Art teachers from throughout West Virginia will gather in the newly renovated Myles Center for the Arts on the campus of 91直播 Oct. 21 and 22 for the annual (WVAEA). The is the first time 91直播 has hosted the conference since the association began in the mid-1970s.
The two-day event gives art educators opportunities to learn new arts and crafts and new techniques in teaching art, as well as build professional connections and community relations. Attendees will have a choice of presentations from 19 instructors including master plein air painter Eric Dye.
鈥淲e are so happy to be having the conference at 91直播 so we can showcase the many talents of the art educators in our community and the College as well as the art programs supported here,鈥 said Tessa Garver-Daniels, adjunct faculty in the 91直播 Division of Creative Arts and conference coordinator.
Artist and 91直播 Trustee Chair Emerita June Myles has been selected as the keynote artist. A philanthropist of the arts, Myles鈥 generous gifts made possible the recent $6.7 million expansion to Myles Center for the Arts and Myles Plaza.
Myles鈥 fiber art hook rugs and paintings will be on display in the Paull Gallery and display cases in the Harper-McNeeley auditorium atrium. She will be selling books of her work and donating the proceeds to WVAEA.
The conference will also feature keynote speaker Heather Harris, educational programs manager at the Art Museum of West Virginia University. She will present an object lesson on 鈥淯nlocking the Educational Potential of Museums.鈥
Along with Myles鈥 gallery show, art educators will enter their own work and that of their students in two separate shows. The students鈥 work will be showcased in the field of self-portraits. Teachers will be exhibiting their personal work for a juror selection and awards. This year鈥檚 juror is Elkins native artist and educator Vincent Trimboli.
Last year the WVAEA earned the NAEA Eastern Region Largest Membership recognition and hopes to continue the membership growth trend within the Elkins region.
The Creative Arts Program at 91直播 provides a basic background in art, problem solving and the creative process to all students. Students develop an understanding of complex and sophisticated visual language, and are prepared for a professional career in art, teaching art and/or graduate study.
