Southeastern Region Column: Summer 2023

Art Connects

“All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.”
—Albert Einstein

The creative energy in San Antonio at the NAEA National Convention was tangible: lots of learning, lots of connecting, and a lot of fun. Share the energy! Post something you learned on your social media, the Southeastern Art Stars Facebook group, and your state association’s website. Tag the presenter. A great way to say thanks to those that gave of their time and to encourage learning and participation in our organizations.

“Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.”
—Liz Fosslien

On Wednesday, our state and Interest Group leaders gathered for Delegates Assembly. This year, both groups (rather than just the state leaders) participated in a vote or poll regarding the proposed amendments to the NAEA Constitution and Bylaws. This brought welcomed new perspectives and comments to the Board when voting on the recommendations.

“Leadership is the creation of an environment in which others are able to self-actualize in the process of completing the job.”
—John Mellecker

All leaders were also deeply engaged in small cross-regional groups about leadership: recruiting, mentoring, transitioning, and retaining. Documented conversations are being distributed so the connections people have made can become links, and eventually networks of support. In summer of 2022, NAEA President James Rolling, discussed the term drafting (think geese, not NFL) in relation to leadership. Drafting is what geese do when forming a V and rotating leaders. The lead role is hard and exhausting. Flying in the sides of the V allows geese to draft from the other geese—still flying together but getting some rest. Our leaders are learning how to create a group of supporters AND leaders.

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
—Will Rogers

On Friday, our leaders met in our Leader to Leader: Face to Face (L2L:F2F) regional session. Southeastern leaders were impressive as they shared what they are doing and what they needed from me and from NAEA. A lot of creative, focused thinking and intentional responses gave me constructive feedback and assisted me in creating a plan of action for the next year. Giddy-up!

“The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.”
—Sheryl Sandberg

In our cross-regional L2L:F2F Part 2, the state leaders spent a significant amount of time listening and learning from like-sized states about topics of importance. Collected responses are being sent to participants, and the learning will continue through Zoom meetings.

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”
—Conrad Hilton

By being where our feet were, by being present with our eyes, ears, mind and heart, our leaders walked away from our Convention with ideas for actions—actions to take back to their state to implement for success.

“The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”
—William James

A lot of the work we do goes unrecognized. We don’t do it for an award. On Friday evening, we celebrated the 2023 Southeastern award recipients. Our celebration was in a room on the end of a long hallway. Good thing, because we are very celebratory! We don’t hold refined, dignified, genteel celebrations. We exuberantly show our love for each other. We understand the hard work, dedication, time, and energy it takes to do all those amazing things we do. We ensure everyone leaves feeling as if they have been uplifted to fly among the Southeastern Stars! Right now, as we end the year, think of someone that needs to be the recipient of an over-the-top celebratory appreciation of them and make their day. If they are an art educator, go the extra step and nominate them for a state or national award.

“Giving connects two people, the giver and the receiver, and this connection gives birth to a new sense of belonging.”
—Deepak Chopra

Social media posts from the Convention show AI (Authentic Interactions): connections, seeing, hugging, meeting, listening, and engaging with people. As we leave the Convention, we know we belong to this great big group of people. We carry that home, and our time with our people provides us sustenance to keep going until next year. Art Connects.

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Column by:

Cheryl Maney, Regional Vice President
Independent Consultant, Charlotte, NC. Email: NAEASoutheasternVP@gmail.com

Josh Drews, Regional Vice President–Elect
High School Art Educator, Columbia, SC. Email: NAEASoutheasternVPElect@gmail.com