Eastern Region Column: Spring 2023

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, There’s a Leader in Us All!

Sitting here in my office, I reflect on the first half of my 2-year term as your Eastern Region Vice President. I have learned much about leadership, the importance of traditions, and the time and energy it takes to evolve. What I’ve truly enjoyed has been the opportunity to learn from all of you. At the 2022 NAEA National Leadership Conference, I heard our NAEA President, James Rolling, speak about drafting—the idea of selecting a person or group, and bringing them forward toward a specific purpose. I’ve witnessed this process in many of you when you’ve reached out to a colleague inviting them to join you at an event or in contributing to your Association’s mission, such as presenting at a conference or writing an article for your state newsletter.

Many of you have asked how to encourage members to step into leadership roles. My suggestion is that you collaborate with a colleague or two and create a list of manageable items where your organization needs help. It’s one thing to ask someone to photograph an event, it’s another thing to ask someone to run an event. When Team East was held in Maine, the board generated a list of tasks: phone calls, swag, scheduling special guests, transportation, etc. Reaching out to several members, we invited them to help, and many did! The event was a success and a small glimpse of how the board functioned. From our volunteers that year, we ended up with a newsletter editor, a secretary, and a president-elect. I’m guilty of trying to take it all on myself; however, the reward for the initial hard work is worth it in more situations than not.

I will leave you next year in great hands with my VP-Elect, Kristi Oliver. She has an infectious energy, is incredibly organized, and has numerous connections. That being said, we will soon be looking for a new Eastern Region VP-Elect. If you want to know more about the position, please reach out! We can touch base in San Antonio next month or connect online. Where are you on your leadership journey?

Switching gears, I’m thrilled to share some outstanding opportunities and work by our colleagues with you.

The Pennsylvania Art Education Association has opened its book club to all Eastern Region members. If you are wondering about starting a book club in your state or region, here are some questions they asked and things they learned from previous experience. First, decide what books should be offered. Should they be fun, fictional art mysteries; factual and obscure stories about art ownership, stolen art, artist biographies; and/or educational hot topics or racial injustice? In their pilot year, they selected seven books from different genres to read in 9 months. Here is what they learned:

• Zoom is great for a book club and long-distance learning.
• Art teachers are too exhausted to discuss books after 8 pm.
• Art teachers are busy and overworked! There is no time for reading for fun during the academic year.
• Art teachers are lifelong learners, and if we read and study books that offer quality professional learning, they are amazing participants.

The Overseas Art Education Association hosted its second annual conference in January. The event kicked off with a tour of the Stuttgart Kunst Museum. The conference was an enjoyable collaboration with like-minded folks! Guest speakers emphasized the theme, “Art as Empowerment.” Not only did they talk about art and teaching, but there was an explosion of artmaking! Hands-on workshops were led by members, including Anna Cadin—all the way from Japan! In addition to the conference, I learned that the Overseas association puts out a call for member spotlights to include in their newsletter. It just takes a minute to share a few words and a couple of photos that showcase the excellent work folks are doing in the classroom. Is this something you are doing or might try?

A group shot from the Overseas Art Education Association conference. Photo by the Overseas Art Education Association president, Shannon Geraghty.

The Rhode Island Art Education Association is excited to share that they are launching their first statewide awards program. All secondary art educators who teach Grades 6–12 were invited to enter the 2023 RIAEA ANCHOR AWARDS! RIAEA partnered with Rhode Island College, Rhode Island School of Design, Blick, and several other Rhode Island–based organizations to offer a variety of prizes and scholarships to participating students.

Finally, the Maryland Art Education Association has opened up its Virtual Meet Ups to any members in the Eastern Region. I had the pleasure of joining them in January when National Art Honor Society students, along with their sponsor, shared a variety of new and exciting ideas that would help reenergize any NAHS group.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Convention. Thank you for all you do!

Column by:

Heidi O’Donnell, Regional Vice President
Secondary Visual Arts Educator, ME. Email: naeaeasternvp@gmail.com

Carrie Barnett, Regional Vice President–Elect
Upper School Art Educator, Cincinnati, OH. Email: naeawesternvpelect@gmail.com