Registration is now closed.
Saturday, April 27th, 2024
8:00-3:00PM Conference
Collins Center for the Arts
University of Maine Orono
Conference Registration Fee $45 (which includes lunch and morning snacks)
3:30-6:00PM MAEA Art Educator of the Year Awards Ceremony
(Join us for Dinner before Awards Ceremony- Fee $30/pay at the door)
Saturday, April 27th, 2024
8:00-3:00PM Conference
Collins Center for the Arts
University of Maine Orono
Conference Registration Fee $45 (which includes lunch and morning snacks)
3:30-6:00PM MAEA Art Educator of the Year Awards Ceremony
(Join us for Dinner before Awards Ceremony- Fee $30/pay at the door)
Overnight Accommodations Available for Spring Conference
Hotel Ursa is offering overnight accommodations at a discounted rate of $129.00 per night for either a King bed or Two Queen beds, for April 26th and/or April 27th. Attendees need to reserve a room by April 5th to receive this discounted rate. Attendees will need to call Hotel Ursa directly at 207-314-5066, or book a reservation online at www.hotelursa.com. Conference Schedule
8-8:30 Registration 8:30-9:00 Coffee Clatch Discussion 9:00-10:00 Opening Remarks 10:00-12:00 Either a 2 hour Studio Workshop or Two 1 Hour Sessions 12:00-1:00 Lunch Provided 1:00-3:00 Either a 2 hour Studio Workshop or Two 1 Hour Sessions 3:00 Closing Optional Additional Afternoon & Evening Events 3:30-4:30 Collaborative Art Making 4:30-6:00 Dinner and Awards Ceremony Angelo Ippolito and hangs at the CCA1 Hour Presentations |
OPTION 1: Arts @ the Intersection
Presenters: Alexis Saba and Emily Fisher, Farnsworth Museum
Integrating the arts through student-centered learning: This session will explore the ways that arts integration is used as a powerful tool for creating new learning pathways and increasing levels of engagement and buy-in for all students. Highlighting the successes and learnings from the first two years of the Farnsworth Art Museum's year-long program with six Midcoast classrooms, Arts@theIntersection, we will demonstrate how student-centered, project-based learning experiences can be integrated through the arts across all disciplines.
Some benefits of arts integration that we will explore include: enhanced critical thinking, deeper understanding of lessons and retention, increased forms of expression for different learners, and stronger relationships with adults and students.
The session will be interactive, allowing participants to see and practice examples of arts integration lessons and ways that art specialists can support students and other educators in English Language Arts, general science, and Maine Studies curriculum and classroom spaces, for example.
Bios:
Dr. Alexis Saba brings over 15 years of experience in education leadership, community-based research, and program development to her work as Senior Manager of Academic Programs at the Farnsworth Art Museum. She is the founder of Arts@theIntersection, and currently manages arts integration and academic programming at the Farnsworth Art Museum. Prior to her work at the Farnsworth, Alexis was a professor of Education at Indiana University and Colby College where she taught future teachers in the foundations of education including educational policy implementation and social justice in the school and classroom. Her research included working with international underserved groups in the global South that were advocating for access to arts-based curricular solutions. She is dedicated to working directly with communities and educators and implementing student-centered learning that integrates the arts.
Emily Fisher is the Academic Programs Coordinator at the Farnsworth Art Museum. Prior to this role, she was an art educator for nine years, both in classrooms and museums. At the Farnsworth, Emily organizes and facilitates the Arts@theIntersection program, coordinating with teachers, community partners, and artists to give students a thorough arts integration experience. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Art History from Saint Peter’s University and a Master of Arts degree in Art Education from the University of Florida. In her career, she has been awarded Teacher of the Year, presented workshops for fellow art educators at Northeast Florida Art Education Association and Florida Art Education Association conferences, and has been a mentor teacher for new art educators. Emily is passionate about creating meaningful arts experiences for students and working with educators to create those experiences. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, being in nature, creating art, and practicing yoga.
Presenters: Alexis Saba and Emily Fisher, Farnsworth Museum
Integrating the arts through student-centered learning: This session will explore the ways that arts integration is used as a powerful tool for creating new learning pathways and increasing levels of engagement and buy-in for all students. Highlighting the successes and learnings from the first two years of the Farnsworth Art Museum's year-long program with six Midcoast classrooms, Arts@theIntersection, we will demonstrate how student-centered, project-based learning experiences can be integrated through the arts across all disciplines.
Some benefits of arts integration that we will explore include: enhanced critical thinking, deeper understanding of lessons and retention, increased forms of expression for different learners, and stronger relationships with adults and students.
The session will be interactive, allowing participants to see and practice examples of arts integration lessons and ways that art specialists can support students and other educators in English Language Arts, general science, and Maine Studies curriculum and classroom spaces, for example.
Bios:
Dr. Alexis Saba brings over 15 years of experience in education leadership, community-based research, and program development to her work as Senior Manager of Academic Programs at the Farnsworth Art Museum. She is the founder of Arts@theIntersection, and currently manages arts integration and academic programming at the Farnsworth Art Museum. Prior to her work at the Farnsworth, Alexis was a professor of Education at Indiana University and Colby College where she taught future teachers in the foundations of education including educational policy implementation and social justice in the school and classroom. Her research included working with international underserved groups in the global South that were advocating for access to arts-based curricular solutions. She is dedicated to working directly with communities and educators and implementing student-centered learning that integrates the arts.
Emily Fisher is the Academic Programs Coordinator at the Farnsworth Art Museum. Prior to this role, she was an art educator for nine years, both in classrooms and museums. At the Farnsworth, Emily organizes and facilitates the Arts@theIntersection program, coordinating with teachers, community partners, and artists to give students a thorough arts integration experience. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Art History from Saint Peter’s University and a Master of Arts degree in Art Education from the University of Florida. In her career, she has been awarded Teacher of the Year, presented workshops for fellow art educators at Northeast Florida Art Education Association and Florida Art Education Association conferences, and has been a mentor teacher for new art educators. Emily is passionate about creating meaningful arts experiences for students and working with educators to create those experiences. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, being in nature, creating art, and practicing yoga.
OPTION 2: Exploring the Intersection of Visual Arts and Artificial Intelligence
Presenter: Charlie Johnson, MDI Art Educator
The presentation delves into the dynamic relationship between technology and creativity within visual arts. The introduction sets the stage for an engaging discussion, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted agenda ahead. Throughout the presentation, the focus will shift to the pivotal role of visual arts educators in embracing AI as a catalyst for innovation, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and leveraging technology as a creative conduit.
Attendees will be treated to a captivating demonstration of AI tools in action, showcasing AI-generated artwork and live demonstrations of AI-assisted art creation. Delving into the advantages, the presentation will highlight AI's capacity to enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and foster collaboration while acknowledging concerns surrounding originality, emotional connection, and ethical implications.
In the discussion segment, participants will share experiences, address challenges, and strategize on integrating AI into visual arts curricula. The session will culminate in a Q&A, fostering an exchange of ideas and resources for further exploration, before concluding with a call to action to embrace innovation and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of art and technology.
Presenter: Charlie Johnson, MDI Art Educator
The presentation delves into the dynamic relationship between technology and creativity within visual arts. The introduction sets the stage for an engaging discussion, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted agenda ahead. Throughout the presentation, the focus will shift to the pivotal role of visual arts educators in embracing AI as a catalyst for innovation, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and leveraging technology as a creative conduit.
Attendees will be treated to a captivating demonstration of AI tools in action, showcasing AI-generated artwork and live demonstrations of AI-assisted art creation. Delving into the advantages, the presentation will highlight AI's capacity to enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and foster collaboration while acknowledging concerns surrounding originality, emotional connection, and ethical implications.
In the discussion segment, participants will share experiences, address challenges, and strategize on integrating AI into visual arts curricula. The session will culminate in a Q&A, fostering an exchange of ideas and resources for further exploration, before concluding with a call to action to embrace innovation and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of art and technology.
OPTION 3: Supporting inclusivity in the classroom
Presenter: Philippa Adam, MDI Art Educator
How do we create inclusive, welcoming art rooms for young LGBTQIA+ students and their allies? Discover and discuss strategies to include all students in the art room and in educational environments through the lens of supporting queer youth. Problem-solve different strategies around community support and resistance and difficult situations. Workshop open to all, regardless of prior knowledge and personal identity. Come prepared for engaging discussion, interactive learning, and leave with new knowledge and tools.
Bio: Philippa Adam (she/they) is a high school art teacher at MDI High School and leader of the MAEA LGBTQIA+ interest group. As a grown-up queer art student, Philippa is excited to help fellow art educators gain tools to be safe and supportive adults so that queer youth are safe to be themselves and queer teachers can thrive at work.
Presenter: Philippa Adam, MDI Art Educator
How do we create inclusive, welcoming art rooms for young LGBTQIA+ students and their allies? Discover and discuss strategies to include all students in the art room and in educational environments through the lens of supporting queer youth. Problem-solve different strategies around community support and resistance and difficult situations. Workshop open to all, regardless of prior knowledge and personal identity. Come prepared for engaging discussion, interactive learning, and leave with new knowledge and tools.
Bio: Philippa Adam (she/they) is a high school art teacher at MDI High School and leader of the MAEA LGBTQIA+ interest group. As a grown-up queer art student, Philippa is excited to help fellow art educators gain tools to be safe and supportive adults so that queer youth are safe to be themselves and queer teachers can thrive at work.
OPTION 4: Arts Integration programming for Schools
Presenters: Meghan Scribner and Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo, Side x Side Maine
Join Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo and Meghan Scribner from Side x Side to learn about Arts Integration programming in schools and the mysteries of funding. Side x Side partners teaching artists with teachers to collaboratively build hands-on engaging programs that dive into academic content through the arts. Side x Side provides professional development for teachers and teaching artists and currently offers free training opportunities through Project M.A.I.N.E. (Maine Arts Integration Network of Educators). In this workshop we will share our ten years of program experience in classrooms, collaborations with community partners as well as the ups and downs of the fundraising world including our successes in receiving federal, state and foundational support.
Art is at the heart of everything we do! We integrate art into education so that students can access and demonstrate learning, cultivating creativity and critical thinking skills, while building community.
Beth's bio and Meghan's bio
Presenters: Meghan Scribner and Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo, Side x Side Maine
Join Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo and Meghan Scribner from Side x Side to learn about Arts Integration programming in schools and the mysteries of funding. Side x Side partners teaching artists with teachers to collaboratively build hands-on engaging programs that dive into academic content through the arts. Side x Side provides professional development for teachers and teaching artists and currently offers free training opportunities through Project M.A.I.N.E. (Maine Arts Integration Network of Educators). In this workshop we will share our ten years of program experience in classrooms, collaborations with community partners as well as the ups and downs of the fundraising world including our successes in receiving federal, state and foundational support.
Art is at the heart of everything we do! We integrate art into education so that students can access and demonstrate learning, cultivating creativity and critical thinking skills, while building community.
Beth's bio and Meghan's bio
2 Hour Studio Workshops
OPTION 1: Hudson Museum - Wabanaki Exhibit Tour, Discussion, and Peruse the Collections or Sketch
Presenter: Gretchen F. Faulkner, Director
Gretchen F. Faulkner has been with the Hudson Museum since 1986. She oversaw the redesign of the Hudson Museum in 2009, following the renovation of the Collins Center for the Art. Gretchen develops exhibits and programs grounded in the museum’s collections, especially the museum’s Wabanaki holdings. Responsible for programming and development activities at the Hudson Museum, Gretchen and her Teaching Assistant will lead discussions concerning the implementation of LD 291 and museum opportunities as well as the Hudson Museum online resource collection that assists every teacher with providing rich art experiences. Max 15 attendees
Presenter: Gretchen F. Faulkner, Director
Gretchen F. Faulkner has been with the Hudson Museum since 1986. She oversaw the redesign of the Hudson Museum in 2009, following the renovation of the Collins Center for the Art. Gretchen develops exhibits and programs grounded in the museum’s collections, especially the museum’s Wabanaki holdings. Responsible for programming and development activities at the Hudson Museum, Gretchen and her Teaching Assistant will lead discussions concerning the implementation of LD 291 and museum opportunities as well as the Hudson Museum online resource collection that assists every teacher with providing rich art experiences. Max 15 attendees
OPTION 2: Exploration into Fiber Arts
Presenter: Iva Damon, MAEA Art Educator of the Year
Want to start fibers in your classroom, but unsure where to start? In this studio session you will have time to explore cardboard loom weaving, needle felting, embroidery, and more. Materials will be readability available or learn how to combine all the different fibers to create a mixed media fiber painting. This session is geared towards all levels and abilities, but be ready to play and try new things! Max 15 attendees Materials will be provided.
Presenter: Iva Damon, MAEA Art Educator of the Year
Want to start fibers in your classroom, but unsure where to start? In this studio session you will have time to explore cardboard loom weaving, needle felting, embroidery, and more. Materials will be readability available or learn how to combine all the different fibers to create a mixed media fiber painting. This session is geared towards all levels and abilities, but be ready to play and try new things! Max 15 attendees Materials will be provided.
OPTION 3: Trash to Art, PopUpCycler
Presenter: Kim Bernard
Join Kim Bernard, with her plastic recycling machines, and turn plastic trash into art. Bring a clean #2 plastic jug to cut, shred, extrude and transform into a new, malleable form.
Bio- Kim Bernard creates sculpture that is recycled, kinetic, interactive, public and involves the community. She is currently focused on upcycling plastic waste into sculptural installations using her portable recycling machines. www.kimbernard.com
Presenter: Kim Bernard
Join Kim Bernard, with her plastic recycling machines, and turn plastic trash into art. Bring a clean #2 plastic jug to cut, shred, extrude and transform into a new, malleable form.
Bio- Kim Bernard creates sculpture that is recycled, kinetic, interactive, public and involves the community. She is currently focused on upcycling plastic waste into sculptural installations using her portable recycling machines. www.kimbernard.com