Finally Recovered

The MAEA after party had a lot of fun moments, like being able to pose in cut-outs of famous works.

Last weekend I was in downtown Grand Rapids for the annual MAEA Conference. In addition to presenting in four sessions, I also got to learn SOOO many amazing things from great artists and teachers alike!

I have been wanting to post this since Sunday, but with The Fire Up! Student Teacher Conference on Monday and Parent-Teacher Conferences this week, as well as putting our first issue of the school newspaper to print, I have been SWAMPED. We all have our excuses, which are  not really a reason to ditch duties, but I finally feel like I have some time to sit, reflect, and share my favorite moments from #MAEA15.

Here are my top three highlights from the weekend:

1. Learning

I learned a ton this past weekend. I would say it was one of the most content-rich conferences I can remember! I think what made the learning so powerful was that I got to create while I was learning. From making jewelry with the pre-service teachers at Grand Valley State University, to drawing with ArtPrize winner Adonna Kare, to dying scarves (which I cannot wait to do with my students), it was a whirlwind of activity that allowed me to stretch my creative mind and learn along the way.

2. Sharing

I had a chance to present with our STEM teacher about the collaborative efforts we make to tie our classes together.

#Gelliarts pic.twitter.com/TNMPAuEdxd

— SLG (@slgrich) October 16, 2015

Thanks @campbellartsoup for introducing me to @GelliArts ! So excited! pic.twitter.com/H24Gb18thn

— melissa hronkin (@mhronkin) October 16, 2015

I had the pleasure of presenting 4 sessions at this conference. I got to share ideas about technology and collaborating with STEM, using thematic units and standards-based grading, as well as monoprinting with Gelli Arts printing plates. It is always fun to give back by presenting at these sessions, and I want to give a special shout-out to Gelli Arts, Schoology, TechSmith, andiPevo, who gave me goodies to pass on to teachers.

3. Connecting

Artsonia co-founder, Jim Meyers receives 2016 MAEA Distinguished Service Award! Thanks Michigan & @campbellartsoup pic.twitter.com/103SF54G2m

— Artsonia (@Artsonia) October 21, 2015

My favorite parts of any conference is connecting with teachers I do not get to see everyday. This included teachers I have connected with online and finally met face to face, people I nominated for awards (like Jim Meyers from Artsonia) and my sister, who teaches Art in Indiana and makes the trek north to come to MAEA. The people are the reason I go to these conferences. 

@campbellartsoup, it was so fun to finally meet you in person. Loved your sessions!#maeagr2015 #maea15 pic.twitter.com/QUkeymxGKS

— Sarah Van Loo (@SarahEVanLoo) October 18, 2015

Ran into the great Janine Campbell @campbellartsoup at #maeagr2015 pic.twitter.com/cFxGOiSV0o

— Nathan Kukla (@K_to_the_ukla) October 16, 2015

I had a great time attending MAEA in Grand Rapids, and I am super excited for next fall, when we will meet in Traverse City! Now, I need to go and rest. I have some fun presentations and interactions to prepare for in the coming weeks.

I hope to see you on Twitter this Thursday for this:

Ck out the next #k12artchat Host @campbellartsoup as she talks about Voice & choice in the Art room. #EdBeat #tlap pic.twitter.com/4r7AKPU44U

— #k12artchat (@k12artchat) October 24, 2015