All Categories - WISCONSIN ART EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Collaborate Conference Proposals DUE

5/14/2022

Hey Wisconsin Art Education Association members. We know you have amazing and relevant art experiences to share at our Fall Conference in Red Wing, Minnesota in October... make sure you submit your conference proposals by June 1st!!
We are so excited to be pioneering this idea of working together with the Art Educators of Minnesota to network and build our professional community as well as uplift and inspire each other. Expect this conference to be full of time to connect, create, and collaborate!!
We all have great ideas, techniques and information to share. What's yours? Submit a session proposal today!
https://collaborate2022.weebly.com/
#wiarted

May 04th, 2022

5/4/2022

Congratulations Wisconsin Art Education Association Art Teacher of the Month: Justin Markgraf
School: Unified School District of Antigo, Antigo High School
Nominator: Jill Fortin
Why he was nominated:
Justin is an example of a great teacher who always puts his students first. He is a role model to so many of his students and he takes the time to build relationships that encourage students to be the best members of the school that they can be. Justin is a very vocal advocate for all students. Justin is artistic and extremely creative.

Justin Markgraf runs an awesome art club with over 50 members and enjoys taking them on trips to various galleries and club events and campus visits. Justin is very active in his community. Some examples include: Justin is the Art Department Chair Justin is a member of the E-MLSS District Team He is a RTI District Coach, PBIS District Coach, District Technology Coach and Art Club Advisor Creative Director of Annual AHS Musical, where he does set design

Justin has taught Art to 8-12 in the Antigo school district since 2014. He specializes in the 3-D arts and really excels at teaching Art Metals, Sculpture, and Ceramics. Justin is an established potter and owns his own Landscaping company.

April 2022 Art Educator of the Month: Trisha Branson

4/1/2022

Congratulations Wisconsin Art Education Association Art Teacher of the Month: Trisha Branson
School: Waupun Area Junior-Senior High School
Nominator: Cassie Johnston
Why she was nominated:
Mrs. Branson should be considered for Art Teacher of the Month by the Wisconsin Art Education Association because her dedication to her passion in the profession is inspiring to all around her in the community. She empowers her students to take artistic risks and go on a journey of discovery with her. She works with them and guides them to develop their skills and grow in confidence.

Mrs. Branson's ability to connect with her students is what puts her on another level above her peers. Whether you're a young child, novice artist, or advanced in your artistic education; Mrs. Branson is able to inspire and guide all minds to find their passion.

Mrs. Branson's teaching career centers around the empowerment of her students. She has a strong passion to educate young minds and help them blossom on their artistic journey. She takes the time to build positive relationships with all of her students and is a strong advocate of the arts. She is a resourceful and imaginative art teacher with 17 +years of experience teaching at the Elementary/High School/College Level. She holds a double bachelor's degree in Graphic Communications and Art Education. She uses this to share her passion for both digital and fine arts. She is trained in a wide variety of artistic mediums and has spent the last 6 years inspiring students at the Waupun Area Junior-Senior High School. She enjoys teaching the arts and advising Junior high yearbook staff.

Board Election Results & biographies: April March 2022

3/29/2022

Learn more about your elected WAEA Board Members below!

ADVOCACY:
JENNIFER HANDRICK

Jennifer Says:
I am a passionate advocate for art education! I have fought for art education in my district many times throughout my 23 year career as an art teacher, including being a part of increasing art minutes at the elementary level, saving an art position from cuts at the middle school level, and increasing art staffing at the high school level. I have worked with the former DPI Fine Arts Director to ensure my district is meeting all WI DPI Art Education Requirements and have a history of writing letters to policy makers around varying issues important to Art Education and students in Wisconsin.My B.S. in Art Education was at UW-Stout. I started teaching in 1999 in Chippewa Falls, WI, and have stayed in the district gaining experience K-12 and at our alternative high school. In 2003 I earned my MEPD from UW-La Crosse. I have presented at WAEA on multiple topics and once at NAEA. I was honored as the WI Secondary Art Educator in 2013. In addition to teaching everything from Art Foundations to Adv. Ceramics to AP Art courses, etc., I also advise Art Club and National Art Honor Society, as well as facilitate student teams for the WI Visual Arts Classic and the Visioneer Design Challenge.

I display my students' artwork at YAM, the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, and the Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls. My AP curate and hang their own show at the Heyde Center for the Arts, as well. Here is the link to my website, https://artsymomteacher.weebly.com/.

SECRETARY:
JEN MARTENS

Jen Says:
My husband and I live in rural Wisconsin just outside of Endeavor with our two children, ages 17 & 14. I have taught elementary art for the past 23 years and am currently teaching at three small schools in the Portage Community School District. I am passionate about helping my young artists become enlightened with the art-making process and learn about artists in their world.

I would like to be on the WAEA board as secretary because I want to learn more ways to promote art education and give back to this great organization. I enjoy presenting sessions at the WAEA conference like crayon sculptures and yarn necklaces. After each conference, I feel refreshed and inspired. A fun hobby of mine is painting large public sculptures. I have painted a cow, elephant and am in the process of completing an 8-foot canoe for the Portage Chamber of Commerce. I love how this type of art is so accessible to my students and their families.

WEBMASTER/SOCIAL MEDIA:
KAITLYNN RADLOFF

Kaitlynn Says:
Radloff, Kaitlynn - I would love to serve as the webmaster for the WAEA Board because I'm interested in creating space in virtual settings for art educators to network across our state, build relationships, share resources and ideas, and stay informed on current and future issues regarding art education.This is my 8th year teaching for Milwaukee Public Schools. I have split that time between middle and high school and currently teach at Milwaukee High School of the Arts where I teach a variety of painting and drawing courses as well as video technology and printmaking.

This fall, I presented animation lessons and LGBTQ+ inclusivity at the state art educators conference and look forward to presenting a more in depth look at LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the art room at the NAEA this spring.

MUSEUM REPRESENTATIVE:
XOE FISS

Xoe Says:
It has been a joy to connect with educators in Wisconsin and support the professional development goals of WAEA through my time serving on the board. I hope to continue working with the board to imagine even more possibilities for providing meaningful resources and experiences for educators throughout the state and virtually.

As the Education Program Director at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Xoe Fiss oversees educational initiatives inclusive of exhibition-related programs, gallery resources, tours, teacher professional development and school partnerships.

RETIRED ART EDUCATOR REPRESENTATIVE:
FAYE BARBER-SCHMUHL

Faye Says:
“There has never been a time in my life where I thought I wanted to be anything other than an ART teacher and Artist. The arts and teaching are entrenched in my soul.” I graduated Magna Cum Laud from U.W. Oshkosh in 1984 with a BAE Degree and one credit short of a BFA. Halfway through MFA when daughter was killed in a car accident. Art Instructor: Grades 6-12 at Oakfield Middle and High School, for 27 years. Still teaching as a long-term and short-term substitute teacher. Working in Rosendale/Laconia, Oakfield, Waupun, Fond du Lac and Markesan districts.
Upon retirement taught watercolor/acrylic/ painting classes to adults at the Share Gallery in Fond du Lac and FdL Senior center and formally at the Green Lake Town Square where I have a studio. Operate my own business called “Art for All Ages.” I hold ART retreats at a northern location, teacher workshops all over the state. I continue to take classes to further develop my own skills as a teacher and to keep my creative juices flowing. Won the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship in 1990. Spent three years presenting “The History and Culture of the Wisconsin Woodland Indians thought the Art of Puppetry”. Coached a High School and Family Puppetry Troup and Clown Troop at Oakfield High School. Performed all over the state, notably at the Milwaukee Performing Art center for “Rainbow Summer.”
Experience as a professional photographer, clown, and puppeteer. Have taken numerous classes all over the state at many locations and numerous instructors. As a teacher a lifetime learner, Faye prefers to work in Watercolor and raku ceramics these days. Recently exhibited work at the wow Gallery in Wittenberg, the Riverwalk Gallery in Fond du Lac, the Library Gallery in Fond du Lac, the Fine Lines Gallery in Hortonville, the Ubuntu Gallery, the Waupun Library Gallery and now at the Green Lake Town Square Lobby Gallery.
Displayed works in numerous shows with the Wisconsin Art Education Association of which I am a WAEA board member. In 2017 was voted Fond du Lac Art Association's “Artist of the Year”. Has juried and judged shows, curated and hung many shows for groups and solo shows.

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT: SOUTH WEST:
MANDY ZDRALE

Mandy Says:
I would like to continue to be on the board representing the South West Region because I love connecting with other art educators and promoting student art through Youth Art Month. I learn so much from being around other art teachers and from seeing the work of all the talented students we serve. The South West Region is already filled with strong, dedicated educators but it would be great to recruit even more members.

I have a degree in Art Education from UW-Madison and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. I have been a member of the WAEA for almost all of my 20+ year career. I have also taught at Adams Elementary School in Janesville for my whole career; which is really uncommon and special. My school is truly a community and I am deeply invested in it and in the children and families I work with each day.

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT: SOUTH EAST:
NATALIE KOTNIK

Natalie Says:
Promote art in my region - meet/hang out with other awesome WI art teachers - learn more forms and techniques to better myself and my students. I am in my 3rd year of art education in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. I travel between 2 elementary schools and got my certification at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Before finding my current district I spent about 2 years long term subbing in the Waukesha School District. This year I am working on multiple school wide beautification projects along with legacy projects for 5th grade!

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT: NORTH WEST:
ANDREA WORTHEY

Andrea Says:
Andrea Worthey is a visual artist and educator living in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Worthey received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and printmaking, as well as her Bachelor of Science in Art Education, from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Worthey completed her Master of Arts degree through the Peck School of the Arts, as well as receiving a Museum Studies Certification through Anthropology, in 2011 at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Worthey completed her Master of Fine Arts degree (2012) at the Peck School of the Arts, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

She has been active in Public Arts, Curation, and Art Education for the last 15 years. Andrea was named 2020 Wisconsin Art Education Association, Secondary Art Educator of the Year. Andrea has been an active Board Member of WAEA for 5 years, serving as the North West Regional Vice President of Youth Art Month. I have a passion for visual arts and art education. I would love to continue on the board to grow our region and reach more Art Educators and showcase the incredible work of the students we teach every day.

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT: NORTH WEST
SARAH FREDRIKSON

Sarah Says:
I have been teaching various levels of art for the past fifteen years in North Eastern Wisconsin. I currently teach art in the Denmark School District at Denmark High School. I previously taught in Sturgeon Bay at the middle school, high school and the early childhood center. I have a passion for sharing my love of art with my students. Outside of the classroom, I am busy with my family. I have 8-year-old triplets and a 6-year-old. When I do find a few minutes to create, I work with photography, felting, painting and drawing. I also enjoy traveling and attending professional development.

I have been the North East Wisconsin Vice President for the past four years and have worked hard to develop a strong regional show at the Neville Public Museum and a virtual show in 2021. I am hoping to help provide some new opportunities for North East Wisconsin art educators to come together and share our stories and knowledge. I would love to continue working with all of you to grow the arts in North East Wisconsin. I have really enjoyed working on the board and building relationships with art teachers around Wisconsin and the US.

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT: NORTH CENTRAL:
JILL FORTIN

Jill Says:
Jill Fortin is a mother of two brilliant daughters who loves to travel. Mrs. Fortin graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with an art education degree. Mrs. Fortin has called Medford her home since 2002. Jill is committed to helping her community by doing events such as “empty bowls feed my people” in which she has raised over $6000.00 for the local food pantries. She is involved with many community learning groups and clubs that teach people of all ages how to create a variety of art. She has advocated for art in her community by “painting the town.” Through this program she was able to get five murals placed throughout the City of Medford. Jill is an artist who works with many art mediums. She has had her pottery, paintings, jewelry, and sculptures in many galleries across the state. Mrs. Fortin has held a Guinness World Record Holder for most ceramic pots thrown in an hour.

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT: WEST CENTRAL:
QUENTEN BROWN

Quenten says: Quenten Brown is an art teacher at West Salem High School, and current West Central Vice President.I was born and raised in Black River Falls, WI. I earned my Bachelor's in Art Education from Viterbo University in 1999, and received my Master's in Education/Professional Development from UW-La Crosse in 2005. Shortly after graduating from Viterbo, I was fortunate to be hired by the West Salem School District in west central Wisconsin, where I have taught high school art since the year 2000.

I have served as the West Central VP from 2016-2018, and began serving again in 2020. In 2018, I was named the "Outstanding Educator-Secondary Level" by the WAEA. I have had the honor of watching my students receive statewide awards at the Youth Art Month celebration, as well as being a part of the winning team at the State Visual Arts Classic competition. In addition to teaching art at West Salem High School, I have had the opportunity to be an adjunct professor at Viterbo, and at Western Technical College. I have also taught community-based art courses at our local library. Currently, I live in Onalaska with my wife and two daughters. When I am not teaching or working on my own art, I enjoy playing music in and around the La Crosse area.

Position Statement on Positive School Culture and Climate [Adopted March 2016; Reviewed and Revised March 2019]

2/24/2022

PDF of NAEA Position Statement

March 2022 Art Educator(s) of the Month: Jamie & Craig Rogers

2/24/2022

"Congratulations!
You have been selected to be the Wisconsin Art Education Association March Teacher(s) of the month! You also are the first husband and wife team to be chosen. WAEA will honor your accomplishments on the WAEA Website, Facebook page and our member E-blast in March."

Name: Jamie Rogers and Craig Rogers
School: Richland School District
Nominator: Kathy Fry

Bio: Jamie and Craig Rogers are a husband and wife team of art teachers in the Richland School District. Craig began working here in 2010 and Jamie joined our staff a year later. Craig works with high school students and Jamie will begin working with grades 3 through 6 this year, after working with our 6th to 8th graders for the last 9 years. Outside of school they are chalk artists extraordinaire, and have contributed to our Richland Center downtown area with murals in paint and chalk. They have contributed murals in paint in our high school building as well, and involve their students in these projects. Jamie and Craig have two young sons and boundless energy!

Why they were nominated: Jamie and Craig Rogers are a husband and wife team of art educators that make up half of the art department in our district. Jamie works in our Intermediate School (grades 3 to 6) and Craig in our high school. They spend countless hours working with kids, both during and after school hours. Since coming to our district, they have organized an all-district art show and art clubs at two buildings. They both go above and beyond when it comes to students, and they're just generally fun people.
Jamie and Craig are always willing to go the extra mile. For example, they spent nearly an entire summer one year doing murals in our high school IMC, one on a wall in the area where our board meetings are held and the other in the computer work area. I heard just yesterday of a student whose interest in school was renewed by the prospect of having Jamie as his art teacher. Craig is always willing to do independent study projects with his high school students.
Jamie and Craig are chalk artists in their time away from school. They travel around the region participating in chalk art festivals in the summer and have gained a large following, winning awards at many festivals. In the community, they have painted murals in our downtown area and do chalk artwork inside our local coffee house, updating every couple of months. Our district-wide art show every spring showcases student works and there is a reception for the families and students during the exhibit. Sometimes art is the only subject that really reaches a student, and Jamie and Craig do a great job of working with those students and bringing out their talents and abilities.

Congratulations!!

February 2022 Art Teacher of the Month: Christina Ramirez

2/1/2022

Congratulations Wisconsin Art Education Association Art Teacher of the Month - February 2022
Name: Christina Ramirez
School: Indian Community School; Franklin, WI

Ms. Ramirez encourages and supports building students with a strong Native Identity. She encourages students to build their self esteem, she continues to learn and grow so that all students can be successful. She volunteers, extends her days, and builds strong relationships at a time where those relationships make such a huge difference for students and staff. She is not Native American, but her students are. She makes sure to validate, learn, and expose students to authentic and appropriate lessons and experiences that provides opportunity to see that their way of being is not only valuable, but it is beautiful and necessary. She connects with others to support her growth and to support her students. She builds strong relationships built on understanding and love. She volunteers even providing a virtual workshop on New Year's Eve for students and the community to celebrate identity, and provides opportunities after school for staff to enjoy themselves and be rejuvenated. I’m invigorated and honored to begin teaching at ICS and look forward to growing with the whole community!

Christina's Bio: My love for making things began as a child when I made bookmarks en masse for the whole neighborhood. I believe that children naturally create with uninhibited joy and determination. I love guiding students to connect with one another, their roots and the world around them through Visual Art Making. I graduated with a BFA in Visual Art with Teacher Certification and a minor in Spanish from UW-Milwaukee. I earned a M.S. in Urban Education from Marian University. I have been teaching art since 2001. I live in Milwaukee with my husband and four children.

Membership Show YAM Art Guidelines 2022

12/29/2021

Membership Show
YAM Art Guidelines 2022
DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2022
The Wisconsin Art Education Association has changed the venue for the annual membership show. This year the membership show and the Youth Art Month Exhibit will be together at East Towne Mall in Madison. Please be sure to submit some work to this wonderful show!

Click here for the Registration Form
Participation will be FREE for members and $20 for non-members.
- All membership show pieces will be put in a drawing for 5 fabulous art educator gifts!
- State art show will be March 12-25, 2022 at East Towne Mall in Madison, Wisconsin. DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2022
- Youth Art Month Celebration will be March 25, 2022 from 12:00-1:00 pm with make and takes, prizes, music, and much, much more!

Artwork Requirements

Each teacher is allowed to submit 3 pieces of artwork for the membership show.
Art will be in a public space in the mall if you would rather photograph the work a print of the work is fine. Please use high-resolution imagery if possible.
No group pieces. All artwork must be created by one individual within the last year.
Artwork MUST be from the artist’s own imagery, concept, and planning. Images that are of a celebrity or from direct internet or other imagery that is not the artist’s own reference cannot be entered as it is or may borderline on plagiarism. Artwork that does not follow these guidelines will not be accepted.
No glass allowed. Please make sure art is ready to hang on panels/walls.
A Photo Release Form must accompany each work.
I agree to the conditions set forth in the exhibition overview. I give East Towne Mall and the Wisconsin Art Education Association permission to photograph and reproduce work for promotional and educational purposes. I do not hold East Towne Mall or the Wisconsin Art Education Association or their officers and agents responsible for injury, property damage, or claims of any kind.

A completed YAM registration includes the following:

Online registration only.
Do not type in all caps.
When online registration has been completed.
3 works per member.
Participation is FREE for members. A $20 check payable to Wisconsin Art Education Association for nonmembers and can be sent to:

Dani Graf
2914 S. Pine Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
waeatreasurer@gmail.com

Artwork can be submitted to regional vice presidents with student regional work. Please make it clear that the work is for the MEMBERSHIP SHOW. DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2022. Retirees, or others wishing to enter work and do not have students in the show please mail or deliver it to Jen Dahl-directions below.

Artwork can be mailed or delivered to
Text is best 715-579-8029
waeayam1@gmail.com
Jen Dahl
410 County Highway A
Black River Falls, WI 54615

January 2022 Art Teacher of the Month: Abigail Henderson

12/29/2021

Congratulations Wisconsin Art Education Association Art Teacher of the Month -January 2022
Name: Abigail Henderson
School: Stillson Elementary

"Abby grew up in Eau Claire and attended UW-Stout for her art education degree. After starting her career in Stanley-Boyd, she accepted a position in the Chippewa Falls school district teaching elementary and high school art, traveling between schools. This year she started a full-time position at Stillson elementary.

She has been an amazing addition to our district over the last few years! Abby is not afraid to be a vocal advocate for our program and the students adore her! She is a great art teacher! Abby started her own community art program for kids!"

December 2021 Art Teacher of the Month: Aaron Sperduto

11/23/2021

Congratulations Wisconsin Art Education Association Art Teacher of the Month - December 2021
Name: Aaron Sperduto
School: Pulaski High School, Pulaski Community School District
Nominated by: Jeremy Pach

What colleagues say: Aaron is a curricular leader in the PHS building. Aaron puts in long hours to ensure his duties are completed in a high level and his high quality work positively impacts student learning each day. Aaron is our Yearbook advisor and he regularly is shooting photos at sporting events and activities to add to our yearbook and to slideshows and promotional materials around the district. Mr. Sperduto is the PHS Boys and Girls Head Tennis coach and he spends a great deal of his free time at practices and camps to get his players and future players ready for doing their best in the sport. Mr. Sperduto was nominated as a Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction 2009 and his peers highly respect him. They respect him enough to have him also be nominated to be a leader in our PHS Building Guiding Coalition where he works with teachers and administration to make decisions to positively impact the building and to ensure high levels of teaching and learning are happening daily.

Aaron designs signage and new mascot logos for our district when he has time. Mr. Sperduto has gone above and beyond inside our learning community because he developed a program for our art students to paint large murals to be displayed among a variety of openings and indents inside our physical building. With as much clean wall space as we have available it is a welcome addition to have students fill the hallways with inspirational and mascot artwork to keep students attention.

Aaron is a creative teacher who enjoys spending time coaching, exploring the outdoors and improving student perspectives on different forms of art.