OAEA
WHAT IS THE OREGON ART EDUCATION ASSOCIATION?

The Oregon Art Education Association (OAEA) is a not-for-profit organization with a volunteer board of art educators from around the state of Oregon.  The OAEA is a passionate, involved, grass roots organization making a difference in art education since 1973.  We are affiliated with the National Art Education Association.

The mission of the OAEA is to advocate for the advancement and expansion of quality visual arts education. The Oregon Art Education Association has identified several key areas in which we will be dedicating our efforts in the next few years: 1.) Focus on the art student
2.) Focus on the art teacher 3.) Focus on educating the public about the necessity and importance of a strong, consistent art education program taught by highly qualified art educators for all students at all grade levels.

1.) Advocate for our students, by providing scholarships and opportunities to help students imagine their future. The Oregon Art Education Association has developed an affiliate partnership with The Scholastic Art Awards. The Scholastic Art Awards is a National arts recognition program serving 7 – 12th grade students. Students may earn recognition at the state and national level. Regional programs start in October. Each spring since 1999, OAEA awards a graduating senior a scholarship to pursue a degree in fine arts or arts education.
2.) Nurture and support the art educator. The OAEA recognizes a need for art educators to be showcased as artist and created an opportunity to exhibit their work. Beyond the Demos juried art exhibit is in its third year. Our state conference in October brings art educators from around the state together to expand their expertise and inspire their work. Nationally recognized speakers are part of this important professional development opportunity.

3.) The OAEA has several programs in place that expand the art classroom beyond the four walls of the school.  The National Art Education Association has recognized the Youth Art Month program, run by the OAEA, for the last five years. Oregon won a special National Award for Excellence for the 2007 Youth Art Month campaign.  The Youth Art Month program reaches out to the state legislature each year with art produced by Oregon students to remind them of the importance of arts education in the schools. 
In addition to scholarships, the Scholastic Arts Program gives student an opportunity to showcase their work in a professional setting and broaden public awareness and exposure to their creative talents. These programs and others reach beyond our school classrooms and invite others to share in what we know, the arts help nurture students to be innovative, critical thinkers and problem solvers.

Donations can be made to:   
Oregon Art Education Association
19363 Willamette Dr.  West Linn, OR 97068

Your donation to our Scholastic Art Awards or the OAEA scholarship fund will assist the OAEA find and cultivate emerging talent in Oregon with exceptional artistic promise. 

Membership information can be accessed from our home page.

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