Welcomed in Wisconsin: The WAEA 2015 Conference

I'm just back from the Wisconsin Art Education Conference at Lawrence University in Appleton where I presented Art Saves Lives and a presentation on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).

Whenever I attend a conference, I am always impressed by the enthusiastic efforts of the conference organizers, presenters, and attendees. Wisconsin has some mighty art teachers!

An opening reception was held at the Fox Cities Art Center on Wednesday night.

There was an exhibition on view of Norman Rockwell's covers for the Post, along with some reference photographs.

Also on display was a community mural made through the efforts of the Art Center.

I was only at the conference one night, so I didn't get to see as many presentations as I normally do. I did make it to Marty Rayala's presentation on design and design thinking. Marty has written many articles for SchoolArts, has been a longtime proponent for design education, and was instrumental working on the new National Standards for Media Arts.

Marty was formerly the State Art and Design consultant for Wisconsin's DPI. He is also the founder and editor of Design Magazine and is working with a newly opened design-centered high school in Philadelphia. Marty also received a well-deserved honor at the conference, the President's Award.

Thanks so much, Jen, Tiffany, and all the others. It was a magic time. And I got to meet so many Facebook friends in person!