And the list goes on... 

In my last post, I spent the whole time reviewing places where learning happens outside of the conference center. It took me a few years to realize this was an important part of attending a National Art Education event (and I could really kick myself for not doing do sooner)...

However, it would not be much of a conference recap, if the sessions were not a part of it. Please feel free to post your favorite "ah-ha" moments, sessions, and favorite speakers in the comments below (because I selfishly want to know more). (disclaimer: This is in no way a comprehensive list of all the amazing things that happened at the conference - although I wish I could clone/time travel/speed warp during it so I could've offered that.)

It is always super charging to return from a great conference. Hearing inspiring stories, learning new techniques, and seeing amazing feats performed by my peers leaves me filled with hope (and some envy) that maybe I can do it, too. 

I try to be mindful in those moments because this time of year can be brutally difficult for me (I am still working up the courage to share more on that one). Seeing, learning, and sharing what is possible with others helps break me from the strangle-hold the mid-year blues can bring and I am incredibly thankful for that. 

Most of the vendors did not disappoint.

​They had their freebies ready (although some made you earn it through activities, which to be frank, I was kind of annoyed with) and some upped their game with interactive options to pose as your favorite work of art or artist. This is all very fun, but my favorite parts of being in the hall is to see what new things they are showcasing or what old things I can use in new ways...

It would not be a great conference without the presenters (most of whom give their time and expertise for free - even paying their own way to travel and attend the conference). If it were not for these teachers who spend months preparing proposals (many of which are rejected), getting together slides (although one of my favorite presentations this year had none), and taking their time away from attending sessions so they can help teachers like me learn more (and then pass that learning onto my students), there would be no conference.

From design thinking, to technology integration, TAB (Teaching Artistic Behavior), and more, the sessions did not disappoint and I am excited to bring everything I learned back to my classroom. 

I have had the privilege of presenting at conferences ever since Carrie (my conference buddy) convinced me to co-present with her at the 2008 MAEA Conference. I blame her for the giving me the sharing bug, that I probably will never shake. 

It also helps that I have seen some of the most inspirational speakers over the years (one of my first and most memorable is Rick Wormelli, who really made me think "I want to do that."). 

This year, I had the most fun presenting because the pressure was off a little. The two presentations I was in were with other teachers I admire and enjoy being around (Theresa McGee, Holly Bess Kincaid, Stacy Lord, and Cassie Stephens). If you did not get a chance to be a part of the fun, you can access the presentations below.

I approached Cassie Stephens with the idea of presenting together once a call for presentations became open. She was super gracious to accept and we had a blast working together on our presentation that explored how we use collaboration, permanent (and sometimes not so permanent) installations, and social media to connect with others to leave a lasting impact.

I have gotten to know Stacy, Theresa, and Holly over the past seven years (with our first face-to-face in 2013. These ladies are some of the best teachers (and friends) out there. It was a blast to respin our presentation (first tested out at #NAEA15) and share ideas about how we integrate technology, engage learners, assess students, and make meaningful connections in our classrooms. TEAM middle will hopefully be back again for #NAEA17 to share even more tips and tricks from the center of education. 

As I explained in the opener to this list idea, I am a list person.

It is fun for me to plan out ideas/events/goals way in advance and over time, scratch each component that reaches that off from it (sometimes it is physically on paper, but often it is in my mind's eye).

So, to start out this series of lists, here are some of my most favorite sights from #NAEA16 - if you have any you would like to add, please comment below. (disclaimer: This is in no way a complete list of all of the amazing places you could go while in Chicago, but it was what I was able to get to during my short stay.)

Being that I live about two and a half hours from Chicago, I have been going their annually for about the last ten years. Before that, I grew up going to the Windy City as a part of an annual November "girls trip" with my mom, cousin, and aunt.

When I go now, it is usually a day trip with my hubby and we usually hit the same venues (Art Institute, Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, Home). Because I was experiencing #NAEA16 here, I had the time and excuse to finally discover areas of the city I had never experienced as well as spend time in my favorite go-to spots. (side note: I wonder how many other places (both actual and metaphorical) I need to do more exploring in because they have seemed become routine...)

I rode the train to Chicago, which gave me a chance to see the route in a new and interesting way. I loved the train experience (although it was not quite as depicted as it is in White Christmas). 

This trip marked my FIRST ever train ride. I was unsure of what to expect (since my only knowledge of trains is from 1950s musicals) and I was not disappointed in the comfort and ease offered through Amtrak.

​From the free wi-fi to the big comfy seats and somewhat unusual views, I felt totally relaxed during the ride from Holland, MI to Chicago, IL. I know I will use this mode of transportation again soon when I make my next trek to the Windy City! 

Part of attending an Art Education Conference away from my home state is also experiencing the accompanying Art Museums as research for curriculum. I was so inspired by the work at the following places and I am excited to bring the new ideas to students in the classroom.

I always visit the Art Institute of Chicago when I visit. Even though it might seem like going to the same place over and over again could get boring, I am totally engaged and excited to see the ever-changing special exhibits (like Van Gogh's Bedroom) as well as the permanent collection (the contemporary art wing is my favorite part). I was particularly excited with the amount of Science connections made in the Van Gogh exhibit, as they compared the three bedroom paintings and even explained how they used journal writings, X-rays, and particle examinations to get an idea of when they were made.

It reinforced the notion I have that sketchbooks should be taught as a way for students to work out ideas and that iteration is okay. One and done is often how I have approached lessons or projects in the past and I found permission within this exhibit to allow myself and my students to really spend time with an idea and work it out.

I really enjoyed this stop on the way back from the Art Institute to our hotel. 

For those unfamiliar, The MOCP was founded by Columbia College Chicago in 1976. It is free to the public and offers an amazing experience for those who venture in. It happened to be a collection celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. 

In addition to seeing floor to ceiling collections of what 40 years of photography can look like, there was also a very kinetic-looking installation that involved woven and cut photographs, suspended in air through the use of colorful and sometimes tangled string.

As I viewed the differences in approach to displays, I kept thinking that there must be something I can do with weaving paper forms and hanging them alongside the more formal pieces of work we have for our upcoming Arts festival. I am going to have to keep simmering on that one for a while... 

After seeing and hearing from others at the conference about the Strandbeest exhibit at the Cultural Center, I had to make sure to visit this place before leaving on Saturday.

I am super glad I was able to make it work because I made SO many connections in Theo Jansen's work with what the STEM teacher and I are trying to do in our collaborations with students. To see the amount of work Jansen put into developing sketches, prototypes, and systems to create these kinetic sculptures, I felt validated in the amount of planning I make my students do before they get going with a final work. 

You can see part of the process (as well as how I got to push one) and a more detailed video of these beests in action below.

Chicago is a city that offers as much opportunity to engage with art outside as it does within the walls of its' beautiful buildings. Here are a few parks we encountered when taking time away from the conference center to engage in the crisp Spring sunshine (with some clouds).

I am not a super foodie by any means. 

I am kind of notorious by those who know me best to go on a conference fast. I have had a horrible reputation for just not eating when I attend one of these. I am usually nervous about my presentations and time-crunched to really take care of myself.

This year, with the help of my good friends and my husband, I broke that stupid habit and made sure to eat well (which is probably why this is the first time in a long time I haven't gotten deathly ill afterwards).

Also with the help of my PLN, I was able to try new places I had never heard of before. 

One of my favorites, that I will make sure to embed as a staple of any visit, was Do-Rite Donuts. This place was strongly suggested by Cathy (who, as an Australian, apparently had no real experience with donuts until Chris brought her one of these). 

​It has been over a week since I returned home from Chicago, but my brain is still swimming through an overload of inspiration and information.

For #NAEA15, I tried to wade through and reflect on all of the events in a five-part series. It was fun to try and find common themes throughout the conference in hopes that others might be able to make connections for themselves as well as use them as guidelines for how to navigate my conference experience.

​This year, however, I am going to try and wrap it up in a three-part list that groups together the sights, connections, and sessions I was able to experience. 

​I am a list person.

I was not always that type of person; it was something I married into (my husband has lists for lists) and something I get a surprising amount of satisfaction in doing (and crossing things off from it once it is done). There is something about an agenda, goal, or at least a guise of order that puts me at ease.

Maybe that makes me a little less original or spontaneous or cool, but I am good with it because my anxiety without such things is far, far worse.

In order to get ready for the conference, I thought of the list of things I want to experience (sights, sounds, and tastes of the city), people I wanted to connect with (new and old friends from around the country - and beyond), and knowledge I wanted to learn and share. 

So, please stay tuned as I start to roll out my three major lists from this year's conference: 

The Sights

The Sessions

The Connections

If you have any additions you would like to share, please do.

​I am sure I missed a ton of great things from the conference (or even from the home editions) and would love to learn more from you!