Over a hundred art educators from across the state turned out for this year’s fall conference for the National Art Teachers Association (NATA) hosted by the UNK Art and Design department. The NATA Fall Conference is a yearly event dedicated to providing professional development opportunities to art teachers. The two-day event provided attendees with hands-on workshops, research-based lectures, and inspirational speakers that aim to elevate art practices and teaching methodologies within the classroom.
This year’s keynote speaker was Chicago artist and art educator William Estrada who brought his message of empowerment, social justice, and personal expression in his presentation. Estrada also led a screen printing workshop using his Mobile Art Cart which was stationed in the Art and Design hallway, allowing attendees to print and personalize their messages.
Several UNK faculty also presented their research to the attendees allowing primary and secondary school educators to see the type of work and expectations at the college level.
Other activities included the 2018 NATA Artist Educator Juried Exhibition—displayed in The Walker Gallery—which showcased work created by Nebraska art educators. Vendors were present selling a variety of handmade art and educational materials. Downtown Kearney hosted a sidewalk art competition that awarded cash prizes to the artist or team with the best chalk art.
The conference ended with an awards ceremony celebrating the work of several art educators. This year’s recipients were:
Nebraska Outstanding Art Educator of the Year
Mary Gradoville, Retired from OPS, Papillion NE.
Higher Education Art Educator of the Year
Christy Lynn Bunger Kosmicki, University of Nebraska Kearney, Kearney, NE.
Secondary Art Educator of the Year
Crystal Hassenstab, Adams Central High School, Hastings, NE.
Middle Level Art Educator of the Year
Nissa Sturgeon, Park Middle School, LPS, Lincoln, NE.
Elementary Art Educator of the Year
Sara Nash Gnarra, Western Hills Magnet, OPS, Omaha, NE.
K-12 Art Educator of the Year
Allison Fees-Varah, Litchfield Public Schools, Litchfield, NE.
Marvin Spomer Novice Art Educator of the Year
Joseph Bristol, Wakonda Elementary, OPS, Omaha, NE.
Michelle Clifford, Lincoln High School, LPS, Lincoln, NE.
Frances Thurber Pre-Service Art Educator Award
Emily Olson, University of Nebraska Omaha at time of the award, King Science & Technology Magnet School, OPS, Omaha NE.
Roscoe Shields Service Award
Jan Jones, University of Nebraska Kearney, Kearney, NE.
Prism Award (service by non-art educators)
Dr. David Lavender, Principal Beveridge Magnet Middle School. OPS, Omaha, NE
Karla Lechtenberger Nuñez, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, NE
Nebraska Art Teachers Association advocates for and advances art education in Nebraska to fulfill human potential and promote global understanding. You can view more at the NATA website.
Below are some photos of NATA conference taken by the event’s organizers.
