Message vol6issue2

Nov/Dec 2014 Volume 6: Issue 2

Art Educators of Iowa

The Message

A publication for Iowa art educators and their

supporters.

Editor’s NoteWhat was I thinking? I VOLUNTEERED to be The Message editor? I don’t have time for this… Why did I do this to myself? I did this because I knew I had skills that could bene�t the organization. I knew that Art Educators of Iowa needed someone to step up and take on work that needed to be done. Blah, blah, blah…. I am a little more self serving.Seriously, I had some “What’s in it for me?” moments as I considered volunteering. I have been teaching for 20 years and have only been involved with AEI for the past two. By volunteering my time I have developed skills, made friends, made new professional contacts, and slept in WAY too many bunk beds. I feel professionally re-energized. The more I volunteer with this group, the more I want to do in gen-eral. In the process of meeting my personal goals, I am also helping to move AEI’s mission forward, it's a win-win situation.Please enjoy my 1st attempt at editing this newsletter. I also need to thank Lisa Klenske, art educator and graphic designer, for her work on this project. I am so appreciative of the time she has devoted.Susan McKenna-MacumberArt Educator, North Bend Elementary, [email protected]

nomintation for

Inside

ConnectionsAEI : Next GenerationBecoming & Staying ConnectedBy-laws Revisions Passed

Professional Connections2014 AEI Award WinnersIowa Retired Art Educators Division

ArticlesEmerging ExcellenceArt Advocacy DayScenes from 2014 Fall Conference


AEI: Next GenerationConnecting the past, engaging the present

& developing a vision for the future of art education in Iowa.

Who doesn’t love bubble wrap! Just saying, “bubble wrap” makes me happy! What does bubble wrap and being a visual arts educator have in common? If my little bubble “pops” how does it affect you and your program? What about your bubble? At the conference, I shared some bubble wrap in which the chambers are connected. We experimented and found it was much harder to break the bubble but, once it did it not only affect one, but an entire group network of bubbles.

This is how we need to view our fine arts programs in our schools, our area and out state. We aren’t alone in our efforts to provide strong visual arts education for our students and our communities. The mission of AEI is “to promote art education through professional development, service, advancement of knowledge and leadership”. We are striving to create a network of visual arts educators, working together to be a more collaborative and unified network of professionals. As we strive to be more globally connected through technology and other means of communication, we need to stay connected on a personal level as well.

AEI is a volunteer organization of visual arts educators working on behalf of all visual arts education for the benefit of our students and our communities. John C. Maxwell, author of Developing the Leader Within You states, “Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough to motivate them.” Leaders don’t strive to become leaders. They are individuals like you and me who pursue their passion and strive to share their time and talents for the benefit of more then themselves. No task is too small, when done with passion and an collaborative spirit we are able to work together to pursue a larger vision.

AEI has many opportunities for AEI members to be involved. Won’t you consider sharing your passion and make the difference in the lives of students and educators in our state? Remember, we can be the bubble wrap which is connected. As the air flows from chamber to chamber, a network of bubbles connected is stronger and harder to break.Stay connected!

Shanise, AEI President

Let’s make 2014-2015 a year of connections.~ Shanise [email protected]

President’s Message Shanise Brockshus, AEI President

“Success is... knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that bene�t others.” - John C. Maxwell

Becoming & Staying Connected

Participate in AEI Programs - It’s time. You’ve said for years, you should submit your students’ work, attend or present at the conference, nomi-nate a colleague or fellow art educator for an award or… the sky’s the limit. There’s no time like the present! Become more involved today and enjoy the bene�ts of your AEI membership!

Become a published photographer or writer. We’d love to hear your story! What is the latest issue facing you in your classroom? What great lesson plan, classroom management or organizational tool are you willing to share? We all share via facebook the latest… why not become a published author and share your ideas, photos or basic questions with fellow visual arts educators.

Social Media - Join the AEI Facebook or twitter conversations! Become an advocate for visual arts education. Utilizeyour technology skills to share the mission of AEI and gain members to our social media and our AEI family.

Finance Committee - The AEI Financial Advisory council is in need of volunteers to meet once or twice a year to discuss the �nancial aspects of the organization.

AEI Leadership Opportunities - Financial responsibility is only one facet of the �scal respon-sibility of an organization. Finances, personnel and time are all aspects of the �scal responsibility and demonstrate the vibrancy of an organization. Our new AEI structure provides multiple levels of leadership opportunities.

AEI provides many opportunities for members to become connected. With the new revisions to the AEIConstitution & Bylaws, we have developed a new structure for our AEI board, standing committees andsubcommittees(teams). We are in need of volunteers at all levels of leadership, time and commitment.

Consider sharing your skills and talents

through small or large tasks to make our AEI programs

a success !

Subcommittees & Standing Committees - Passionate about advocacy, the latest initiative and student programs? Iowa Core 2.0, STEAM, VAAS are all looking for passionate volunteers.

“The Message” is in need of graphic artists, lesson plans, photographers & writers.

AEI Social Media is in need of a technology guru willing to post and share upcoming AEI events and post thought provoking question or current issues.

Marketing & Promotions is a newly formed committee in need of means to share our mission, network and connect with businesses and likeminded organizations for �nancial support of AEI resources and programs.

Our Emerging Excellence team needs a technology minded individual to be a part of the EE program in the second year of this pilot program. What about AllState, Mentoring, Travelling Art Program or Youth Art Month? The 2015 Fall Conference will be held in Cedar Falls/Waterloo area and the 2016 isscheduled for Burlington.

AEI Standing Committee Chairs - We are looking for chairs for the Advocacy Committee and the Programs & Resources Committee. The chairs of these committees are appointed and will serve as a board member representing their team of volunteers. You will become an advocate and voice for AEI and the programs your represent. This is a great opportunity to share your leadership skills while pursing your passion for visual arts education as you collaborate with the team of volunteers you represent.

Run for AEI O�ceThe vibrancy of an organization is gauged on the willingness of volunteers to run for elected position. If an organization has “true elections” you know it is a vibrant, strong and passionate organization moving their mission forward through vision and compassion.

Odd year o�cer elections are held for Secretary & Treasurer. Nominations are open and will be takenuntil December 31, 2014. We currently have two candi-dates for the position of secretary, RebeccaEricson & Morgan Singleton. For the o�ce of treasure we have only one candidate, Liz Bloomburg.

Even year o�cer elections are held for President Elect & Membership. If you are interested in learning more about these elected positions, please contact nomi-nations chair, Molly Ray ([email protected]) for more information. We’d love to have a true election for all current and future o�cer positons.

These and other opportunities are available by visit-ing the AEI webpage http://www.artedia.org/. Find out the latest volunteer or appointed positions and connect with AEI board and committee members to learn more about or participate in AEI programs.

Let’s stay connected!



Participate in AEI Programs - It’s time. You’ve said for years, you should submit your students’ work, attend or present at the conference, nomi-nate a colleague or fellow art educator for an award or… the sky’s the limit. There’s no time like the present! Become more involved today and enjoy the bene�ts of your AEI membership!

Become a published photographer or writer. We’d love to hear your story! What is the latest issue facing you in your classroom? What great lesson plan, classroom management or organizational tool are you willing to share? We all share via facebook the latest… why not become a published author and share your ideas, photos or basic questions with fellow visual arts educators.

Social Media - Join the AEI Facebook or twitter conversations! Become an advocate for visual arts education. Utilizeyour technology skills to share the mission of AEI and gain members to our social media and our AEI family.

Finance Committee - The AEI Financial Advisory council is in need of volunteers to meet once or twice a year to discuss the �nancial aspects of the organization.

AEI Leadership Opportunities - Financial responsibility is only one facet of the �scal respon-sibility of an organization. Finances, personnel and time are all aspects of the �scal responsibility and demonstrate the vibrancy of an organization. Our new AEI structure provides multiple levels of leadership opportunities.

AEI Constitution & Bylaws Revisions Pass

A BIG Thank You to the AEI Executive committee, AEI board & AEI membership for passing the 2014 proposed revisions to the AEI Constitution & Bylaws. Through the diligent e�ort of our AEI leadership, we are on our way to a smaller and more cohesive board structure. We’d like to thank the leadership of our past presidential leaders for guiding and supporting the current leadership team in this e�ort. It is through your model of leadership that we were able to see this vision through to reality. The passing of the Constitution and Bylaws is only the beginning of a journey to develop an infrastructure for ourorganization. Current appointed positions will continue to attend board meeting for the 2014-2015 �scal year and work to establish the policy and procedure which will enable us to maintain our current programs while addressing current issues and developing new initiatives.

Thank you!

Consider sharing your skills and talents

through small or large tasks to make our AEI programs

a success !

Subcommittees & Standing Committees - Passionate about advocacy, the latest initiative and student programs? Iowa Core 2.0, STEAM, VAAS are all looking for passionate volunteers.

“The Message” is in need of graphic artists, lesson plans, photographers & writers.

AEI Social Media is in need of a technology guru willing to post and share upcoming AEI events and post thought provoking question or current issues.

Marketing & Promotions is a newly formed committee in need of means to share our mission, network and connect with businesses and likeminded organizations for �nancial support of AEI resources and programs.

Our Emerging Excellence team needs a technology minded individual to be a part of the EE program in the second year of this pilot program. What about AllState, Mentoring, Travelling Art Program or Youth Art Month? The 2015 Fall Conference will be held in Cedar Falls/Waterloo area and the 2016 isscheduled for Burlington.

AEI Standing Committee Chairs - We are looking for chairs for the Advocacy Committee and the Programs & Resources Committee. The chairs of these committees are appointed and will serve as a board member representing their team of volunteers. You will become an advocate and voice for AEI and the programs your represent. This is a great opportunity to share your leadership skills while pursing your passion for visual arts education as you collaborate with the team of volunteers you represent.

Run for AEI O�ceThe vibrancy of an organization is gauged on the willingness of volunteers to run for elected position. If an organization has “true elections” you know it is a vibrant, strong and passionate organization moving their mission forward through vision and compassion.

Odd year o�cer elections are held for Secretary & Treasurer. Nominations are open and will be takenuntil December 31, 2014. We currently have two candi-dates for the position of secretary, RebeccaEricson & Morgan Singleton. For the o�ce of treasure we have only one candidate, Liz Bloomburg.

Even year o�cer elections are held for President Elect & Membership. If you are interested in learning more about these elected positions, please contact nomi-nations chair, Molly Ray ([email protected]) for more information. We’d love to have a true election for all current and future o�cer positons.

These and other opportunities are available by visit-ing the AEI webpage http://www.artedia.org/. Find out the latest volunteer or appointed positions and connect with AEI board and committee members to learn more about or participate in AEI programs.

Let’s stay connected!



“Relational skills are the most important abilities in leadership.”- John C. Maxwell, Developing the Leaders Around You

What is your favorite thing about the AEI Fall Conference?Share your response on our Art Educators of Iowa Facebook page.

Nov/Dec 2014 Volume 6: Issue 2Nov/Dec 2014 Volume 6: Issue 2

2014 AEI Award Winners by Chris Noel (Awards Chair)

Art Educators of Iowa is pleased to announce that Andrew McCormick, an art teacher at Holmes Junior High School in Cedar Falls, Iowa, has been selected as AEI’s Outstanding Art Teacher of the Year. He also teaches art education as an adjunct at the University of Northern Iowa.Andrew McCormick re�ects on his career so far by stating, “I’ve had the honor of teaching art at various levels for ten years now. My journey in art education early on was circuitous. I graduated high school initially knowing exactly what my major and future profession would be. But as my four years at UNI ended I started having serious doubts. I decided to just stick with my BA in Art Education as a “fall backplan.” I soon saw the folly in this thinking when I accepted my �rst teaching job in Webster City in 2005. It became apparent to me that teaching art truly was my calling. It was transformative. I saw the world di�erently; �nding my passion has made my life richer in countless ways and I’m so grateful for those early decisions and the opportunities my journey has a�orded me.”

Art Educators of Iowa is pleased to announce that Dr. Wendy Miller, Assistant Professor at the Universityof Northern Iowa, has been selected as Iowa’s Outstanding Higher Education Art Educator for 2014. Dr. Miller re�ects on her work, “It is wonderful to be surrounded by such creative artists, talentedteachers, and researchers at the University of Northern Iowa and in the Cedar Valley. Every year, I get more excited to collaborate with new students, teachers, and children throughout Iowa on new artprojects and to continue to share my passion for teaching and art making.”

It’s never too early to nominate for the 2015 AEI Awards. (Nominations due by May 15, 2015)Any AEI/NAEA member can nominate someone for an award. Award categories: Outstanding Elementary Art Educator, Outstanding Middle Level Art Educator,Outstanding Secondary Art Educator, Art Educator of the Year, Distinguished Service Within the Profession, Distinguished Service Outside the Profession. Contact: Chris Noel: [email protected]


Art Educators of Iowa is pleased to announce that Erin Almelien, an art teacher at Pekin Community School, has been selected as AEI’s Outstanding Secondary Art Teacher for 2014.Of her own educational journey Almelien says, “I owe my passion in life to the support of my family for seeing my strengths. Growing up knowing school was NOT easy for me, I worked hard to make sense of education. I am a person who had an IEP and received special help, but knew I could excel in thinking and communication verbally and visually. I practiced the creativity of expressing myself in other ways. Knowing that the arts gives people a voice that many not have ... in the written word, I am living proof that education can be gained in many ways. I am proof that STEAM must replace STEM.”Erin Almelien is an exceptional art teacher and is working to make education in Iowa strong and creative.

Art Educators of Iowa is pleased to announce that Molly Ray, art teacher at Clear Creek Amana School District,has been selected as AEI’s Outstanding Middle Level Art Teacher. Discussing art education, Molly Ray says, “Our district is lucky to have art teachers that are active in our state professional organization and that every one of us strives to bring creativity and an understanding of self expression to our young people. ..I love teaching art and look forward to seeing the students’ projects, hearing about what inspires them and seeing them grow through their art experience every day. I know that staying at the top of my game means continuing to learn and grow right along with the kids.” Molly Ray is leader in Art Educators of Iowa as well being a leader in her district. She has served on committees, been an area representative to the state board, and is currently the presidentelect of the organization. Her e�orts are to advocate for arts education and assist Iowa’s art teachers to provide high quality arts curricula in their own districts.Teachers like Molly Ray are vital to quality and creativity remaining strong in Iowa’s schools.


Art Educators of Iowa is pleased to announce the selection of Pamela Ballard as the Outstanding Elementary Art Educator for 2014. Ms. Ballard is a teacher at Hillside Elementary in the West Des Moines Community School District and served as art department chair for eight years.

When asked about being names Iowa’s Outstanding Elementary Art Educator, Pamela Ballard responded by stating, “This award pays tribute to my own visionary mentors and colleagues for their inspiration. I celebrate with all my amazing student artists; for it is their enthusi-asm, curiosity, and determination which compels me to do my personal best. I can think of no greater honor than to be nominated by my professional contemporaries, for they understand and share a passion that drives me. We as art teachers set out to cultivate humanity one creative being at a time. Realizing that the arts celebrate all that is good, and at times purges that which is not, we give voice to each and every student. Some dear children need to be heard more than others. Most importantly we realize that the visual arts lie at the very foundation of a liberal arts educational experience. The essence of artistic exploration is �lled with a rigor, re�nement and re�ection that prepares students for all of life’s challenges in a way that is authentic and empowering. I am fortunate indeed, through story and inquiry, to share the great cultural endowment that the arts have given us, and to build with my students a beautiful and innovative future.

Pamela Ballard is an exceptional teacher and a role model for students and colleagues alike. Her work helps ensure that Iowa’s students have the bene�ts of a meaningful visual arts education.

Art Educators of Iowa is pleased to announce the selection of Andrew Pauli of West Des Moines for Distinguished Service Outside the Profession. Andrew was instrumental in moving Iowa’s All- State program into the 21st century through his technical knowledge and willingness to spend many, many hours to put the submission process online.

If AEI had had to purchase services for this project it could cost about �fteen thousand dollars a year. Andrew Pauli has been working with the All-State Committee for two years and is willing to move forward with the project. The AEI All-State Committee attributes the rise in the number of student entries to Mr. Pauli’s work.

Art Educators of Iowa owes Mr. Pauli its recognition and its thanks. E�orts like his help art education in Iowa can remain vibrant and current.


AEI MESSAGE COPYRIGHT NOTICECopyright 2014 All Rights Reserved, Art Educators of Iowa. All material in this publication is, unless otherwise stated, the property of Art Educators of Iowa. Copyright and other intellectual property laws protect these materials. Reproduction or retransmission of the materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the copyright holder, is a violation of copyright law. A single copy oof the materials may be made, solely for personal, noncommercial use. Individuals must preserve any copyright or other notices contained in or associated with them, whether or not for a chargeo r other consideration, without prior written consent of the copyright holder of the materials. All images are accredited or protected by copyright through author’s permission. Contact information for requests for permission to reproduce or distribe materials available through this publication can be made through [email protected].

AEI is actively engaged in creating a statewide visual art juried event for middle school. Now enter-ing into the second of its three pilot years, participation for your students is not far away.So, what is Emerging Excellence and how does it di�er from an exhibit or art contest? We recognize it as an “event” rather than an exhibit or contest because students and programs do not compete against one another for a prize or precious exhibit space. Emerging Excellence is an all media, standards-based opportunity designed to foster Artistic Literacy while promoting the development of personal expression. How is Emerging Excellence conducted? In this event, young artists bring original works created in class or through teacher sponsored extracurricular programming (i.e. Art Club and NJAHS) to be evaluated by a certi�ed juror. Young artists meet individually with jurors who o�er purposeful feedback regarding areas of strength and needed growth using a rubric aligned with the new voluntary National Core Arts Standards.How can a sixth grader compete with an eighth grader? Young artists “compete” (for lack of a better word) within di�ering levels dependent upon the student’s grade level / years of experience in middle school art. Remember, student artist are not ranked in this event. Jurors utilize the stan-dards to evaluate a level of mastery where by individual works re�ective of exemplary performance are honored. Medals and ribbons are awarded for Superior and Excellent ratings (respectively) and all students are recognized with a certi�cate for being selected by their teachers for participation. When and where is the next event? The year two pilot is scheduled for April 18th held at Ames Middle School in Ames, Iowa.As long as young artists have needs, there will be a reason for art teachers to consider endeavors that involve them as their champions. So, please consider investigating ways to become involved. Visit the AEI Emerging Excellence Pilot site (URL link below) to learn about ways to volunteer and engage at a level of involvement best suited for you and your students. http://aeiemergingexcellence.weebly.com

Emerging Excellence by Cappie Dobyns

I just learned that I now have even more encouragement, Ok, well “responsibility”, to write articles for “The Message” which I am pretty excited about.So, I was preparing to write an article... about writing an article (I know, crazy right!) when it morphed into this reflection! (Check the next issue, it could happen?!?)

You see, I am in AEI because I want to be part of a community of art teachers who believe in empowering each other to be the best teachers and individual artists we can be. I am focused on teaching my students to recognize the value of the arts in our culture and our futures. I need other’s views which compliment and contradict

my own, in order to do this successfully. Finally, and maybe most of all, in order to meet my own creative needs.

With todays technology I can, and do, get on pinterest and snoop on all of your art teacher steal boards. I can tweet to my hearts content or get ideas from the many excellent online resources such as NAEA.org, Artsonia, The Art of Education, the smARTteacher. I can google anything under the sun to come up with a great lesson. What I dream of is a phone full of numbers of likeminded professionals who I can call (in real life) to bounce ideas off, brainstorm with, maybe invite to go visit an art festival, museum opening or other event. This is why I signed on to be the area rep when I moved to Iowa. I didn’t know anyone. I have always surrounded myself with people who are passionate about art and teaching and I hoped to find that here in Iowa. It made sense, we are all in the same region of the state, most of us not more that 30-40 minutes apart, why couldn’t I make a friend or two to go to galler-ies with or hash out an idea for a lesson? Heaven knows my husband doesn’t want to go and is tired of “teacher talk”! I have been here 3 years now and have made an art friend or ten. So I was thinking just now, what can I write about before summer break? Here you have it! I dare you to extend or step outside of your current social circle to include a new activity or friend. Learn to Tweet, write an article, plan to present at conference, join a com-mittee and collect a few numbers from amazing people. (It just occured to me. With all of these activities, this may be why I don’t have time to find an art opening to go to?Anyway, I am setting a goal right now and I hope you will too. Call, tweet, or email someone you have met through your love of art and invite them to do something “artsy” with you this summer. If you are on my list, you’ve been warned! mailto: [email protected]

I Dare You! Molly Wait, AEI 2014-2016 President-Elect

What are you going to do this summer to refresh, renew, rejuvenate? (professionally and personally) Share your response on our Art Educators of Iowa Facebook page.

Congratulations AEI! We now have over 300 members on facebook! • PURSUE • TWEET • INVIT E • SNOOP • E-MAIL •INSPIRE • SHARE • POST


Save the Date!Advocacy Day on January 28, 2015

Testimonials Needed!

The Iowa Alliance for Arts Education is sponsoring the second annual Fine Arts Advocacy Day on Wednesday, January 28,2015, at the State Capitol in Des Moines. The purpose of the day is to advocate for Fine Arts instruction in Iowa schools and to ask for legislative support for the addition of Fine Arts to the Iowa Core. As part of the advocacy material for the event, IAAE is once again compiling a testimonial booklet that will be given to all 150 Iowa legislators. The booklet will be a compilation of the responses to the question, “How has Fine Arts instruction impacted your life?”. IAAE is hoping to collect responses from citizens in all 99 Iowa counties.

If you would like to submit a testimonial, please click on the following link: https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=ntm-J2K-D40%2AEoPiEqQvpQ

Scenes from 2014 Fall Conference


The PreConference day ( October 9,2014) was attended by the Iowa Retired Art Educators (RAE) and art educators still in the classroom. Many joined with the group as we looked at private and public collections of the Marshalltown area. We also held a talk and viewed the collection at Meskwaki Cultural Center and Museum. The experiences of the day continued as Kathleen Almelien shared her collection of spinning equipment as we explored the processes of drop spinning. Mar-gret Caldwell was introduced as the AEI Co-Rep of the Retired division. Margret Caldwell will be organizing the 4th annual day before convention in the Cedar Falls /Waterloo area for 2015. Please watch for the schedule of the day, and know that all are invited to participate. The participants of the Pre-Conference day wish to thank Susan Noonan for using her expertise in organizing our active, enjoyable and unique experiences.

We held our RAE Division meeting over lunch on Thursday. The Iowa Retired Art Educators in attendance used the guidelines of the Retired Art Educators Issues Group of NAEA to author and pass the following mission.

To conduct programs of professional activities for Iowa events. To encourage continued personal involvement and development in art education. To inform AEI of concerns relevant to members of longstanding. To provide mentorship for preservice students and �rst /second year classroom art educators. To conduct programs of professional activities for Iowa events.

There are 18 members of NAEA that have taken advantage of the membership rates of the

Retired division. The teacher resource that has left the classroom has many strengths that AEI wishes to tap. We have the ability to encourage, to inform, to provide and to conduct. All in our mission are verbs of action.

Please consider remembering your professional organization. The “RAE” division database is an ongoing document. Kathleen Almelien (CoRep) has been looking for a network of Iowa Retired art educators, and we have tapped old membership lists, looked on Facebook and interviewed others for snail mail addresses, and email connections to you. Please consider sharing your information with us by going to (www.artedia.org) under contact board, you will �nd the retired division contact information

Our division has paired with the Mentorship Chair-man and have supplied many connections for the �rst and second year teachers in their classroom. There are many things our RAE division members can do for the Art Education of Iowa while our other AEI network of friends are teaching in the classroom we need your participation in our professional organization.

Iowa Retired Art Educators Divisionby Kathleen Almelien

So, sit back and relax by reading this issue of “The Message”. And enjoy the warming weather!

Lisa JorgensenCommunications/Editor

[email protected]

Refresh, Renew, Rejuvenate... Ahh, Summer! Even saying it refreshes the soul. A break from the daily routine of early mornings, rushing to school, grading, meetings,sports events and on and on and on. The endless possibilities of warm, summer days and freedom! Freedom to establish

your own schedule and do what you want to do. (I plan to work in the garden, walk, bike, run, jump in the lake, reunite with friend and family vacation(s).) The opportunity to refresh, renew and rejuve-nate my body and soul.

Summer is also an opportunity to refresh, renew and rejuvenate yourself professionally. It’s a time to reflect on the successes (and

failures) of the past year and prepare for the next. This is our season for recertification and profes-sional development. A time to view the new National Arts Standards at our leisure. A chance to become a student (on-line or in a class) and learn more ways to sustain and feed our passion for learning and visual arts education.

Our AEI board is reflecting upon the past year as well. Your representatives are reviewing their roles in fulfilling the mission of AEI over this past year. As board members complete their annual reports, it is a time to reflect upon their role in moving our mission forward and identifying challenges they faced while serving our membership.

In June, AEI Board members will attend the 2nd Annual AEI Summer Board Meeting & Retreat. These volunteers will spend two summer days reflecting, connecting and collaborating. We will approve the final revisions our AEI Constitution & Bylaws to present for membership approval in the Fall. Our annual report will serve as a tool to aid us as we develop a Policy and Procedures Handbook which will identify roles and responsibilities of each board member. These housekeep-ing items will provide a framework for us to meet the fiscal responsibilities to our membership. They will provide the structure and procedures necessary for the success of present and future AEI committee and board members in advancing our mission. They will allow for smooth transitions into new positions as we maintain quality programs and services to our members and their students. Most importantly, this retreat will provide us the opportunity to reflect, create, dream, discuss and create a vision for AEI together.

Congratulations to our fellow art educators who are retiring this year. Thank you for your profess-sionalism and for the legacy you leave behind. Even in retirement, AEI can benefit from your exper-tise. Best of luck to our high school NAHS and pre-service graduates. Best of luck with your future and artistic endeavors in the years to come. AEI is here and will continue to benefit from your involvement in this great network of professionals.- mailto: [email protected]

•REFLECT • CONNECT • CREATE • DREAM • COLLABORATE • RECHARGE

President’s MessageShanise Brockshus, AEI President

“The mission of the Art Educators of Iowa is to promote art education through

professional development, service, advancement of knowledge

and leadership.”

Membership questions? Contact Jeanna Gerot - [email protected]

AEI Youth Art Month prizes are sponsored by Sargent Art. Start collecting student artwork for

submission in January!

Congratulations, Art Educators of Iowa!

Congratulations Art Educators of Iowa on your highly success-ful fall conference. As a first time attendee, I was impressed by the quality and quantity of sessions available for participants over the four days of the preconference and conference.Every presenter I saw was knowledgeable, engaging and eager to provide practical suggestions for use in the classroom. I espe-cially enjoyed the handson learning of basic monoprinting without a press it was great fun!I am proud to publicly thank the art educators of Marshalltown Community School District for theircontribution as partici-pants, presenters and members of the Conference Planning Committee. Their commitment and passion for art education and lifelong learning is contagious it is easy to see why they are loved so much by their students.Thanks again for a great conference. The students of Iowa are fortunate to have AEI and its many dedicated members.

Marvin L. Wade, Ed.D.Superintendent of SchoolsMarshalltown Community School District

What if money was not a concern? What if you had all of the time in the world? What if your classroomwere ideal? What if all of your students were like sponges, all of the time? What project or media would you de�nately use?“My students and I would de�nitely create with clay several times a month, and we would have our own walk in kiln, so we could work as large as our elem. kid sized hands would allow! We would also have an art apprentice working with us in each classroom, so that Mrs. Kruger could focus on facilitating our art strategies and not have to cut paper or count out special supplies. Best of all, we would attempt to try our hand at welding some abstract metal sculptures in out 5th & 6th grade art classes!”

- Cheryl T - K5th grade

“Large scale metal sculpture or silver lost wax casting....”

- Maggie HarlowVogt - Secondary

“Woodburning (pyrography)!!!”

- Susannah - 4-6 Intermediate

“Painting on canvas with acrylics. I teach elemen-tary and students, even at the HS level, rarely get to feel what it is like to paint on actual canvas. Allow students to use good quality paint quality brushes, and use an easel! So, with all this money I'd have lying around, I'd de�nitely spend some on storage for these beautiful canvases and ways to hang and display them around the school!”

- Lisa - 3-5

“One semester long project. Monster Movie. Think Godzilla”

- Andrew - MS



More Scenes from 2014 Fall Conference

Documents

Message vol6issue2