It was such a delight to be able to attend this year’s NAEA conference in San Antonio, Texas! The conference offered inspiration that recharged my batteries as an artist, educator and advocate.
Thursday and Friday included two incredible keynote speakers, both artists, Latoya Ruby Frazier and Gabby Rivera, who reminded us all of the power of art to tell stories and uplift voices that are often underrepresented in mainstream media.
Latoya Ruby Frazier, photographer and activist.
Gabby Rivera, first Latina to write for Marvel Comics.
Throughout the conference, sessions covered a wide array of topics, including arts integration tips and strategies, big picture thinking on how to incorporate care and humanity into our work as artists and educators, and ways to authentically engage with communities through arts.
Between conference sessions, there was ample time for connecting with other educators and organizations. I connected with other educators from MAEA (including my professors from undergrad at Towson–the very educators who really helped me find my love for arts education!) Also, I’m excited to have returned with some great national contacts to connect with as we continue to evolve our work in the schools program!
It was also inspiring just to be in San Antonio to experience the art, culture, and community of a city that was new to me!
Looking forward to carrying the learning and inspiration from NAEA into our work as we get ready to close out SY22/23 and plan an incredible SY23/24 for our partners!