messageheader November 2007
In This Issue & On the Web
Conference Photos
En Plein Aire
Iowa Hall of Pride
Award Winners
Ten Artists
Quick Links
Photos? We have have a few...
You didn't get to come to Boone for the Fall Conference--Earth, Wind, and Fire? Visit Susan Noonan's photos at Kodak. 
If you have news that you would like to send to art teachers across the state, send it to me and I'll add it to the next Message.
We're waiting to hear what is going on in your classroom or community.
 
Sincerely,
Nancy Sojka
AEI Webmaster and Message Editor
En Plein Aire in Malvern
malvern.jpgEvery town in Iowa has a festival of some kind: Corn, Hobo, Nordic, Cars, Hot Air Balloon, Bison... The City of Malvern has an art contest that reflects the days of the Impressionist painters. And this year's winner is an AEI member: Jack Burk of Toledo, Iowa. Read more....
Greetings!

It has been a pleasure representing the AEI as president this past year.  We just finished a very successful conference at Boone and extend a thank you to the conference committee for a job very well done.  Next year's conference is planned for Dubuque.
 
I had a chance to "speak to the choir" at conference and felt compelled to share the following words.  There are times and moments in each of our lives where we feel we have been made to flounder and question who we are and what we do.  But as art educators, we have become aware that in that state of befuddlement we often find ourselves gathering strength from the reflection we so often practice.  I cannot think of another discipline that as a matter of general practice, stands back and has visual evidence, as well as emotional satisfaction, that we have had an impact on the future.  Our students have the opportunity to contribute to a creative economy because of what we teach.  They have acquired skills that are beyond and not limited to left-brain, logical thought.  As art educators we can be confident that we have made the most honorable contribution to society, that of keeping life enjoyable, developing minds that can compete in a global economy, fostering citizens that are more tolerant of differences and just giving the world not-so-plain, well-rounded individuals.  We may not be around when they make their mark, but we can be confident that the mark they do make will make a difference to someone, somewhere.
 
With those thoughts, we have begun another school year, educating wherever and whenever we can, even if we are not in the public school system.  We need to remember those who teach in higher education, at museums, in alternative schools, and all those art educators who make a difference in the lives of so many children.  Congratulate yourselves on making a difference for the future of our global economy.
 
Artfully yours,
 
Lucy McLennan, AEI President
Art in the Hall of Pride?
Dave PrattActually, that might depend on you! If you've been in the Wells Fargo Center in Des Moines, you may have visited the Hall of Pride.

Retired art teacher and chair of the AEI All State Artists program Dave Pratt has applied for a $8,500 grant from the Iowa Arts Council to add Art to the Hall of Pride. The money would be used to create a display to share the successes of students in Iowa who have taken part in the visual arts, especially those who have been named to the All State Artists Team each spring.

Unfortunately, the money will only be available if the Iowa Arts Council receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and annual appropriations from the Iowa Legislature.

So how does this depend on you and me? Read more...
2007 Art Eduators Supreme
awardwinners.jpgEach year AEI is honored to recognize Outstanding Art Educators from around the state of Iowa.
Read more about Liz Lyons, Linda Martin, Debby Yellick-Manley, Peggy Bang, and Pat Grubb. Each one has a personal statement and you will want to find out more about them...
10 Artists Everyone Should Know
Ronda Sternhagen, secondary art teacher at Grundy Center, Iowa, has been asking us to vote for the 50 most important artists that kids and adults should know about. The list is now at 10. Before you click here, why not right down your top 10 list and see how many of your choices make the list...
Save 100%
During the AEI Fall Conference, more than $1000 was donated from the Silent Auction and the Screen Auction for the Iowa Alliance for the Arts.  This organization strives to make certain that 100% of the students in 100% of the schools in Iowa have the advantage of a complete arts education. Join the IAA at their website today.
Offer Expires: Never