Fall Conference

Each year, early autumn brings art educators together for the OAEA conference. Don't miss the opportunity to have fun and earn PDU's; reserve next October 8th and 9th for the 2010 conference to be hosted at the Portland Art Museum. 

Want to know more about the conferences? Read below for a description of the 2009 fall event.

Early last October, over 100 art educators from all over the state of Oregon gathered in Bend for inspiration, education, and networking. Offered were two days of workshops taught by artists and top educators from Oregon and beyond. Teachers selected their favorites from thirty-three diverse sessions, ranging from elementary level ceramics, to photographing student artwork, working with alternative processes, and teaching art with an environmental focus. Between classes, attendees made connections with colleagues as they shared ideas and resources. They cheered on some of their outstanding colleagues at the Art Educator Awards Breakfast, after a celebratory evening at the "Arty After Party".

Keynote speaker, Christopher Shotola-Hardt divulged some of his secrets to balancing one's passions as an artist. Perhaps the most poignant part of his talk was hearing of Mr. Shotola-Hardt's mantra: "family, art, music". This mantra helps him to remain focused on only what is most important in his life. Little else sways him from his dedication to preserving time for these integral elements. When asked how he finds time for his own art after working in the classroom each day, he discussed how he adheres to a strict studio schedule. In Shotola-Hardt's words, "Yes sometimes I just feel like vegging. Yes, sometimes I am tired of giving to my students and then even more to my family. Yes, sometimes I'm not inspired. Yes, sometimes I want to get more sleep. But I go into the studio anyway. I'm always glad I did."

Contact Kelly Hjelmeland for more information: hjelmelands@verizon.net

Want to present at the conference? Download the Presenter Application Form (.pdf)