging practices of education.
• Value and strengthen your own role as a leader in the field of art education.

Abbreviated Schedule - Please click on the link at the top of page for a full schedule

7:30-8:15 Registration & Breakfast—McFarland Student Union
8:15-8:45 Opening Remarks—Dean Mowder and Conference Co-Chairs—McFarland Student Union
9:00-10:00 Session One—Sharadin Arts Building Break Out Rooms
9:00-11:00 Craft Workshops—Pilot program-limited space and must register morning of the conference.
10:15-11:15 Session Two—Sharadin Arts Building Break Out Rooms
11:30-1:00 Lunch & Keynote, Dennis Inhulsen—McFarland Student Union
1:15-2:15 Session Three—Sharadin Arts Building Break Out Rooms
2:20-3:20 Session Four—Sharadin Arts Building Break Out Rooms
3:20-3:45 Light refreshments—McFarland Student Union
3:45-4:30 Keynote, Linda Popp—McFarland Student Union
4:30-5:30 Alumni Reception, Miller Gallery, Sharadin Arts Building

Inhulsen has served as Principal of Patterson Elementary School since 2006. Previously, he served as Director of the Wellspring Alternative School for five years and spent twenty-one years as a K-12 art educator and college instructor. He is a member of the Michigan Art Education Association where he served as President, Newsletter & Web Editor, Conference Chair and presenter. He received his BFA and MA Degrees from Michigan State University and Education Specialist Degree from Oakland University.
“Dennis Inhulsen has been elected as a national leader during a critical time in our nation as policymakers and thought leaders are looking to transform teaching and learning to ensure America’s youngest citizens are afforded equal access to a well-rounded quality education,” says NAEA Executive Director, Dr. Deborah B. Reeve. “Current research demonstrates that the arts are essential to the development of human potential and as a school leader, Inhulsen effectively bridges professional practice across content areas and fosters strategic partnerships that ensure student success.”
Inhulsen recently represented NAEA at the Arts Education Partnership Forum in Washington, DC in response to a recent report issued by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future Through Creative Schools. Inhulsen will be actively engaged in dialogue at the national level where his insight and experiences will be shared as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is reauthorized and educational policy is debated.

From Press Release issued by the National Art Education Association

• Conference Presenters
• Workshops