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 Conference
FAEA 2026 Editorial Committee
Laurie Hoppock, EdD, Chair
Jeffrey Broome, PhD
Nicole Crane, PhD
Britt Feingold
Latonya Hicks
Amanda Holloway
Lauren Kennedy
Ellen Kramer
Glenda Lubiner, 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.
OUR COVER ARTIST
’s
CANVAS
From Reflection to Renewal: A Message for the Close of the Year
Dear Members of the Florida Art Education Association,
As the end of the 2025–2026 school year approaches, our studios and classrooms carry a unique energy. It is a blend of the vibrant hum of student portfolios being finalized and the quiet, much-needed anticipation of the summer months ahead.
This is my first message to you since officially stepping into the role of President, and as I look back on the past few months, I am struck by the sheer resilience and brilliance of the Florida art education community. We have navigated another year of shifting landscapes both in education and in our communities, yet through it all, you have remained the light for your students. Teachers and educators never quite hear “thank you” enough. THANK YOU! The work you do makes a difference. We see you and celebrate YOU!
A New Chapter of Leadership
I am particularly energized as I look toward the future because of the incredible team we have assembled. I am thrilled to officially welcome our new Division Directors and the entire Board of Directors. These leaders bring a wealth of expertise and a shared excitement to advocate for their respective divisions and are here to empower you. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every group within our association has a voice in our strategic growth.
Celebrating Our Collective Masterpiece
May is a month of “final reveals and finales.” Across Florida, we are seeing a culmination of year-long creative journeys and experiences you have helped to create. Between the end of year grading and packing of supplies, I encourage you to take a moment to just stop and observe the impact you’ve made. The growth in your students’ skill or the newfound confidence in their ability to express themselves through art is your “masterpiece.”
Summer: The Artist’s
For many of us, the summer isn’t just a break. It’s a return to our own creative practice. In my own work, I’ve found that returning to the studio to explore personal themes like family and identity is what refills my cup during the school year. I believe that honoring our own creative voices is what allows us to remain the passionate advocates our students need. I hope you find time this June and July to:
• Reconnect with your own artwork: Learn something new!
• Engage with FAEA: Watch for summer professional learning opportunities designed to inspire you.
• Rest: You cannot advocate for others if you are running on empty.
Thank you for an incredible year. I am honored to lead this association alongside such a dedicated Board of Directors, and I am even more honored to count myself among your ranks as a fellow educator and artist. Wishing you a restorative, creative, and joyful summer.
With warm regards,
Christy Garton President, Florida Art Education Association
FAEA Membership Renewal Now Open
FAEA Awards Nominations
Submissions accepted through June 1
Member Virtual Exhibition
Submissions accepted through August 19
2026 FAEA Annual Conference
October 15-18 St. Petersburg
Ab ut FAEA
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 | 6
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES | 7
ARTFUL EVALUATION | 39
FAEA board of directors
PRESIDENT Christy Garton Orange County
PAST PRESIDENT
Latonya Hicks Pinellas County
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Jeffrey Broome, PhD Leon County
SECRETARY
Ashley DeMaio Nassau County
ELEMENTARY DIVISION
Lindsay Thibault Orange County
MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION
Zachary Thompson Pinellas County
HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
Britt Feingold Palm Beach County
SUPERVISION/ADMINISTRATION DIVISION
Donna Haynes Broward County
HIGHER EDUCATION DIVISION
Martin Murphy Sarasota County
MUSEUMS & CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS DIVISION
Sumaya Ayad Pinellas County
LOCAL ART EDUCATION ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVE
Ellen Kramer Orange County
RETIREES’ REPRESENTATIVE
Debi Barrett-Hayes
Leon County
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Nancy Puri
Polk County
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Laurie Hoppock, EdD
Duval County
Welcome Scott Evans to CFAE and FAEA
By Christy Garton, FAEA President
I am honored to officially welcome Scott Evans, who has begun his tenure as the new President and CEO of The Center for Fine Arts Education (CFAE) and Board Consultant for FAEA. Scott’s appointment is particularly special to me, as I worked closely with Scott for over 10 years in Orange County in his former role as Senior Director for Visual and Performing Arts. Having seen firsthand his tireless advocacy for high-quality arts education for all, I have immense confidence in the future of FAEA.
FAEA is incredibly fortunate to have a partner with Scott’s level of expertise and vision to help support our mission. As Scott begins his work with CFAE, his role as Board Consultant will help us bridge the gap between strategy and execution. By leveraging his extensive experience, we can strengthen FAEA and better serve our members. We are moving forward with a shared vision and excitement about the future of arts education in our community. Scott, we welcome you to the FAEA “flock”.
Embracing Our Differences is a nonprofit that celebrates individuality and shared humanity through art and education.
Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has promoted kindness, respect, and inclusion through an annual outdoor exhibition of 50 billboard-sized artworks.
NOW ACCEPTING ART from students and adults worldwide for our next exhibition in Sarasota & St. Pete, FL.
FREE, ACCESSIBLE EDUCATOR RESOURCES created by Embracing Our Differences to help teachers engage students in the concepts of kindness and inclusion are available online.
Visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org or scan here to explore a world of kindess and respect inspired by arts and education.
Board Consultant’s report
Scott Evans Board Consultant, FAEA
creative voices: elevating art education acrOss florida
I'm thrilled to introduce myself as the newest board consultant for the Florida Art Education Association. As the new President & CEO of the Center for Fine Arts Education, I'll be working alongside the FAEA board and my team at the Center for Fine Arts Education to strengthen support for art educators across our state. I want to be clear about why I'm here: to support you and the transformative work you do every day with your students.
What happens in your classroom matters deeply. As you know, art education isn't just about teaching students to sculpt, draw, or paint. It's about creating a space where they can think critically, express themselves authentically, and discover joy in the process of making. When students find that joy, they lean in. They take risks. They push through frustration and surprise themselves with what they can create. Your classroom becomes a place where experimentation is safe, where failure is just part of the journey, and where every voice matters.
Many of your students arrive carrying stories they don't yet know how to tell—stories about who they are, what they hope for, what confuses or troubles them. Art gives them a language for those stories. It allows them to be seen and heard in ways that matter, not just by you, but by their peers, their families, and their communities. When we advocate for strong art programming, we're really advocating for those moments of connection and self-discovery that only happen when students have the space and support to create.
You need more than encouragement to do this work well—you need resources, professional development, time to convene with your colleagues, and recognition for the essential role you play. You're not just teaching skills; you're shaping how young people see themselves and the world around them. I believe strongly in strengthening the networks that support you, expanding access to training and mentorship, and working toward a reality where every district—no matter the zip code—gives students the space to thrive, the space to experiment, and the space to explore the power
of creativity. FAEA is the organization best equipped to advocate on your behalf, to amplify your voice, and to make sure art education remains a priority across the state. When you're supported, your students thrive.
FAEA has built something strong over the years, thanks to a passionate board and membership who get what this work requires. Together, we'll continue that work—pursuing partnerships, creating opportunities, and advocating for more meaningful art experiences for students across Florida.
Art transforms lives. It tells stories that need telling. It gives young people a voice and a way to make sense of the world. This isn't abstract or aspirational—it's what you do every day in your classrooms. It's an honor to serve in this role and to support the work you do. I'm looking forward to advocating for what you and your students need, and to working alongside you in the months ahead.
Scott Evans
WRITE FOR
FRESH PAINT
Have you wanted to share your genius lesson plan, cool collaboration with others, revealing research, bulletin board ideas, motivation tricks, classroom management tips, journey of perseverance, or something else? As educators, we don’t hide our light under a basket; we share our triumphs and ideas with others. Fresh Paint wants your articles!
Get the scoop on the basic submission items needed by CLICKING HERE .
Additionally, the Editorial Committee needs help to complete our duties. If you want to be a part of the team that is responsible for the content in the quarterly periodical and website, give us a holler. Many hands and voices improve our association and boost our work. Don’t be shy, act now!
FAEA WANTS YOU!
Division Updates
Elementary School
Division Director
Lindsay Thibault
Hillcrest Elementary School
Orange County
As I come to the close of my 19th year of teaching art and the beginning of my new role as FAEA Elementary Division Director, I can’t help but reflect on my teaching journey. Although I wouldn’t have said it then, today I’m thankful for all the challenges that forced me to search for solutions and grow into the teacher I am today.
At times, when I felt like I was on my own island with my SOS sign in full view, I learned to reach out to the many connections available to help guide me to success. I reached out to other art teachers in my district, joined and served on the board of my Local Art Education Assembly as well as joined and served on the board of FAEA. Through FAEA, I discovered the value of leaning on my community and came to appreciate that we are surrounded by inspiring art teachers from whom we can learn so much.
As you reflect and find gratitude for your journey, this is a great opportunity to show your support for other art teachers who have been a part of your growth by nominating them for an FAEA award. Another way to celebrate the work we do is through our member spotlight campaign. Let’s end this year with recognition of all the amazing things art teachers do! I hope you have a great summer and I’m looking forward to seeing you next school year!
Middle School Division Director
Zachary Thompson
Richard L. Sanders School
Pinellas County
Growing Creative Voices in the Middle Grades
Hello, middle school art educators. My name is Zach Thompson, and I am honored to introduce myself as a passionate advocate for middle school visual arts in Florida’s schools. As a K-12 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Art Instructor, I am proud to be part of the FAEA, where collaboration, innovation, and advocacy for the arts are truly at the forefront.
Middle school is a transformative stage. It is where curiosity becomes identity and creativity becomes voice. As art educators, we guide students through exploration, risk-taking, and skill development during some of their most formative years. The art room becomes a place where confidence grows and ideas take shape.
FAEA offers meaningful opportunities specifically for middle school teachers. The annual conference provides division meetings, relevant workshops, and collaborative spaces designed for grades 6–8 educators. Student exhibition opportunities elevate our programs and give young artists authentic recognition for their artwork. Leadership roles, presenting sessions, and contributing to Fresh Paint allow us to shape the direction of art education across the state.
Summer professional development is another powerful way to grow. Whether exploring new media, refining studio systems, or developing innovative project-based curriculum, investing in our practice directly impacts our students.
FAEA Job Board
As we move forward, I encourage you to share your ideas. What workshops would you like to see offered? What strategies are working in your classroom? What summer professional developments would you love to see presented for your benefit?
I am deeply honored to represent your classroom and education needs on behalf of FAEA. Together, we can continue strengthening and elevating middle school art education across Florida.
Division Updates
High School Division Director
Britt Feingold
Lake Worth Community High School
Palm Beach County
Hello My Fellow Art Friends!
My name is Britt Feingold and I am your new High School Division Director for 2026-2027. For 13 years I was an elementary art teacher, and then 6 years ago (COVID – August 2020), made the switch to High School. At first, I missed the little ones; because they loved everything we did in class; but now, the high school schedule, independence, and proximity to my house have me HOOKED. I love teaching high school. I teach AP2D/AP3D, and Journalism (Yearbook). In the past, I volunteered on the FAEA board as Local Art Education Assembly representative and Secretary.
School will be ending in a few weeks for many of you, and I hope you take the initiative to carve out some time for yourself to reenergize, reflect on the school year, and most importantly; ENJOY your summer. Go visit those museums that you wish you had time to visit during the school year, get out and visit an art gallery opening, take yourself on a date!
In June, the AP Art Reading (Scoring) takes place in Louisville, Kentucky after previously being held in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you teach AP 2D/3D/Drawing, I HIGHLY recommend that you apply next year to become an AP Art Reader. It is the BEST professional development that you could possibly have for yourself as an AP Art instructor and for your students. It has helped me tremendously as an educator by being able to bring back tips and tricks to my students!
Until the next Fresh Paint; have a great summer!
Higher Education Division Director
Martin Murphy
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota County
I’m Marty Murphy, Department Head of Game Art and Virtual Reality at Ringling College of Art and Design, and your new Higher Ed Division Director.
A clear priority from the Board this year is to increase membership among Studio Art faculty. Higher Ed can greatly support art education statewide. If you know colleagues or former professors doing inspiring, creative work who aren’t FAEA members, please invite them to join. Personal invites from peers make a difference.
Higher education plays a vital role in Florida’s arts ecosystem, serving as both a receiver and a launchpad for talent. We assist students from K–12 classrooms and museums in translating their interests and talents into successful career trajectories.
For those working with pre-service students, introduce them to FAEA early. Student membership is an accessible entry point into professional identity, and we have a welcoming community of active and retired educators.
Through my work with NAEA’s Art Media and Technology Interest Group, the Digital Playground, and the AI Taskforce, I have been engaged in key conversations around classroom practice and emerging technology that was showcased at NAEA Chicago this March. In addition, I am encouraging Ringling College to expand its CEU-bearing professional development opportunities for Florida educators.
If you’re in secondary education and are seeking professional development or want to connect your students with higher education experiences, let’s connect to explore how we can support you.
Let’s grow our Higher Ed presence and strengthen the art education across Florida.
Division Updates
Museums & Cultural Organizations
Division Director
Sumaya Ayad
The Dali Museum Pinellas County
Hello Museum & Cultural Organization Educators! It’s with great enthusiasm that I lead our division for the next two years as we continue to grow and support the mission of FAEA.
If our paths haven’t crossed yet, my name is Sumaya Ayad and I serve as the School Programs and Education Manager at The Dalí Museum. With a background in art history and museum studies, it was natural to find my way to art education as I’m sure many of us followed similar paths. Writing here from sunny St. Pete, I’m excited to be surrounded by over 30 museums and cultural organizations in just a 50-mile radius!
As non-traditional art educators, we in the Museum and Cultural Organization Division have a unique role within FAEA. Our out-of-school interface provides both challenges and opportunities for connecting with students and teachers, and we each have much to share for both these purposes. With summer camps approaching, I encourage everyone to be innovative with their lesson plans by offering them as supplementary resources for classroom teachers ahead of field trips or making them otherwise available throughout the year. I look forward to learning alongside each of you and sharing our passion for art education in the state of Florida.
Supervision/Administration Division Director
Donna Haynes Broward County Public Schools Broward County
It is an honor to serve as your FAEA Supervision and Administration Division Director for the next two years. I bring twenty-two years of experience with Broward County Public Schools, first as a high school art educator and now in my eleventh year as District Art Curriculum Supervisor. I remain deeply committed to strengthening visual arts programs, supporting teachers, and advocating for high-quality arts education across Florida.
I look forward to fostering meaningful dialogue among colleagues throughout the state, sharing best practices, and addressing the challenges we face as arts leaders in our districts. Together, we can continue to elevate the impact of arts education for every student.
As we move into May, we celebrate our graduating seniors, especially those earning the rigorous Florida Seal of Fine Arts. Their dedication and artistic achievement reflect both their perseverance and the strong leadership of their teachers.
As summer approaches, I encourage you to support opportunities that allow teachers to recharge creatively. The FAEA Member Virtual Exhibition opens in May and runs through mid-August. This is an excellent opportunity for educators to prioritize their own artistic practice and share their work with colleagues statewide.
Please also encourage your visual arts teachers to engage with FAEA through membership and participation in Summer Art Workshop offerings. Time to learn, create, and connect rejuvenates us both professionally and personally. When teachers feel inspired, our students and programs thrive.
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.
PLATINUM PARTNERS
Division Updates
Local Art Education Assembly Division Representative
Ellen Kramer Wedgefield School
Orange County
Hello! I’m Ellen Kramer your new Local Art Education Assembly representative. I began teaching in Orange County in 2011 as a primary core teacher and transitioned to art in 2015. In 2020, I switched to middle school art with theater added in 2021.
As the LAEA rep, my goal is to reach every local art association. Since 2014, I’ve helped the Orange County Art Education Association (OCAEA) thrive as a non-profit serving 100+ teachers yearly through exhibitions and workshops. My goal is to help your local association reach that same level of engagement!
I want this for you!
As the year winds down, start planning summer rejuvenators—brunches, paint-and-sips, or PDs—to build those vital professional bonds. Art teachers understand each other like no one else can, and I’m here to help you grow your community every step of the way.
Let’s connect! Contact me at laea@board.faea.org. anytime.
Retirees' Representative
Debra Barrett-Hayes Leon County
Dear FAEA Retirees (RATs),
I have missed you since October, so I am back again as your Retiree Rep. I hope you will convince others, newly retired and/ or almost retired to join us in learning, making, and mentoring. Your expertise is so needed as new professionals enter the field of art education.
We have heard from early career members about how they love our “RATs & BATs Speed Dating” and the “Big Give” is always a very popular event. I want to invite our Retirees to submit proposals, donate to the Big Giveaway for New Art Teachers and participate fully in our conference. The Summer FAEA Workshops would be the perfect event for us to join together and make it an Artist Retreat! If you have a retired art friend invite them to come with you!
If you are interested in some artful reading, let me recommend a few books. Make Your Art No Matter What by Beth Pickens, to help move you beyond creative hurdles. It is available in audio books, read by the author or in paperback. I also recommend The Creative Cure: How Finding Your Inner Artist Can Heal Your LIfe by Jacob Norby.
If you want to know more about current classroom obstacles & struggles, read The Anxious Generation. Warning it may cause you to question your own screen time. NAEA/RAEA is also a great strong group.
Keep in touch with me! Thoughts to share: “Forgive yourself for not knowing what only time could teach.”
I hope to hear from you and see you soon!
Support Florida art education 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.
SILVER PATRONS
Patricia Lamb
In Memory of William & Madge Kinsaul
Anonymous
BRONZE PATRONS
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)
Claire Clum (In Honor of Latonya Hicks)
Debi Barrett-Hayes (In Honor of Gabbi Roland)
Susan Feliciano (In Memory of Andres Joaquin Feliciano)
Angela Hartvigsen
Alice Haynes
Ricardo Geraldine Leigh
Shannon Livingston
Margie Matheson
Jan Munn
Cindy Oakes
Marilyn Proctor-Givens
Ken Robinson (In Memory of Sandy Taylor)
Cherelle Smith (In Memory of Cora R. Ashley)
Donna Underwood
Kelly Warne
Anonymous (6)
THANK YOU 2025-2026 PATRONS
FAEA FLORIDA STUDENT
Sponsored by
Eva Aadil (Grade 10)
Self-Examination
Drawing
Palm Harbor University High School
Teacher: Wipoj Huse
ELEMENTARY WINNER
Sponsored by
STUDENT ART ASSESSMENT 2026
Sofia Zarembo (Grade 5)
Coastal Blue
Painting
Felix A. Williams Elementary
Teacher: Laura Kane
The Florida Art Education Association is incredibly proud to unveil the winners of the 2026 Florida Student Art Assessment (FSAA)! Join us in celebrating the artistic excellence of Florida’s students, their teachers, and school art programs.
As the state’s premier program for evaluating student artwork, the FSAA is designed to highlight artistic achievements and serve as a tool for educators to develop their programs, while also fulfilling the Florida Seal of Fine Arts requirement. This year, FAEA received a record number of entries, with nearly 2,000 K-12 student artworks submitted across Florida. Entries were evaluated and scored by trained adjudicators using grade-specific, research-based rubrics. Based on the student’s scores, the awards consisted of: Emerging Artist (up to 3.0), Merit (3.0-3.4), Excellence (3.5-3.9), and Excellence with Distinction (4.0).
View this year’s virtual exhibitions showcasing the “Award of Excellence” and “Award of Excellence with Distinction” recipients on the FAEA website’s Student Assessment page.
Thank you to BLICK Art Materials, Royal Brush Mfg., and Sam Flax Orlando for sponsoring this year’s winning prizes.
FAEA FLORIDA STUDENT ART ASSESSMENT
MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNER
Sponsored by
Lauren Oliva (Grade 8)
SiblingRivalry
Drawing
Hammocks Middle School
Teacher: Katherine Martinez
HIGH SCHOOL WINNER
Sponsored by Analia Lleonart Dumenigo (Grade 10)
From a Notebook in Cuba…to Canvas in the USA Painting
St. Petersburg High School Teacher: Mackenzie McMurry
FLORIDA'S 2026 NAEA AWARD WINNERS! CONGRATULATIONS
Join FAEA in celebrating the outstanding achievements of Gabrielle Roland and Dr. Marilyn Proctor-Givens, who were recognized at the 2026 National Art Education Association (NAEA) Convention in Chicago this March! The NAEA New Professional Award was presented to Gabrielle Roland from Pinellas County, who was previously awarded FAEA’s New Professional Award in 2025. Dr. Marilyn Proctor-Givens from Leon County, who was awarded the FAEA Florida’s Outstanding Art Educator of the Year Award in 2025, was presented with the NAEA Florida Art Educator Award. For the fifth consecutive year, FAEA’s website won the NAEA Website Award Category III.
2026 FAEA Awards Program
Be the reason a colleague, friend, or organization is recognized this year for their outstanding contribution to art education by nominating them for an FAEA Award!
The purpose of the FAEA Awards program is to honor individuals and organizations who have achieved the highest level of professionalism in art education and to show appreciation for those who have contributed their services in an exemplary way to the association and the professional goals we share.
FAEA Awards
The Pearl Krepps Legacy Award
Florida's Outstanding Art Educator of the Year Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Distinguished Service Award
Elementary Art Educator of the Year Award
Middle School Art Educator of the Year Award
Secondary Art Educator of the Year Award
Higher Education Art Educator of the Year Award
Supervisor/Administrator of the Year Award
Principal/Administrator of the Year Award
DEADLINE TO NOMINATE: JUNE 1
Museum Art Educator of the Year Award
Friend of Art Education Award
Local Art Education Association Leader Award
Retired Art Educator Award
Community Service/ Institution/ Commercial/ Corporate Award
New Professional Award
Adaptive Arts Educator Award
National Art Honor Society - Florida Student Award
Higher Education Individual Student Achievement Award
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AWARD DESCRIPTIONS AND NOMINATE SOMEONE DESERVING TODAY! SELF-NOMINATIONS ARE WELCOME!
School Art Show
Heather Hagy
Art Teacher at The Bolles Lower School in St. Johns County
To celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week at The Bolles Lower School in Ponte Vedra, art teacher Heather Hagy joined forces with guidance to create a playful Kindness Installation inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s Obliteration Room. Students tiptoed into an all‑white won derland and set it alight with fluorescent dot stickers—over 40,000 in a single day. Under glowing black lights, the space became a joyful explosion of color and collaboration, proving that when everyone adds a little kindness, the magic really multiplies.
Show Spotlight
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Orange County
The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the nation’s oldest and most pres ‑ tigious juried fine art shows, consistently ranking among the most highly regarded outdoor art shows in the nation. At ‑ tendance reaches 350,000 people for the three ‑ day event.
Art Teacher at Lake Worth Community High School in Palm Beach County
The Lake Worth Beach Street Painting Festival transforms downtown Lake Worth Beach into a lively outdoor muse ‑ um of art, culture, and music. As one of the largest festivals of its kind bringing more than 100,000 attend ees, this festival fea ‑ tures over 800 artists and 55 schools and organizations, includ ‑ ing students from the Lake Worth Communi ‑ ty High School.
Britt Feingold
Photos courtesy of CADY Studios
2026 YAM FLAG
The World Needs More Art
Brooke Furland (Grade 9)
Painting
Harrison School for the Arts
Polk County
Floridian Brush Stroke
Zoe Sweeney (Grade 10)
Mixed Media
Harrison School for the Arts
Polk County
The World Needs Art
Rebekah Rigsby (Grade 10)
Drawing
North Port High School
Sarasota County
Youth Art Month (YAM) is a national arts advocacy program celebrated annually in March. Headed by the Council for Art Education, YAM’s purpose is to advocate the importance of visual arts education in all schools by recognizing, encouraging, and celebrating art education in the classroom.
FAEA participates in the Council’s annual YAM Flag and Banner Program, in which each state selects a student design for a flag to be displayed in the YAM Museum at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Convention. Flag designs follow the Council’s yearly theme, and this year’s was “The World Needs Art.”
In December, FAEA proudly announced that 9th-grade student Brooke Furland from Polk County won the 2026 YAM Flag Design Competition. Booke’s artwork, The World Needs More Art, was selected by FAEA members to represent the state of Florida at the NAEA Convention in Chicago, IL, in March alongside other winning state designs.
Dwayne Shepherd Burst of Color
Acrylic painting
COST PER ENTRY $15
FAEA is pleased to announce the opening of submissions for the 2026 Member Virtual Exhibition (MVE). The MVE provides an official platform for FAEA members to showcase their professional artistry through an annual juried competition among peers.
We invite all current FAEA members to submit their latest work for consideration. Artworks accepted into the MVE are eligible for awards and are celebrated at the 2026 FAEA Conference and on the FAEA website.
• Participating artist must be a current FAEA member
• Artworks must be recently created within the past two years
• Artworks previously accepted in a past MVE are not eligible
• Artist’s name and/or signature should not be visible
• Members can submit up to five entries per year
Aleta Burge Emergence High fired stoneware vessel with glazes and oxides
Catherine Rivera She Emerged From The Sacred Conch (Awakening From Ignorance)
For nearly two decades, I have had the privilege of working with students whose learning paths fall outside traditional academic expectations. My name is Zach Thompson, and for 19 years I have worked with adaptive and cognitive behavioral students across a wide spectrum of exceptionalities and disabilities. During that time, the art classroom has proven to be one of the most powerful environments for students to discover confidence, voice, and success.
In Florida, Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
refers to specially designed instruction and support services for students who have disabilities or unique learning needs. These students may experience cognitive, emotional, behavioral, developmental, or physical challenges that require differentiated instruction and supportive learning environments. In the art room, those differences often become strengths. Creativity allows students to communicate, problem-solve, and reflect in ways that extend far beyond written or verbal expression.
Over the past decade, I’ve been focused heavily on students who have experienced extreme trauma—both emotional and physical. These experiences can deeply shape how students interact with school, peers, and authority figures. What I have discovered is that when art education moves beyond technical skill and into conceptual exploration, it can transform the cultural dynamic of the classroom, and most importantly, transform lives.
Most of the art projects developed in the classroom are conceptual and invite students to explore themes connected to identity, emotional awareness, resilience, and personal growth. When students are given the opportunity to create artwork rooted in their internal experiences, something powerful begins to happen. The classroom becomes more than a studio; it becomes a safe space for reflection and personal expression. These conceptual Project-Based Learning art projects centered on mental health allow students to examine their thoughts and emotions through symbolism, abstraction, and storytelling. Rather than simply completing an assignment, students begin to investigate deeper questions about themselves and their experiences. This type of exploration often opens doors for students who struggle to express what they feel in traditional academic settings.
For students who have experienced trauma, the ability to externalize emotion through art can be incredibly meaningful. A painting, sculpture, or mixed media piece can represent feelings that might otherwise remain unspoken. Over time, this process encourages students to recognize their own resilience and capacity for healing, and while the art classroom is not a therapy office, the therapeutic benefits of creative expression are undeniable—especially for students with significant ESE needs. In many ways, art education naturally overlaps with principles found in art therapy. The act of creating provides structure, emotional regulation, and a sense of accomplish-
ment. It can help students process difficult experiences while developing confidence in their abilities as artists.
What I have witnessed repeatedly is that when students feel safe enough to create authentically, the entire classroom culture shifts. Students begin to support one another’s ideas, listen to each other’s stories, and respect the vulnerability involved in sharing personal expression. The art room becomes a community built on empathy, creativity, and trust.
As Florida art educators, we have a unique opportunity to design classrooms where all students can succeed. Flexible instruction, clear structure, visual
supports, and open-ended creative exploration can make an enormous difference for ESE learners. Success may not always look the same for every student, but growth, engagement, and personal discovery are powerful outcomes.
After 19 years in this field, I remain deeply inspired by the students I teach. Their creativity and resilience remind me daily that art education is not only about technique—it is about human connection and the discovery of potential.
When we encourage our ESE students to explore their inner worlds through art, we are not only teaching them artistic skills. We are helping them discover that their voices matter, their stories have value, and
their creativity can be a powerful part of their healing journey.
Zach Thompson is a Florida art educator starting in 2007 with adaptive and cognitive behavioral students across a wide range of exceptionalities and disabilities. For two decades, his work has focused on students who have experienced significant emotional and physical trauma. Through conceptual, mental-health-centered art projects, he encourages students to explore identity, resilience, and personal expression while building a supportive and inclusive classroom culture. Thompson is passionate about advocating for ESE students and helping all learners discover the transformative power of art. Zach lives in St. Petersburg, FL and has a M.A. in Art Education with Minors in Philosophy and Film Studies.
FAEA is excited to kick off the summer break with a three-day summer workshop series at the beautiful and historic John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota! Join us on June 1-3 for professional learning that will reignite your creativity, sharpen your artistic skills, and inspire you with the world-class art collections at the Ringling Museum. Each day is entirely unique, featuring hands-on workshops that explore a variety of materials and techniques, leaving you with new ideas to incorporate into your classroom or studio.
Thank you to The John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art for sponsoring FAEA's "Summer at the Ringling Museum" professional learning workshops.
DAY 1 | MONDAY, JUNE 1
Layers and Threads
We start off the series with two inspiring, handson workshops. Spend your morning constructing intricate, multi-dimensional worlds in our tunnel books workshop. Then finish the day off strong by exploring the tactile and emotional power of fiber arts.
• 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM: The Deep End: Diving into Tunnel Books presented by Joanna Davis Lanum
• 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch on your own
• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Stitched Stories: Fiber Arts as Expressive Practice presented by Angela Lunsford
DAY 3 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Portraits and the Big Top
Our final day offers the freedom to find your own muse. Spend the morning exploring the museum grounds at your own pace before we dive into two high-energy afternoon sessions. We’ll master the art of the paper portrait, then close out the series with a vibrant circus collage workshop—a nod to the Ringling’s spectacular circus heritage.
• 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Self-guided exploration (Enjoy the museum and lunch on your own)
• 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Paper Personified: A Portrait Project presented by Chloe DuBois
• 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Big Top Textiles: Vibrant Circus Collage presented by Christine Schebilski
DAY 2 | TUESDAY, JUNE 2
Observations and Storytelling
Day two begins with a guided tour of the museum’s world-class collections. In the afternoon, we transition from the galleries to the sketchbook to record our findings, concluding with a session on bringing narratives to life with shadow puppetry.
• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Guided tour of the Museum of Art
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch on your own
• 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Sketchbooks as Field Notes presented by Dr. Danielle Horak
• 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Shadow Puppetry and Storytelling presented by Egda Claudio
You can choose to attend all three days or select the days that spark your interest! Registered attendees will have access to the museum galleries and grounds to explore during lunch breaks or whenever time permits. Register today at FAEA.org/summer-workshops to secure your spot.
• FAEA Members: $50 per day
• Non-Members: $50 per day + a onetime $10 flat fee
Arts in the community
ARTS FOR ALL A Festival of Access, Creativity, and Belonging
By Dulcie Hause, Assistant Director of Learning & Engagement, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
In classrooms across Northeast Florida, art educators work every day to create spaces of belonging, especially for students with differing abilities. For more than 30 years, the Arts for All Festival has extended that work beyond
school walls and into the galleries and historically significant gardens of Jacksonville’s Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, creating an inclusive museum experience intentionally designed with accessibility at its core.
What is Arts for All?
Since its beginning in 1995 as Very Special Arts, the Arts for All Festival
has grown and adapted alongside the community, welcoming thousands of students with differing abilities into an arts program designed just for them. For some students, daily life moves between school and home, with few opportunities to explore new environments freely. During Arts for All, that changes. The Museum becomes a place where they
This column provides FAEA members with information about Florida cultural organizations and the academic offerings they provide.
Arts in the community
can move at their own pace, try something new, and simply enjoy being creative. Through art stops located in the galleries, gardens, and studios, students sculpt with clay, look closely at works of art, dance to live music, explore the gardens, and laugh with friends. There is no pressure to be perfect. There is space to be themselves.
Evolving to Meet Students’ Needs
Today, the Arts for All Festival operates as a three-day hybrid model, with two days onsite at the Museum and one day delivered virtually in classrooms. Both formats provide rewarding, authentic engagement for this important and often underserved audience.
In partnership with local community organizations and musicians, including
Arvid Smith, The Flashbacks, Just Add Rhythm, Jacksonville Dance Theatre, and Streams of Sound, the Festival integrates live music, movement, and interactive performances that further expand access points for creative expression and joyful participation alongside visual artmaking activities.
Powered by Community
Individual volunteers, corporate volunteer groups, and the Museum’s dedicated docent corps are essential to the success of Arts for All. Volunteers step into the gardens and galleries each year to ensure students have the support they need to thrive. They assist at each art stop, help guide groups, offer encouragement, and celebrate each creative accomplishment, allowing teachers to focus fully on their students. For stu-
dents with differing abilities, this added layer of attentive support can make all the difference. One educator shared, “To have someone THERE at ALL times was so freeing.”
Volunteers often leave Arts for All deeply moved by the moments they witness throughout the day. In between guiding groups and supporting art stops, they see sparks of confidence, unexpected breakthroughs, and pure joy.
Patricia Ellis of Uptown Civitan reflected on one such moment: “One boy about 12 years old who had appeared to be nonverbal was very expressive with his laughter and obvious joy in the experience. He kept holding up his art object to show anyone near him. It was very heartwarming.”
Experiences like this remind volunteers that their presence matters. By
simply being there to encourage and celebrate, they help create space for students to express themselves in ways that feel authentic, affirming, and unforgettable.
Impact of the Festival
Beyond the joy of the day itself, Arts for All has a meaningful impact on students’ growth and development. Handson artmaking strengthens fine motor skills as students roll clay, grip paintbrushes, and manipulate mixed-media materials. Large-scale movement and music activities support gross motor development and coordination.
Just as importantly, Arts for All nurtures social skills. Students practice turn-taking, collaboration, and com-
munication as they engage with teachers, peers, and volunteers. For many students with differing abilities, the opportunity to interact in a supportive, thoughtfully designed environment builds confidence and independence. Arts for All reinforces what art educators already know: creative experiences are powerful tools for developing motor skills, social connection, and self-expression in ways that feel natural, joyful, and empowering.
During the three-day hybrid Festival in 2025, the Cummer welcomed nearly 1,900 students from 44 schools and centers with the help of 342 volunteers. Participation for this year’s Festival held April 28-30, 2026 is projected to reach similar levels as last year.
Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, Arts for All remains completely free for participants, including transportation to and from the Museum. Removing financial and logistical barriers ensures that every child, regardless of ability or circumstance, can experience a day that feels expansive, joyful, and unforgettable.
A Continuum of Inclusive Programming
As the flagship access program at the Cummer Museum, the Arts for All Festival reflects a long-standing institutional commitment to ensuring that art truly is for everyone. While Arts for All is one of the most visible expressions of this work, it is part of a broader, year-
round approach to accessibility woven throughout the Museum’s learning and engagement initiatives.
Programs such as Women of Vision, which welcomes women who are blind or have low vision to engage deeply with original works of art through conversation, memoir writing, and artmaking, reflect the Museum’s ongoing commitment to accessibility. Touch Tours incorporate tactile materials and multisensory strategies, expanding how visitors experience the collection, while Sensory-Friendly Sundays offer a quieter, more flexible Museum experience for individuals and families who benefit from reduced crowds and supportive resources.
The Museum’s ARTful Moments
program further extends this commitment by serving individuals living with memory loss and their care partners. Through facilitated gallery conversations, ARTful Moments creates a welcoming space that emphasizes connection, reflection, and shared experience. The program supports social engagement and well-being, offering participants meaningful opportunities to connect with one another and with works of art in a supportive environment.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate that access at the Cummer Museum is not a single event but an ongoing practice. Arts for All may anchor this work each year, but it is strengthened by a continuum of inclusive offerings
designed to meet visitors of all ages and abilities across every stage of life.
A Tradition that Endures
Year after year, Arts for All reminds us of something simple and powerful. When access is prioritized and creativity is celebrated, every child has the opportunity to shine. For thousands of students across Northeast Florida, Arts for All continues to open doors to discovery, confidence, and joyful self-expression.
By Teresa Woodlief, Retired Art Teacher in Duval County
FAEA members share their teaching experiences and successes
Retired … Not Tired!
As I scrolled through my calendar, there it was—boldly marked in red— the date signaling the end of my journey as a passionate art educator. Retirement! While a part of me felt joy—my aching knees, my newfound appreciation for sleeping in, and the growing desire for free time to create art—another part faced an unsettling void. I was terrified.
Was this the end of my Art Ed Life?
I may be retired…but I’m not tired!
So, I Googled it and Artificial Intelligence told me:
“Retired Not Tired” describes an active, purposeful post-work lifestyle, debunking the myth that retirement equals inactivity or boredom. It focuses on maintaining physical health, mental stimulation, and social connection
through hobbies, volunteering, or parttime work.
Whatever. Sounded like a marketing strategy if you’d asked me.
Cue my inner Sherlock Holmes: How can I turn this idea into reality? My quest led me to social media, starting with Facebook, everyone’s favorite digital communication hub. There, I discovered a group named Retired and Retiring Art Teachers, where I found my community! This group provided a plethora of relevant topics for my inquiry. So, I decided to post a question:
“After a rewarding 44-year career an elementary art teacher and several attempts to retire, I think I’m finally ready to pull the trigger. But my identity…who will I be? Have any of you struggled with this? Should I enlist the help of a therapist to help me through this?”
I was inundated with responses to my post! I received numerous replies, from comforting reassurances that my feelings were completely normal to messages saying, “It’s perfectly fine to sleep in and savor that leisurely morning coffee!” One thing was clear: I was transitioning from a life of constant activity to a suddenly embraced solitude. Yikes!
Cue my over-caffeinated deep dive into the world of retirement afterlife. Once I muddled through Medicare.gov and transitioning into the Florida Retirement System, I began the search for how I would accomplish reaching AI’s version of “Retired Not Tired.” I explored part-time opportunities such as tutoring, substituting, working online, or teaching after-school art lessons.
However, these all felt like activities I wanted to escape from during my retirement.
Then one day, I heard a phrase that changed everything: Time, Treasure, and Talent.
Time is what you give when you up your energy, your presence, your willingness to help. Treasure is the financial support you offer. Talent is sharing your unique skills-things like carpentry expertise, artistic talent, or other specialized gifts.
Suddenly, I felt a wave of relief. What I had to offer mattered. My gift had value. When I stopped focusing on what I couldn’t give and leaned into what I could, it blossomed into something deeply fulfilling.
I heard from a wise retired friend that bringing the enjoyable aspects of my work into my retirement life can be helpful. And to experience a sense of accomplishment it almost always involves service to others. That’s it—Volunteering! I had skills and was ready to share!
Fast forward to the present. Here are several volunteer opportunities that I have discovered to be truly meaningful during my retirement:
I developed a series of standards-based instructional videos, which I showcase on a YouTube channel that I created during the pandemic’s virtual teaching era. This endeavor has been incredibly fulfilling, and many of these videos continue to be utilized today.
I hold the position of President for a local chapter of the teacher’s sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa. In this role, I coordinate retired teachers to volun-
teer in schools, helping art teachers with events, serving as celebrity readers during Literacy Week, and chaperoning art museum field trips. I also lead classroom tours as a docent at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. You have significantly influenced your students’ lives, so as you approach retirement, consider sharing your passion for the arts. Get out into the community to share your art skills. Cultivate relationships through mentorship with practicing art teachers eager for guidance and knowledge. Volunteer
in their art classrooms or assist with an art event. Continue FAEA conference engagement and stay involved by connecting with other R.A.T.s (Retired Art Teachers Division).
That wise retired friend’s advice about bringing the enjoyable aspects of work into retirement was spot on. I feel an immense sense of accomplishment because I am dedicated to serving others. So, get out there! Now is your opportunity to give back and embody the spirit of being “Retired Not Tired!”
FAEA promotes visual arts education through professional development, service, advancement of knowledge, and leadership. We present public programs; sponsor institutes, conferences, and programs; publish journals, reports, and surveys; and work with other agencies in support of visual arts education.
The core of FAEA is volunteer-driven, which provides leadership, advocacy, learning, sharing, and much more. Year after year, our volunteers produce quality programs, events, and information used by visual arts educators. This past year, thousands of hours were generously donated to FAEA.
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.
