Embrace the Face-to-Face

What does the concept of creativity, imagination, and innovation mean to you, and to your students? Does it mean exploring uncharted territory? Does it mean working in new ways? Does it mean creating your own reality?

Actually, I don’t want you to answer that… not just yet. Because in another
month, when you come to the NAEA National Convention in Seattle—where the theme is “Creativity, Imagination, & Innovation in Art Education”—you will be exposed to such powerful stimuli and influences that your thoughts on the matter are sure to evolve. We have lined up a potent cast of keynote speakers and a staggering array of sessions that will challenge your preconceptions and open your eyes to new perspectives.

And, of course, there will be several thousand other minds to meet with as our community comes together on its annual pilgrimage to fresh thinking and new initiatives. To learn more about this, I invite you to experience an interactive Prezi illustration exploring the possibilities for our community that the 2011 NAEA National Convention in Seattle holds. You can view it now at www.arteducators.org



At the end of my last two Palettes, I’ve asked for you to respond to a Prezi—first by writing, then by sharing a design. This time, I think the best possible response you could make would be to attend the Convention! Every year, our Convention gets better and more stimulating. Every year, the community-building is more fruitful and inspiring.

And this year, it could make a big difference in your ability to bring new levels of creativity, imagination, and innovation to the way you work with students… or design your research… or advocate for the cause of visual arts education. Join our adventure in Seattle! I look forward to seeing you there.

-Deborah B. Reeve, EdD, NAEA Executive Director, NAEA News, February 2011