FAEA Fresh Paint Fall 2025

FALL 2025

Volume 48 • Issue 2

2025 faea annual conference

Beyond the Looking Glass

A Colossal Dream #faea2025

October 16-19, 2025 Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront

FALL 2025 • Volume 48 • Issue 2

C NTENTS features

Click the paint brushes for direct links

Conference Registration and FAQ | 16 OUR COVER ARTIST

Keynote Speaker: Storytelling with Artist and Art Educator Carrie Ann Baade | 18

Desana Dashi (Grade 11) Symphony of Elegance Painting Palm Harbor University High School Teacher: Wipoj Huse Pinellas County

Keynote Speaker: The Art of Transformation with Jason Hackenwerth | 22

About Fresh Paint Magazine:

2026 Youth Art Month Flag Competition | 26 Summer Camp Southeast Recap | 28 Arts in the Community: FloridaRAMA: A Visionary Space for Experiential Art Education | 30 From the Field: Picture Perfect Photography: Successes and Failures | 38

inside faea

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President’s Reflection | 4 Board Consultant's Report | 6

Fresh Paint is an award-winning, quarterly publication of the Florida Art Education Association, Inc. (FAEA) located at 402 Office Plaza Drive, Tallahassee, Florida, 32301-2757. The purpose of Fresh Paint is to provide members and stakeholders with information about FAEA programs, the latest advocacy reports on issues impacting art education, and articles of interest to art educators of all levels. This publication is distributed to over 800 art teachers, district art supervisors, museum educators, higher-education professionals, community art educators, and artists, as well as other state and national art associations. All issues are published digitally by FAEA.: Fall Issue

Winter Issue

Conference Issue

Spring/Summer Issue

2024 & 2025 Board of Directors | 7 FAEA 2025 Editorial Committee

Calendar 2025 | 7

Claire Clum, Chair Christie Becker-Fitzgerald Christy Garton Heather Hagy Dulcie Hause

Division Updates | 8 2024 & 2025 FAEA Committees | 28

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Latonya Hicks Laurie Hoppock, EdD Lark Keeler Debra McGann, EdD

Fresh Paint is made possible, in part, by the participation of the businesses whose advertisements appear in this issue. They make it possible to provide membership with a high quality publication and we gratefully acknowledge their support of Florida Art Education Association’s (FAEA) mission. We hope that you take special notice of these advertisements and consider the products and services offered. This is another important way you can support your professional association and the enhancement of Florida art education.

The publisher does not endorse any particular company, product, or service. FAEA is not responsible for the content of any advertisement and reserves the right to accept or refuse any advertisement submitted for publication.

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President’s REFLECTION MAKERS GONNA MAKE: Make the Time As the school year closed and the final brushes were washed, I know many of us packed away one chapter while already sketching the next. The rhythm of this time—equal parts exhaustion and anticipation—holds a certain magic. We breathe. We clean. We rest. And we begin to imagine again.

As I write this I've just returned from two weeks in Salt Lake City, where over 340 educators—both from high schools and higher education—gathered to score more than 82,000 Advanced Placement Art and Design portfolios. That’s right—82,000 stories told through imagination, intention, and inquiry. And Florida?

We were one of the top two states in reader participation. I say that with great pride—not just for the numbers, but for what they represent: our state’s deep commitment to visual art education from Pre-K through adulthood to FOREVER. What struck me most was the quiet brilliance of it all. Studio Art and Art Education educators alike—sat shoulder to shoulder, pouring over the work of young creatives. We were connected not just by rubrics, but by the shared belief that this matters. Quality instruction matters. From scribbles in Pre-K to artist statements in college, artmaking teaches us to question, to heal, to lead, and to live fully human lives. Whether our students go on to careers in the arts, volunteer with community partners, become supporters, or find their place in post-secondary learning, what we offer them in our classrooms lays a foundation for confidence, compassion, and possibility.

Some of Florida AP Readers taking a breather from scoring in Salt Lake City in June 2025

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Latonya Hicks FAEA President

And that brings me to this: make the time to CREATE. We so often pour ourselves into our students, our schools, our districts, our communities, our friends and families. But when was the last time you finished something just for you? Show your work—on social media, in exhibitions, or just to your family and friends. Modeling your own creative practice reminds those around you that art isn’t just something we teach—it’s something we live.

This summer, FAEA leadership, including Christy Garton and myself, traveled to Jackson, Mississippi, to attend the NAEA Regional Leadership Conference. This gathering is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and growth. Together with arts leaders from across the Southeast, we explored strategies to inspire, connect, and uplift our state and school communities, empowering members to champion the arts as a vital force for change.

Board nomination season has just come to a close and I am especially proud—and moved—by the many incredible members who have stepped up to lead our organization. It is no easy feat! When I considered being a leader, I was scared... TO DEATH. It takes heart, sacrifice, and courage to say, “Yes, I’ll serve.” I hope you’ll take a moment to thank those who’ve put their name into the hat. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about being willing to hold space for others, to listen, and to act. And whoever comes next will need you—your smiles, your nods, your time volunteerism, and your kind words. When I think back to what I love the most from this experience KINDNESS rises to the top.

Our board is entirely volunteer-run. There is no paycheck, but the payoff is immeasurable. What we do matters! We can’t do it all! But what we CAN do, we can do TOGETHER, and have a great time doing it!

As summer comes to a close and the new school year starts, I want you to know—I see you. I see the way you’ve shown up. I see the spark that’s still flickering. And now I’m going to ask for more. Reach out. Share your ideas. Invite someone new into the fold. Because now more than ever, we need to gather our advocates close, amplify our voices, and bring as many people and perspectives into this work as we can.

Together, we are stronger.

Fresh Paint • Fall 2025

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Board Consultant’s report

Kathleen D. Sanz, PhD Board Consultant, FAEA

Welcome back to the 2025-2026 school year! FAEA looks forward to engaging with each member and encouraging you to be involved in advocacy and the legislative process to provide for strong visual arts programs in our state.

Advocacy/Government Relations Throughout the legislative session, the Center for Fine Arts Education, along with the Florida Art Education Association (FAEA), the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA), and the Florida School Music Association (FSMA) follow filed bills and track the progress of the bills as they pass through the various legislative committees. In addition, with the start of the session being early in 2026, bills have already started being filed and will be assigned to committees. A report from the 2025 Session is posted on the FAEA website. Continue to follow the website for updated information.

Advocacy work is never completed, but it is an ongoing effort at the local, state, and national levels.

Please be sure to advocate for your program and the needs of your students for each of your programs to ensure a high-quality visual arts education. Know the decision makers in your area and build quality relationships with them so that they are aware of the importance of visual arts for all students.

florida seal of fine arts program During the 2024 legislative session, the Florida Seal of Fine Arts passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate. During the 2024-2025 school year, school districts implemented the Seal. FAEA is collecting and reviewing the data from each school district to determine how the first year's implementation plan worked. Based on the data results, the next steps will involve working with FMEA and FSMA to develop legislative and advocacy plans. The ultimate goal is to change the Florida School Grades rubric under the acceleration component and add the Florida Seal of Fine Arts to the list.

2026 legislative session The 2026 legislative session will begin on January 13, 2026, and end on March 13, 2026. Please look for communication from FAEA to assist us in reviewing the bills. If you have any questions about the bills as they progress, please call me at the FAEA office. In addition, know your legislators, visit them, be vigilant, and stay tuned to bills proposed during the session.

Keep up the incredible work that you do every day for your students and your school programs.

Have a wonderful 2025-2026 school year and ADVOCATE for your students and your program. The FAEA Advocacy Committee continues to keep members updated on the legislative session.

Kathleen D. Sanz, PhD

Board Consultant

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calendar

FAEA Membership Renewal Now Open FAEA Conference Merchandise Now Available Until September 7, 2025 FAEA Conference Early-Registration Through September 14, 2025 Youth Art Month Flag Competition September 15 - November 21, 2025 2025 FAEA Annual Conference October 16-19, 2025 St. Petersburg, FL FAEA Board Elections Voting Open Until Noon on October 18, 2025

2024 & 2025

2025

FAEA board of directors PRESIDENT Latonya Hicks Pinellas County PAST PRESIDENT Nancy Puri Polk County PRESIDENT-ELECT Christy Garton Orange County SECRETARY Heather Hagy St. Johns County ELEMENTARY DIVISION Stephanie Scannapieco Duval County MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION Ashley DeMaio Nassau County HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION Jacquelene Lieberman Broward County SUPERVISION/ADMINISTRATION DIVISION Laurie Hoppock, EdD Duval County HIGHER EDUCATION DIVISION Debra McGann, EdD Orange County MUSEUMS & CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS DIVISION Dulcie Hause Duval County

Ab ut FAEA

LOCAL ART EDUCATION ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVE Natalie Potacco Pinellas County

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Association is to promote art education in Florida through professional development, service, advancement of knowledge, and leadership.

ADVERTISERS BLICK ART MATERIALS | 27 ARTFUL EVALUATION | 42

RETIREES’ REPRESENTATIVE Debra Barrett-Hayes Leon County MEMBER-AT-LARGE Claire Clum Palm Beach County MEMBER-AT-LARGE Laura Hobby Hillsborough County Fresh Paint • Fall 2025

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Division Updates

Middle School Division Director

Elementary School

Ashley DeMaio Yulee Middle School Nassau County

Division Director

Stephanie Scannapieco Seabreeze Elementary Duval County I don't know about you but I'm excited for this school year!

This summer gave me a chance to rest and come back refreshed. I hope it's done the same for you. As we begin another year, I want to encourage you to embrace your purpose with confidence. As you teach, understand that every conversation, lesson, and moment with your students is significant and can make a difference. Believe in your students because each of them have the potential for greatness just waiting for you to inspire and guide them with your expertise, compassion, and high expectations.

If you’re looking for opportunities for growth, to expand your content knowledge, deepen your understanding, network with other art teachers, etc., FAEA conference is the best place (in my opinion) for all of this. This year’s conference will be in St. Pete from Thursday, October 16 through Sunday, October 19. There are so many workshops, forums, and demonstrations to choose from. We have two awesome keynote speakers, Carrie Ann Baade, painter and professor of art at FSU, and Jason Hackenwerth, painter, sculptor, and installation artist. Additionally, I'm really looking forward to visiting some of the museums. A bunch of the local museums have offered complimentary admission to conference attendees to visit on your own schedule. So cool! The So Surreal Market Bazaar on Saturday night is bound to be a blast. Last year’s event was really incredible and I know this year will top it. Hope to see you at conference!

BECOME A MEMBER 8

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Hello Amazing Florida Art Teachers!

Welcome to a new school year! I hope your summer gave you time to reset, rest, and recharge. As we begin again—with excitement, nerves, and big dreams—let’s prioritize staying connected and inspired.

If there’s one thing to add to your to-do list, let it be the FAEA Annual Conference. Nothing compares to being surrounded by fellow artists, educators, and creative thinkers. I still remember my first conference, years ago when I felt like an “island” as the only art teacher at my school. That experience filled my cup and reminded me I’m part of an incredible community. Register now at FAEA.org!

We also want to celebrate YOU! Nominate yourself or a colleague for the FAEA Member Spotlight, which highlights outstanding educators on FAEA’s social media. It’s a great way to showcase achievements in the classroom and beyond.

Looking for an art and literacy project? Check out Resiliency: Art & Literature Book, a collaborative effort by the Yulee Middle School Art Department with Michelle Perry, journalism teacher Andrea Miles, and the Yulee Branch Library. This powerful program invites students to create art and stories centered on resilience, culminating in a published collection.

As a new member of the Nassau team, I was honored to help adjudicate—and was blown away by the creativity and depth of student work.

Let this inspire you to start a similar project in your school.

And don’t forget—keep creating art from the heart. Hope to see you in October at the FAEA conference !

Membership is open to all art teachers, art supervisors, arts administrators, cultural professionals, university professors and students, those who are retired from the profession, and anyone passionate about our goals.

JOIN TODAY

Division Updates

High School

Division Director Jacquelene Lieberman Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Broward County Welcome Back, High School Art Teachers! Let's ignite your passion As the new school year begins, I want to send a burst of energy and encouragement to all high school art teachers across Florida! This is your moment to inspire, innovate, and create with your students. Art education is more vital than ever, and your passion shapes the future of creativity in our communities.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. FAEA is here to support you with resources, connections, and inspiration.

One of the best ways to recharge and grow is by joining us at the FAEA Annual Conference in beautiful St. Petersburg,

October 16–-19, at the Hilton St. Pete Bayfront (333 1st St. SE).

Beyond the Looking Glass: A Colossal Dream is packed with workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities designed specifically for high school art educators. Whether you’re looking to explore new teaching strategies, integrate technology, or find fresh ideas for your curriculum, the conference offers something for everyone. Plus, you’ll connect with passionate colleagues who share your dedication and enthusiasm.

Don’t miss out — early registration discount ends September 14! Secure your spot today and prepare to be energized, inspired, and equipped to make this school year your best yet.

Let’s come together to celebrate the power of art education and the incredible impact we make every day.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead — see you in St. Pete!

MEMBER VIRTUAL EXHIBITION RECEPTION

Sponsored in part by

Friday, October 17 7:00The -Dali9:00 PM Museum 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Open to all conference attendees Light hors d’oeuvres served free access to Dali Galleries during reception Fresh Paint • Fall 2025

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Division Updates

Higher Education Division Director

Board Connections Laura Hobby (FAEA Member-at-Large)

Dr. Debra McGann University of Central Florida Orange County I hope your summer was filled with relaxing moments and creative endeavors that will serve to inspire as we begin this new semester.

The 2025 FAEA Conference is right around the corner, so you may want to begin making plans to attend from October 16th – 19th at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel.

Our division will meet during the conference, so please watch for the conference schedule which post our Higher Education division meeting. It will be great to meet together and to see everyone at the conference events.

Additional FAEA items to do that pertain to Higher Education members include renewing your membership, encouraging our pre-service students to join, and reminding colleagues to renew. Also, if you would like to volunteer at the conference or be a part of a committee, please let me or one of the other members know.

Have a great Fall semester!

Local Art Education Assembly Division Director Saturday Afternoon 2024 Mixed Media After taking a multimedia workshop last year at the Tampa Museum of Art, I created Saturday Afternoon. I marvel at the new things I continually learn and apply to my creative practice.

FAEA Board Members share their artistic creations and personal projects

FAEA Job Board For those seeking employment in schools, cultural organizations, or entities with art education openings. faea.org/programs/job-board

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Natalie Potacco Curlew Creek Elementary Pinellas County Welcome back, amazing educators! As we gear up for another inspiring school year, let’s remember the power we hold to shape creativity, confidence, and connection in our students’ lives. There’s so much to look forward to, and one of the best ways to stay motivated and supported is by joining your local Art Education Association!

Keep in mind that whether you’re a returning member or considering joining for the first time, FAEA offers a vibrant community where ideas flow, support is constant, and your passion for teaching is reignited. Let’s start strong, lift each other up, and make this school year one of our most impactful yet, together!

As you start your new school year, remember Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “Every artist was first an amateur.” Growth starts with trying, just like our students.

PLATINUM PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNERS

BRONZE PARTNERS Florida School of the Arts

THANK YOU 2025 2026 PARTNERS Fresh Paint • Fall 2025

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Division Updates

Museums & Cultural Organizations Division Director

Board Connections Natalie Potacco (FAEA Local Art Education Assembly Representative)

Dulcie Hause Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Duval County A new school year is here, bringing fresh energy and endless opportunities to inspire students through the arts! As we reconnect with educators, schools, and cultural partners, let’s continue to highlight the powerful role that museums and cultural institutions play in supporting creative learning.

We’re especially excited to gather in St. Petersburg for the 2025 FAEA Annual Conference, October 16–19! This year’s conference theme, Beyond the Looking Glass: A Colossal Dream, invites us to explore the evolving landscape of art education; including immersive technologies, inclusive practices, and dynamic museum-classroom collaborations.

Whether you’re presenting, attending, or just reconnecting with colleagues, the conference is a great space to share your work, gain fresh ideas, and build relationships with fellow educators from across the state. We encourage all division members to take part and help showcase the innovative work happening in Florida’s museums and cultural spaces. Here’s to a vibrant year of learning and connection—see you in St. Pete!

Supervision/Administration Division Director

Dr. Laurie Hoppock Duval County Public Schools Duval County

Flora 2022 Charcoal This charcoal portrait is a tribute to my grandmother, a woman whose strength, resilience, and unwavering work ethic helped shape who I am today. She was a symbol of what a hardworking woman can achieve despite life’s challenges. I often use my artwork as a visual diary, capturing the people who have left a lasting imprint on my heart and spirit. Through drawing, I reflect on the values they instilled in me and the legacy they’ve left behind. Each mark on this piece carries her presence and serves as a reminder of her perseverance and love.

FAEA Board Members share their artistic creations and personal projects

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Congratulations on completing the 2024-2025 school year! I hope you and your programs thrived this year! Now it’s time to plan for the new year! See our "Mark Your Calendar" on page 5 for our up and coming events!

Update: The Florida Seal of Fine Arts now includes AICE courses as qualifying advanced or honors-level courses. Earning a grade of “B” or higher in an AICE fine arts course will now meet one on the list of five requirements a student must meet in order to earn the Seal. (Students only have to show that they met two of the listed five requirements.) This is in addition to the previous list of qualifying advanced-level courses that include AP, IB, or honors-level fine arts courses.

Whether you’re in the classroom or serve in your district as a supervisor, I’m available to talk and share best practices! Feel free to email me at supervision@board.faea.org the 2025-26 school year our best yet! Cheers!

... so we can make

Division Updates Board Connections Debra McGann (FAEA Higher Education Division Director)

Blue Heron Wading 2025 Colored Pencil Through my artwork Blue Heron Wading, I aim to express a deep appreciation for the wonder and beauty

of nature. Working in colored pencil, I focus on representational subjects such as birds, animals, and flowers, often combining them with imaginative elements to create compositions that evoke emotion and a sense of care for the living world.

FAEA Board Members share their artistic creations and personal projects

Retirees' Representative Debra Barrett-Hayes Leon County

Let’s all meet at FAEA, my dear fellow Retired Art Teachers ... most affectionately “The RATs”.

St. Pete is ready for us again, and no storms this time, please! I attended NAEA in Louisville in March and the Retiree Division is active and relevant. We had a successful version of FAEA's RATs Speed Dating BATs and plan to do it again at next year's meeting in Chicago. Let’s do a Speed Dating event again in St. Pete. It’s fun and it gives us a bit of time to meet new teachers and have helpful conversations about the ART of teaching art! Email me if you planning to attend FAEA, please!

We can’t do it without you! WE NEED YOU! The Big Give: Annually we hold an artful give-a-way of items donated by other art educators and from generous vendors. This year we hope you will gather up new and used supplies and resources to donate to our New and Early Career Art Educators. We will have a very productive and busy conference with many offerings and opportunities for the FAEA RATs. If you have ideas, suggestions and comments, I would love to hear from ANY and ALL of you!

Speed Dating: Help us after the Big Give by sharing your love of arts education with BATs! The Fine Arts Silent Auction: We will hold our annual Silent Auction again this year but we need your donations of Fine Arts Items. Last year we had a nice variety of drawings, paintings, photographs, jewelry/accessories, sculptures, etc. Please reach out to me if you have items to donate, this is an important contribution to FAEA. Look for me at FAEA and get the “low down” at the RATs Social! Great to sit down and enjoy each other’s company over a beverage & snacks.

Fresh Paint is a terrific marketing tool for businesses and organizations to reach art educators and decision-makers.

Learn more at faea.org/publications/advertising

August 1, 2025

Dear Administrators, The Florida Art Education Association (FAEA) is the professional association for art educators in the state of Florida. FAEA’s mission is to support the growth and development of art educators through professional learning and other programming. Each year, FAEA hosts a Professional Learning Conference dedicated to this mission.

I am delighted to announce that the 73rd Florida Art Education Association Professional Learning Conference will be held October 16-19, 2025, at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront and surrounding museums. The Florida Art Education Association’s annual conference is the largest professional learning event in Florida for visual art educators and will include over 170 clinic sessions, hands-on workshops, and various other educational events tailored to the needs of art educators.

We hope you will encourage and support your art teachers’ participation in this valuable opportunity by providing release time and funding for registration, travel, and lodging. The conference offers 100% art education content that can be immediately applied to instructional programs. Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including standards-based instruction, assessment, classroom management, and skills development.

Investing in your art teachers’ professional learning at the FAEA Conference will enhance their instructional practices and positively impact your school’s visual arts program. We appreciate your support in empowering our educators to continue inspiring and nurturing creativity in their students.

Thank you for considering this important opportunity.

Sincerely,

Latonya Hicks, President Florida Art Education Association

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Support art education in Florida by becoming an FAEA Patron!

With your donation, FAEA will continue to grow its programs for teachers and students, strengthen united advocacy efforts, and improve professional learning opportunities for members.

Visit FAEA.org/donate.

FAEA is proud to recognize the following Patrons for their dedication and support to the Association and its Mission.

BRONZE PATRONS Geraldine Leigh

Anonymous

FAEA would also like to thank the following individuals who have graciously donated to the Association.

Michelle Akimenko (In Memory of Christopher Ryan Fink) Susan Feliciano (In Memory of Andres Joaquin Feliciano)

Angela Hartvigsen Shannon Livingston Margie Matheson Jan Munn Cindy Oakes

Cherelle Smith (In Memory of Cora R. Ashley) Donna Underwood Kelly Warne Anonymous (3)

THANK YOU 2025 2026 PATRONS Fresh Paint • Fall 2025

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION 16

Register online today for the 73Rd Annual FAEA Conference!

Early registration for the FAEA Conference is now open. The deadline for early registration is 5:00pm on September 14, 2025. Take advantage of the early registration prices by registering online at faea.org/conference.

Registration Type

Early Registration Price (by Sept. 14)

Regular Registration Price (after Sept. 14)

Active Member

$160

$180

Collegiate Member

$80

$100

Retired Member

$25

$25

Non-Member

$200

$220

Non-Teaching Guest/Spouse

$70

$80

Conference Registration Refund Policies 1.

Full registration refunds are available for cancellation requests made through September 26, 2025.

2.

No registration refunds will be made for cancellations made after September 26, 2025, except for emergency situations. These will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

3.

Refunds must be requested in writing (email to val@faea.org).

4.

Emergency-related requests for refunds must be received no later than November 14, 2025. Requests received after that date will not be processed.

5.

All refunds will be issued after the conference is completed.

6.

All silent auction, raffle, and special event tickets and membership fees are non-refundable.

Fresh Paint • Fall 2025

fAQ

conference Do I have to be an FAEA member to register for the Conference?

No, you do not need to be a member to register, but the non-member cost is higher.

Members may renew their membership during registration.

Are there additional fees to attend workshops or special events at the FAEA Conference?

There are additional costs and registration is required to attend any hands-on workshops and special events like the Awards Breakfast and the So Surreal Market Bazaar.

Which workshops and events are included in my registration?

All Art Forum sessions, General Sessions, division meetings, open receptions, and access to the commercial exhibit hall are included in your conference registration.

Do I sign up in advance to attend the Art Forum sessions?

No, the Art Forum sessions are included in your conference registration and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there a certain hotel I should stay at if I am attending the FAEA Conference?

FAEA has a room block at the conference hotel, Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. To learn more, visit faea.org/conference/hotel-information.

How do I get around St. Petersburg during the FAEA Conference?

The majority of the FAEA sessions and events will be held at or within walking distance of the conference hotel, Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. The online conference schedule will indicate if a session or event is held at an offsite location. Conference attendees are encouraged to use the free trolley transportation, such as the Downtown Looper and the Center Avenue Trolley, for navigating around downtown St. Petersburg. To learn more about the available public transit opportunities in St. Petersburg, visit psta.net.

If I have questions about the FAEA Conference or my membership, who should I contact?

You can call the FAEA Office at (850) 205-0068 or info@faea.org.

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keynote speaker Fresh Paint Editor Claire Clum caught up with Carrie Ann Baade this summer to learn more about her. This discussion will motivate you to pursue excellence.

Storytelling with Artist and Art Educator

Carrie Ann Baade Tell Us About Yourself Do you remember the Richard Scarry book What Do People Do All Day? or Oh, What a Busy Day! by Gyo Fujikawa?

It was one of those charmingly chaotic spreads of professions that first suggested one could be an artist for a living.

I knew I was an artist already, but seeing it listed alongside doctors and firefighters made it feel real. Representation matters—even in picture books.

You know the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It's an age-old question. As a young person, I just happened to be near the painters’ setup in New Orlean’s Jackson Square when I was asked the question. I declared from my heart that I would be a painter when I grew up.

My grandmother, bless her pragmatic heart, once drove a nine-year-old me from Colorado to Kansas to view the Hallmark factory, which was a giant cube in a field in Lawrence (not even the glossy design studio in Kansas City). She said, “You will work here one day!” I remember thinking, that’s not quite the dream I have in mind.

As an enterprising youngster, I sold Garfield drawings on the playground for a quarter apiece in elementary school. I wanted to be a gallery or museum artist. Of course, reading all those artist biographies also taught me how that usually ends: dying in abject poverty with posthumous fame. Not ideal.

So, I got practical. I tried internships. I ran businesses in adjacent creative fields. Eventually, I realized that if I wanted to thrive and paint, teaching was the way forward.

Teaching actually runs in my family. My grandfather, mom, aunts, and cousins are teachers in some form. But what really sealed the deal? Discovering that the best way to learn something deeply is to teach it. I became hooked on that recursive loop of preparing, delivering, and adapting. It’s a revolving door of creative problem-solving. Sometimes it leads to delight, sometimes to disaster. Either way, it keeps me sharp, humble, and engaged.

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Self-portrait as Mephistopheles, oil on panel, 2022

Share your journey as a professional artist.

What painting technique or material excites you? Mention any mentors.

Let’s talk about materials and techniques… For me, it’s a love affair. I’ve had obsessions, crushes, and full-blown torrid affairs with materials. My one true, long-standing passion is oil paint. As a student, no one provided me with the opportunity to use oils. When I finally got my hands on it, it felt like the end of a 500year drought. The moment was visceral - the smell, the unctuousness, the richness. It was like meeting a lover I’d known in many lifetimes.

Metal was another seduction. I adored working with copper, gold, and silver and making jewelry. But, paint won the long game. Even now, I sneak metal into my paintings when I can—gold leaf with pastiglia and punch work or painting on copper plate. And when gold leaf isn’t feasible, I improvise with metallic paints, including the shiny in some fashion.

As for mentors… that’s complicated. If I had had a generous mentor, I might not have developed the grit and independence that shaped me. My education was a mixed bag of brilliant teachers, others forgettable at best, and harmful at worst. By the time I reached grad school, I had learned to triage quickly: sift through what was useful and move on to find who and what I needed. My silent prayer is for all my teachers - good, bad, or indifferent. They all mattered and taught me something.

Because I lacked mentorship, I’ve become a compulsive mentor myself. I support my students and alumni with the kind of dedication I once longed for. I like to believe we live in a better era now. We’re in a veritable renaissance of access and potential. Everything is accessible: materials, tutorials, examples, etc. What was once obscure is now at your fingertips.

I also hold myself accountable. I take a workshop at least every other year to feed my work and enhance my teaching. And one final note: there are more women now and we realize that the real power is in collaboration. We’re building something together.

Atropos, oil on canvas, 2021

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Calliope—Muse of Epic Poetry, oil on panel with mixed media, 2024

Storytelling is an important aspect to your artistic expression. Tell us more.

Most of my work starts with personal experience; something raw, emotional, and often unresolved. But I rarely stop there. I tie that experience to something larger like an archetype, a myth, or a historical echo. That’s where the alchemy happens. The personal becomes universal. The story becomes a bridge. Looking back over 20 years of work, I see a visual archive of life lessons and conscious choices. A tapestry of moments I’ve taken the time to recollect and translate. I think of paintings like sponges that absorb labor, emotion, and time.

You rely heavily on art history and artists who have come before you. Do you have any favorite artists? Does your interest come from their technique, their storytelling, or something else?

Hear me out: all of them. Every artist has something to teach us. Painting is about painting, which to me means it’s this ever-evolving, unstable, glorious blob of visual knowl-

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edge that sloshes from artist to artist. It’s always in motion— never satisfied, and certainly never still.

As a grad student, I was on a quest for the mythical needle in the haystack—that one artist or movement that would “turn on” my work. Spoiler: it didn’t exist. I am the kind of teacher who refuses to pass on my own biases. I have to know all the artists—what they did, why they mattered in their time, and how that relevance ripples to the present. So instead of looking for a needle in a haystack, I built a haystack made entirely of needles.

That said, I do believe in cultivating current art crushes.

The Moral Apotheosis, oil on panel, 2022 Some artists just do it for you—for their color, their technique, their intensity, their process. Right now? Aleksandra Waliszewska blows me away with her raw, unfiltered imagination and commitment to unconscious imagery. Brad Kunkle is another favorite, especially for his mastery of gold leaf and how he strips his process down to essential tonal elements.

Historically, it’s Gustave Moreau. Not just for the intricate symbolism and mystery of his paintings, but for his unfinished works, which feel like archives of pure thought—abandoned but not lost. And honestly, I admire him even more for the way he taught. He was radically progressive, encouraged individual expression, and resisted turning students into mini-hims.

The Moral Apotheosis, oil on panel, 2022

He mentored giants like Matisse and Rouault, but did it by opening doors, not by handing down dogma.

What motivates you - as an educator, as an artist, as an individual?

Every year, I like to say, “This is the most intelligent and creative group of students I’ve ever had.” And somehow, every year, it’s true. Take this past year for example.

Out of 120 students university-wide who completed FSU's highly competitive Honors in the Major program (an intensive, yearlong research track), 11 were Studio Art majors.

That’s nearly 10% art studio majors out of more than 60 undergraduate majors. It’s an astounding figure, and it’s not an accident. It’s a reflection of how driven, ambitious, and curious our students are, and how seriously we take mentorship and independent research in our program.

Some of my own breakthroughs in education come from courses that encouraged independent research. That moment when one identifies a question worth pursuing and then finds a bibliography to guide the investigation.

It’s not just about producing answers, it’s about discovering how to ask better, more complex questions while sustaining the inquiry. That creative momentum translates

Cécile Sarah "Long Hair Woman" Sayahnekweb, oil on panel with mixed media, 2024 across disciplines and into the studio in the form of creative activity. I’m motivated by that potential.

As an artist, what keeps me going is curiosity, transformation, and the thrill of making something that didn’t exist. As an individual, I’m here for the mystery and meaning of being alive. Sometimes it’s through paint, sometimes through teaching, and always through connection.

Hear Carrie Ann Baade's Keynote Speech during the First General Session at the FAEA Conference on Friday, October 17 at 8:00 AM.

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keynote speaker

The Art of Transformation:

Jason Hackenwerth

By Latonya Hicks, FAEA President In this candid conversation, Hackenwerth opens up to Latonya Hicks about the long hours, public vulnerability, and creative freedom that shaped his path—from art school outsider to groundbreaking visionary.

From balloon-twisting clown to international sculptor gracing the Venice Biennale, Jason Hackenwerth’s journey is anything but ordinary. Fueled by a deep curiosity, an unshakable work ethic, and a childhood shaped by ingenuity and hustle, his story speaks to what’s possible

when artists lean into risk, experimentation, and self-belief. His work stretches the limits of fragile materials and redefines public space—and it all started with a mother’s determination and side gig.

The Cost of Dreaming “Really, would you do it again?” Hackenwerth pauses. “Maybe. It was so hard.

It was the hardest thing I ever did, and I’ve raised twins.” From building massive balloon sculptures in his studio to rehearsing late into the night, he poured everything—heart, mind, and finances— into his dream of combining visual art

with live performance. Despite the costs, he admits, “Yeah. I’d do it again.”

Origins in Latex and Love His signature medium is balloons.

His introduction to the medium is deeply personal. “My mom was a clown when I was a kid,” he shares. Living in rural Missouri with little to nothing, his mother found clowning and balloon art as a way to earn money and lift their spirits. Her creativity became their survival. As a teenager, Hackenwerth was skeptical, even embarrassed.

“My mom, she did it. She’s got a fullon costume, makeup, air tanks on a trolley, and she’s getting me to load it in the back of her truck. She learned to make balloon creatures and other kinds of things. She worked in a factory during the week and made balloon animals on the weekends.”

“At college, I was studying art, and working nights at Kinko’s. I was basically sleeping less than 5 hours a day. I did that for a while but quickly realized, I can’t keep this up.” It all changed when he made more in a weekend twisting balloon animals than he did working a week at Kinko’s. He laughed. “I was 19, and I made my living dressed like a clown. I called Kinko’s up and said, I ain’t never coming back!”

Art as Identity, Sculpture as Skin Through performance and persistence, Hackenwerth found his voice.

His balloon sculptures evolved from

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Crown Of Thorns, Riverside Art Museum in Riverside, CA, 2005

Jason Hackenwerth with The Pickpocket, 2025

birthday party props to breathtaking installations that speak to identity, transformation, and biology. His performance progressed and he stopped dressing as a clown. “I could just show up as my lovable self and tell jokes. I got very confident.”

He completed his bachelors and began painting. Then he went to Savannah College of Art and Design and got a master’s degree in painting. He moved to New York City, and was an assistant director at an art gallery. He was still

twisting balloon animals in Central Park on the weekends, because he needed the cash. “It was harsh, but I did it.

While working in the park, I saw a guy who I worked for at the Scope Art Fair.

He was mean and didn’t give out compliments. He was there with his daughter, and he saw me, and I COULD SEE HIM. And I thought, the last thing I want is this guy who I’m trying to impress in the art world see me doing my balloon side gig.”

“Once again, I was embarrassed, and

it brought back my whole childhood inadequacies and growing up with nothing. But, he surprised me. He watched me do my thing, and he didn’t ridicule me. He said, 'You should have told me you were doing this. I’ve never seen this kind of talent in all my years. You’ve got something here. You’ve got to figure out how to do what you do here in your heart, because you have so much talent, confidence like I’ve never seen.'

It was an interesting moment for Jason to consider his artform and reconFresh Paint • Fall 2025

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Bloom, an installation in a building in Curitiba, Brazil, 2017

cile that he could combine his efforts. “It was the first time anybody I really respected validated and empowered me.”

A New Path And so that set him on a path to figure out how to combine his practices and overcome his fear. “I was terrified, but I started taking my art into the subway in the middle of the night, like Keith Haring, and doing these little weird in-

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stallations. I did enough of them and I showed him and he was interested. He gave me a chance to exhibit them at the Scope Art Fair. It changed everything overnight. In a very short time, I was flying all over the world, making sculptures for world class institutions. In a year’s time, I went from working on the street to being at the Venice Biennale. It was incredible.”

“My relationship with balloons was

trepidatious from the start. I never intended for balloons having anything to do with my creative life. I didn’t care about balloons. But, my mother always said that they were magic. Now, I understand what she means. For me, balloons are a utilitarian object that becomes transformational when I apply my talent set. It’s a medium - like clay or paint or any other material.”

Left: No Secret, 2023 Below: Ring Around The Rosy, 2024

Public Art and Global Community Hackenwerth’s work is rarely made in isolation. He credits community for the success of many large-scale projects.

“I can’t do them by myself,” he shares.

Whether in Germany, or New York, he builds a temporary family of collaborators. One German balloon artist told him, “When I was a kid, your work changed my life.”

Anything that wasn’t Math or Science or Reading “Art was the only place where I felt like I had talent, like I knew what I was doing. When I was in art class, it would be me and one of the other kids making the cool things. Art class was always MY place in high school. Anything that wasn’t math or science or reading, that’s where I wanted to be.”

from certainty, but from courage—the courage to fail, to look foolish, and to keep going anyway. His advice to teachers is clear and compelling: make room for the mess, the mystery, and the magnificent surprises your students are capable of achieving. “Failing is good,” he says, for in those so-called failures are seeds of something transformational.

Hackenwerth gives us the bold permission to question the rules, to stretch materials, and to trust that the next big idea might come dressed in something as unexpected as balloon latex. Whether you’re leading a classroom, building your own studio practice, or searching for fresh inspiration, this keynote will leave you energized, challenged, and deeply moved. Join us to hear Jason’s extraordinary path and walk away with renewed purpose, a few laughs, and a spark of magic.

From Rejection to Recognition

An Element of Art Your sculptures evoke organic, even otherworldly forms. What themes or narratives are you exploring for your visual language? 'I really think that the universe creates forms. The fact is for millions of years the universe has been experimenting with forms. We look around the world, it’s filled with forms that my work resembles.'

Hackenwerth’s early art school experience was discouraging. Professors who couldn’t see beyond traditional media told him his work didn’t belong. But he persisted. “My prof couldn’t see what the world was gonna become.”

“As an instructor, when I see my students doing things that are very unorthodox, one side is telling me, 'That’s not what you do. You need to do it like this.'

But then there’s the other side of me that remembers that old professor who couldn’t see what the world was gonna become. As a teacher, you’ve got to give your students the room to mess up so that they can succeed later. The classroom is a safe place to fail. Let them try things that you think won’t work so that everyone learns. Smart teachers understand that part of their job is to create a safe space for failures to occur. I love that. A safe space for failures to occur.”

Jason Hackenwerth reminds us that the most profound art often emerges not

Pisces, National Museum of Scotland, 2013

Hear Jason Hackenwerth's Keynote Speech during the Second General Session at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art on Saturday, October 18, at 3:00 PM. Fresh Paint • Fall 2025

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2026 YOUTH ART MONTH FLAG COMPETITION 2026 Theme: The World Needs Art Student Entries Accepted September 15 - November 21, 2025 Signed Release Forms Due November 21, 2025 The FAEA Youth Art Month (YAM) Flag Competition is back!

Encourage your students to submit a flag design representing the state of Florida and incorporating the theme “The World Needs Art.”

Submission Guidelines

The winning design will be displayed among other state winners at the National Art Education Association Convention in Chicago in March 2026.

• Artwork must be created by a K-12 student without the assistance of another student, teacher, or artificial intelligence (AI)

• Incorporate the theme, The World Needs Art • Creatively use images that represent Florida such as the outline of the state's border, the word "Florida", or symbols that remind viewers of Florida.

• Design can be vertical or horizontal, but must fit a 3:5 or 5:3 ratio

• A signed release form is required for artwork entry to be eligible • There is no cost to enter student artwork submissions • Members can enter their students’ submissions by logging into their FAEA accounts

VISIT FAEA.ORG/YAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YAM FLAG COMPETITION

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Tempera Scratch Surfaces Unleashed Lesson Plan for Grades 3–12

Stretch a piece of paper to a chipboard base.

(For uncoated surfaces only) Apply two coats of Liquitex Effects Gloss Pouring Medium.

Apply one layer of Blick Premium Tempera Paint.

Transform (almost) any plastic or paper surface into a scratch art canvas!

Using Blick Premium Tempera, students create their own custom surfaces for practicing reductive scratch drawing.

CHECK OUT NEW lesson plans and video workshops for students of all ages at DickBlick.com/lesson-plans.

Request a FREE 2025 Catalog!

DickBlick.com/ customer-service/ catalogs/

SCAN TO VIEW LESSON PLAN

Alliance for Young Artists Writers

&

DickBlick.com

800•447•8192

Fresh Paint • Fall 2025

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Summer Camp

June 20, 2025 Boca Raton Museum o Watercolor Workshop: It’s All About H2

FAEA Committees ADVOCACY COM MITTEE

Laura Hobby, Co-Chair Natalie Potacco, Co-Chair advocacy@board.faea.org AWA R D S C O M M I T T E E

Nancy Puri, Chair pastpresident@board.faea.org ED ITO R IAL COM M IT TEE

Claire Clum, Chair editorial@board.faea.org EXHIBITIONS COMMITTEE

Laurie Hoppock, Co-Chair Ashley DeMaio, Co-Chair supervisor@board.faea.org FINANCE/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Latonya Hicks, Chair president@board.faea.org PA R T N E R S & S P O N S O R S COMMITTEE

Christy Garton, Chair presidentelect@board.faea.org P R O FE S S I O N A L D E V E LO PM E N T COMMITTEE

Christy Garton, Chair presidentelect@board.faea.org SOCIAL MEDIA COMMITTEE

Stephanie Scannapieco, Chair elementary@board.faea.org

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June 22, 2025 NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Mixed Media & Mindfulness Workshop

Southeast Recap

of Art 2Ocolor!

June 21, 2025 Coral Springs Museum of Art Fiber Arts Workshop: Shibori—Memory on Cloth

This June, FAEA successfully hosted “Summer Camp South,” a series of three creative and exciting hands-on summer workshops in South Florida.

These professional learning workshops provided FAEA members the opportunity to learn new artistic skills, network with other art educators and professionals, and see outstanding art collections and exhibitions.

Thank you to the Boca Raton Museum of Art, Coral Springs Museum of Art, and NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale for generously hosting this year’s Summer Camp South workshops.

A special thank you also goes to Sam Flax Orlando and Royal Brush Mfg. for their sponsorship of art supplies.

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Arts in the community

A Visionary Space for Experiential Art Education

By Heather Hagy, Middle School Art Teacher at The Bolles School in St. Johns County and FAEA Editorial Committee Member

Located in the heart of St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, FloridaRAMA is a boundary-pushing, multi-sensory art space that defies conventional categorization. Imagine the conceptual depth of a contemporary art museum, the interactivity of a STEAM lab, and the eccentric joy of Florida roadside culture—FloridaRAMA offers all of this, and more. With contributions from over 80 Florida-based artists, this unique venue immerses visitors in the weird, wacky, and wonderful narratives that define the Sunshine State’s cultural identity.

Mission: Art for Al

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This column provides FAEA members with information about Florida cultural organizations and the academic offerings they provide.

ll. Play for All. Joy for All. Fresh Paint • Fall 2025

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Arts in the community Founded in 2020 by Liz Dimmitt, an advocate for inclusive, community-centered art, and joined by Creative Director Kristin Hemphill, FloridaRAMA was conceived as a platform to elevate local artistic voices while creating an immersive learning environment. Drawing from Dimmitt’s extensive experience in installation and experiential design, the space was co-created with artists to highlight the whimsical, folkloric, and surreal aspects of Florida life—from swamplands and citrus groves to shrimp boats and roadside motels.

For educators, especially in the arts, FloridaRAMA represents an invaluable resource—a place where creativity meets curriculum. Each room is a learning environment, each installation a prompt for dialogue, inquiry, and creative response.

Take, for instance, the MILAGROS Collective’s “Shrimpfinity”, a maximalist installation that reimagines the humble shrimp through sculpture, sound, and scale. Or the playful nostalgia of Macy Higgins and Emiliano Settecasi’s Strawberry Room, a vibrant tribute to Plant City’s agricultural legacy. These works evoke personal and cultural histories that resonate with students and teachers alike, inviting connection, reflection, and curiosity.

FloridaRAMA offers a flexible, STEAM-integrated

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curriculum aligned with educational standards and artistic exploration. The program blends fine art, storytelling, Florida history, creative technology, environmental science, and design thinking to provide meaningful entry points for students across disciplines.

Highlights of the educational experience include:

Immersive Learning Programs • STEAM-Integrated Curriculum: Engages students in

cross-disciplinary learning through digital art, robotics, environmental science, coding, and storytelling.

• Scavenger Hunts: Interactive, themed activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

• Themed Tours: Guided explorations aligned with visual art, folklore, environmental history, and artist-centered narratives.

• Artist Guest Speakers: Classroom visits or on-site

talks by FloridaRAMA artists, offering direct insights into process, career paths, and artistic intent.

Art educators will appreciate how FloridaRAMA redefines museum-based learning. Unlike traditional institutions, this is a space designed to be touched, inhabited, and experienced from within. A panoramic projection of the Everglades loops from sunrise to sunset, surrounding guests in sound, color, and ecology. The kitschy yet deep-

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Arts in the community ly nostalgic Mermaid Star Motel room recalls the visual vernacular of mid-century motels still found throughout the state, blending storytelling with design history.

Admission and Pricing • Public School Rate: $15/student • 1 free chaperone per 5 students • Makerspace workshops range from $5–$15 per student

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Whether your focus is contemporary art, storytelling, environmental design, or Florida’s cultural narratives, FloridaRAMA offers a compelling framework for experiential education. It’s a vibrant, collaborative space where educators can bring curriculum to life—and where students are empowered to imagine, build, and tell their own stories through the lens of art.

To view the full roster of participating artists and explore the breadth of the installations, visit: www. floridarama.art

FAEA ELECTIONS

VOTE TODAY FOR THE INCOMING FAEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS!

Elections are now open and will close at 12:00 PM ET on October 18, 2025.

FAEA members are encouraged to vote for the 2026 & 2027 FAEA Board of Directors. The FAEA Board works hard to ensure the association successfully provides members with programs and services that fulfill its mission of supporting high-quality art education for all students in Florida. Current Active and Retired Members may vote for President-Elect, Secretary, and their respective Division Director. The winning candidates will serve on the FAEA Board from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.

THE ELECTION RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE FAEA ANNUAL CONFERENCE DURING THE SECOND GENERAL SESSION AT 3:00 PM ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FAEA ELECTIONS, READ CANDIDATE PROFILES, AND CAST YOUR VOTE, VISIT FAEA.ORG/BOARD-ELECTIONS.

Cost per table: $40

Artist Bazaar

Sign up today to sell your handmade crafts and artwork at the Artist Bazaar during the FAEA Conference!

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PART 2

President’s Update:

Together, we’re shaping the future of

Together, we’re shaping the future of art education—one thoughtful step at a time.

A strategic plan is like a roadmap for our organization’s journey—it outlines our shared goals, priorities, and the steps we’re taking to ensure a bright future for art education in Florida.

It keeps us focused, accountable, and aligned with our mission to support and elevate the work you do every day.

Checking in on our progress isn’t just about seeing how leadership is doing; it’s about making sure we’re staying on course together and adapting as needed to meet challenges and seize opportunities.

Over the next few issues of Fresh Paint, we’ll provide updates on FAEA’s progress in the other Core Areas of FAEA’s Strategic Plan.

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The FAEA Strategic Plan has been organized according to five Core Areas.

Let’s see how we are doing!

FAEA Strategic Plan

ar t education— one thoughtful step at a time.

CORE AREA 2

RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE Promote and provide research and knowledge-sharing for membership by offering various resources, mentorship, and increasing statewide communication to maintain excellence. Continue work to meet the membership’s ongoing research and knowledge needs in support of visual arts education.

GOAL 2 Increase statewide communication and sharing

WORK IN PROGRESS

• Develop a framework for a research journal supported by FAEA

GOAL 1 Promote and provide access to high-quality, relevant research.

• Individually targeting members and industry leaders to write and share their stories through Fresh Paint • Continue to expand access to publishing through Fresh Paint by reaching out to individuals personally to write an article • Providing easy access for members on how to submit articles for Fresh Paint by placing a "how-to guide" on FAEA's website

• More robust and active presence on social media • Individually targeting members to write and share their stories through Fresh Paint, social media, and advocacy efforts.

GOAL 3 Continue working to meet the ongoing research and knowledge needs of membership

GOAL 4 Contract high-caliber academic conference keynote speakers • Use the conference survey to identify areas of interest • Reach out to membership for personal contacts and suggestions • Communicate with other state AEAs to find engaging speakers

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FROM THE FIELD

Picture-Perfect Photography: Successes and Failures

By Rachel Koral, Art Teacher at St. Petersburg High School in Pinellas County In 2020, I began my quest into secondary education, specifically high school visual arts. I had a bachelor’s degree under my belt in Art History and was finishing my master’s in art education and curriculum studies in hopes to be a museum education curator one day.

However, amid early stages of COVID and in Summer of 2020, I decided to interview for a high school

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photography position. It couldn’t hurt right? In my interview, my then boss, asked the question, “What is your experience in photography and photoshop?”

To most traditional 2D artists, that can be a nightmare question with no foundation of knowledge in digital art. I assured him I had experience in photography and photoshop. (I had limited experience but I didn't qualify that as a young 22 year old needing a job.) Within an hour of the interview, I was hired;

my goals to teach high school art was achieved. Just one small hurdle stood in the way, teaching creative photography.

Photography was always a passion of mine, and I had a trained eye for it.

I traveled and always took my camera with me- I did some side work on occasion for my friends or family, and I even won a scholarship my senior year of high school for a photo I took on my iPhone 5. If I was self-taught, surely, I could teach teenagers how to do it too? I

was rudely awakened by the complexity of photoshop and understanding the technicality of teaching students not only the fundamentals of art, but also the mechanics and craftsmanship of cameras/lighting. I began to structure a master class that would funnel my students from Creative Photo 1 all the way to an advanced AP course or Photo 3 Honors. Here are my tips and tricks to

be successful in teaching creative photography at the high school level.

Structuring Level 1 Curriculum It is important to start the program with the understanding that anyone can take a photo, but not everyone can make a photo. I spend the first week teaching the ethics of photography and how you can capture the community safely

and successfully. In addition to this, the foundation of a Photo 1 course is the understanding and difference between fine arts photography and a snapshot. I tell my students, if I cannot hang it in my home, then it is a snapshot. This typically deters them from submitting the occasional random selfie or what they ate for dinner last night.

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keep mine simple and a typical photo is broken down into 40 points: • Assignment Specific (10 pts) • Originality and Experimentation (10 pts) • Craftsmanship /Technique (10 pts) • Composition (10 pts) Each week, we cover the Elements of Art and Principles of Design—starting with Line. Everything must incorporate into composition. For example, in photography, there are leading lines, implied lines, converging lines, etc. Students need to find lines organically, not literally. Again, the Elements and Principles are key in training their eye on how to creatively fill the frame of an image. We spend the first quarter tackling a new element each week and learn the basics of composition in photography.

Moreover, the entire first semester we edit in black and white. Only when they understand the concept of value and exposure, can they move to color edits.

This method of chunking and training is important in photoshop as well. Students complete small projects that teach them the tools so they can eventually feel confident to edit their images cre-

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atively by the end of the year. Ultimately, by the time my students successfully finish their fundamentals of photography at an entry level, they begin to realize that photography can connect to viewers and tell stories. This is the goal of level 2-3 courses and getting them to have hands on studio experience, product photography, understanding the business side, and learn to shoot manually on the in-class cameras.

Lack of Motivation in the Classroom A common aspect among 21st cen-

tury learners, however, I find photo students to be increasingly difficult to encourage. How is it possible that students struggle to turn in a digital image from their phones/cameras through the school's online portal? This is where I constantly find myself scratching my head and wondering how I can curb the failure rate and motivate my students.

In recent years, I feel I have cracked that code and here’s my secret. Each week, the students are assigned either a Word of the Week or a Photo Comp for homework. Word of the Week include topics or verbs such as reflection, chiaroscuro, scatter, and stretch. The goal is to get them to think creatively while simultaneously providing structure. Every Monday students receive an assignment. They have a full week (including the weekend) to submit one image the following Monday. They turn it in, and we do an anonymous class critique.

Sometimes, I up the ante and have my AP photo kids submit an image to see if they can challenge the level 1 and 2 kids.

We dim the lights and flip through each image submitted discussing what we like about it and what we can improve.

FROM THE FIELD We use the rubric to identify and affirm the components of the image. Lastly, we discuss the lighting and the edits by looking at the original and submitted photo. The motivator that has consistently worked — at the end of each critique students vote on their 3 favorite images from the week. The top 3 get extra credit. When an AP student’s work gets chosen, it is a learning opportunity as to why their work can be picked out in an anonymous critique. I find that this stimulates a little competitive environment, and it encourages my level 1 students to make the leaderboard to get their image voted on. Lately, my students have been begging me for the next critique. If I see a lull in participation, I switch to a Photo Comp assignment.

This is a free choice week, and students can submit any image of their choice.

My last tip of advice is instituting a consistent grading policy. I allow my

Skeleton Holding Bird

students to turn in any late work up until the end of the quarter, for only 5% off each week that its late. However, when it comes to their weekly Word of the Week/Photo Comp assignment, since they have 8 days to take one image, I take off 5% each DAY that it is late. This holds them accountable. If the assignment isn't submitted in time for critiquethey lose the chance of extra credit, and no one will get to see their image.

End Goal My goal is for my students to discover a passion and skill that sets them apart from others. I look at photography as a real-life career, side hustle, or hobby that can last a lifetime. I have had countless students graduate and start their own business or pursue higher education in photography. It is affirming that I have given them the tools they need to feel successful. After three years in

my program, students have their created their own websites and watermarks, understood business aspects, and built strong portfolios.

I can confidently say that I LOVE teaching creative photography despite its many challenges. My program has won countless awards at the local, state, and national level. The best part about teaching a contemporary medium is the ever-changing curriculum that must keep up with the times. The variety of social media platforms and the comeback of film photography are just a couple examples of how fads shift and change. It’s important to keep up with the times and adapt to our young learners to grow with them, motivate them, and challenge them. You have the chance to help cultivate the next generation of visual storytellers, artists, and creators- what better way to do it than through the lens of a camera.

Silenced

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So Surreal Market Bazaar Saturday, October 18 • 7:00 - 10:00 PM

The combined Saturday Night Event and Artist Bazaar is back better than ever this year as the "So Surreal Market Bazaar," a vibrant art festival where creativity comes to life!

Discover unique, handcrafted treasures from member artisans and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of artistic inspiration and community connection. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as your best Surrealist Dream Being!

Grand Bay Ballroom, Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront $25 Full Access Ticket includes access to fun artmaking activities, silent disco, and snacks and refreshments.

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2025 FAEA

CONFERENCE MERCH The online FAEA merchandise store is now open until September 7 with a fine selection of apparel and merchandise available for this year's conference.

Draw String

Hoodie Sweatshirt

T-Shirt

Apron

Hat

Hip Pack

Visit faea.org/conference/t-shirts-merch or to order by September 7

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Fresh Paint is the award-winning publication of the Florida Art Education Association (FAEA) that contains articles of interest to art educators of all levels – from kindergarten through college level. It is produced 4 times annually and distributed to more than 800 art teachers, school district art supervisors, museum educators, higher education professionals, community art educators and artists, as well as other state and national art associations.

Fresh Paint is a terrific marketing tool for businesses and organizations to reach art educators and decision-makers.

Learn more at faea.org/publications/advertising 44

Fresh Paint • Fall 2025