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AAE President’s Message - Mr. Lynn Smith
After months of seeking qualified candidates for the 2026 AAE Board elections, four members of our organization have stepped up for the challenge to lead this organization for the next two years.
While I still remain optimistic for the future of the Arkansas Art Educators, I will admit that I was very concerned by the number of highly qualified individuals who simply would not or could not commit to taking a leadership role in our organization for the next two years. It was painful for our election committee to be turned down at almost every request. But we persevered and we have four amazing candidates who are ready and willing to serve YOU!
As you know, AAE is the ONLY visual arts education association in Arkansas that is affiliated with the National Art Education Association. You must also know that VOLUNTEERS keep AAE progressing and moving forward. The only recognition they receive are the “pats on the back” at the annual AAE Fall Conference. However, the AAE Awards each fall recognize our truly dedicated leaders for their commitment to our organization because the awards are specifically designed to recognize SERVICE to AAE. These people who have given their very precious time to serve you, deserve recognition.
Finally, AAE’s active leaders are seriously NOT doing the hard work for “pats on the backs” or awards/recognition. They serve you because they believe that EVERY art educator in Arkansas
(AAE members and non-members) deserve the opportunity to be provided the best possible professional development each and every fall.
Sometime this week, please take the time to review the attached bios of your four AAE Board candidates provided in this email.
Your digital election ballot should arrive in your email box (the one you supplied to NAEA when you joined) on Monday, February 8. Please take a moment to complete your ballot and submit it as soon as possible. You will need your NAEA Membership number as well as your membership expiration date to complete the ballot. This will save the election committee precious time as the ballots are validated.
The deadline for ballot returns will be Monday, February 15 at 5 pm.
The AAE Board and Council commends and thanks you for continuing to be an active part of AAE/NAEA.
Wishing each of you a fabulous spring semester. Try to stay warm, my friends!
Mr. Lynn Smith
AAE Acting President/President-elect 2024-2026
AAE President 2026-2028
AAE President 2028-2030
Retired NBCT Art Specialist
After months of seeking qualified candidates for the 2026 AAE Board elections, four members of our organization have stepped up for the challenge to lead this organization for the next two years.
While I still remain optimistic for the future of the Arkansas Art Educators, I will admit that I was very concerned by the number of highly qualified individuals who simply would not or could not commit to taking a leadership role in our organization for the next two years. It was painful for our election committee to be turned down at almost every request. But we persevered and we have four amazing candidates who are ready and willing to serve YOU!
As you know, AAE is the ONLY visual arts education association in Arkansas that is affiliated with the National Art Education Association. You must also know that VOLUNTEERS keep AAE progressing and moving forward. The only recognition they receive are the “pats on the back” at the annual AAE Fall Conference. However, the AAE Awards each fall recognize our truly dedicated leaders for their commitment to our organization because the awards are specifically designed to recognize SERVICE to AAE. These people who have given their very precious time to serve you, deserve recognition.
Finally, AAE’s active leaders are seriously NOT doing the hard work for “pats on the backs” or awards/recognition. They serve you because they believe that EVERY art educator in Arkansas
(AAE members and non-members) deserve the opportunity to be provided the best possible professional development each and every fall.
Sometime this week, please take the time to review the attached bios of your four AAE Board candidates provided in this email.
Your digital election ballot should arrive in your email box (the one you supplied to NAEA when you joined) on Monday, February 8. Please take a moment to complete your ballot and submit it as soon as possible. You will need your NAEA Membership number as well as your membership expiration date to complete the ballot. This will save the election committee precious time as the ballots are validated.
The deadline for ballot returns will be Monday, February 15 at 5 pm.
The AAE Board and Council commends and thanks you for continuing to be an active part of AAE/NAEA.
Wishing each of you a fabulous spring semester. Try to stay warm, my friends!
Mr. Lynn Smith
AAE Acting President/President-elect 2024-2026
AAE President 2026-2028
AAE President 2028-2030
Retired NBCT Art Specialist
ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 2, 2025
Fall Conference Proposals Update
We are still working on the fall conference schedule and will update as soon as it's finalized. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work on making this the best conference possible!
April 3, 2025
Fall Conference Proposals Update
I’ve spent most of the afternoon and evening today reviewing the 2025 AAE Fall Conference Presentation Proposals and all I can say is WOW! The Art Teachers Came Through in a BIG WAY!!! We have the numbers to fill all of the sessions so KUDOS to the teachers who submitted presentation ideas. I did notice that several proposals were exactly like those that were presented last year and by the same presenters. So we will try not to duplicate presentations that were presented in 2024. We hope to have the schedule complete by June 1 and we will share that as soon as we can. Keep a LKOUT for a survey about art-making workshops and let us know which workshops are most exciting to you. We will determine the sessions based on this survey and all art teachers are encouraged to participate in it. Thank You All!!! - Lynn Smith
February 20, 2025
We are still needing presenters for the fall conference!
Submit a presentation proposal by March 1st, for a chance to win one of TWO FREE registrations to the 2025 Fall Conference! Plus, if your proposal is selected, you'll get 20% OFF your registration.
Some of the topics that have been suggested: starting a ceramics program, art creation, AP, "How your classroom works" discussion, deadlines vs no deadlines, lesson plan sharing, textiles/fabrics, pedagogy, lesson plan feedback for preservice members, using found/recycled objects, just to name a few. If you have experience with any of these topics, please consider presenting!
If you have to wait until August for approval from your school or employer, please go ahead and submit your proposal. Put a note in the session description letting us know you will have to wait to confirm.
If you aren't ready to present but have ideas for sessions you can fill out the form as well. The more feedback we have the better we can plan for the conference.
Deadline is March 1st!
PRESENTER SUBMISSION FORM
February 18, 2025
Important Update for Members and Colleagues
The Arkansas Art Educators organization is committed to delivering exceptional value and high-quality professional development experiences for our members. After careful deliberation, the AAE Board has made the strategic decision to postpone our upcoming summer conference.
Key Reasons for Conference Delay
1. Organizational Transition
- Active rebranding process
- Internal reorganization
- Streamlining operational strategies
2. Quality Assurance
- Ensuring we maintain our standard of excellence
- Dedicating full resources and attention to conference planning
- Prioritizing meaningful, impactful programming.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Despite this temporary conference postponement, we remain steadfastly dedicated to:
- Providing critical resources for art educators
- Creating professional development opportunities
- Supporting Arkansas art education community
Next Steps
- We will communicate future conference dates promptly
- Continued engagement through digital platforms
- Maintaining regular communication with membership
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Sincerely,
Lynn Smith
President
Arkansas Art Educators
Fall Conference Proposals Update
I’ve spent most of the afternoon and evening today reviewing the 2025 AAE Fall Conference Presentation Proposals and all I can say is WOW! The Art Teachers Came Through in a BIG WAY!!! We have the numbers to fill all of the sessions so KUDOS to the teachers who submitted presentation ideas. I did notice that several proposals were exactly like those that were presented last year and by the same presenters. So we will try not to duplicate presentations that were presented in 2024. We hope to have the schedule complete by June 1 and we will share that as soon as we can. Keep a LKOUT for a survey about art-making workshops and let us know which workshops are most exciting to you. We will determine the sessions based on this survey and all art teachers are encouraged to participate in it. Thank You All!!! - Lynn Smith
February 20, 2025
We are still needing presenters for the fall conference!
Submit a presentation proposal by March 1st, for a chance to win one of TWO FREE registrations to the 2025 Fall Conference! Plus, if your proposal is selected, you'll get 20% OFF your registration.
Some of the topics that have been suggested: starting a ceramics program, art creation, AP, "How your classroom works" discussion, deadlines vs no deadlines, lesson plan sharing, textiles/fabrics, pedagogy, lesson plan feedback for preservice members, using found/recycled objects, just to name a few. If you have experience with any of these topics, please consider presenting!
If you have to wait until August for approval from your school or employer, please go ahead and submit your proposal. Put a note in the session description letting us know you will have to wait to confirm.
If you aren't ready to present but have ideas for sessions you can fill out the form as well. The more feedback we have the better we can plan for the conference.
Deadline is March 1st!
PRESENTER SUBMISSION FORM
February 18, 2025
Important Update for Members and Colleagues
The Arkansas Art Educators organization is committed to delivering exceptional value and high-quality professional development experiences for our members. After careful deliberation, the AAE Board has made the strategic decision to postpone our upcoming summer conference.
Key Reasons for Conference Delay
1. Organizational Transition
- Active rebranding process
- Internal reorganization
- Streamlining operational strategies
2. Quality Assurance
- Ensuring we maintain our standard of excellence
- Dedicating full resources and attention to conference planning
- Prioritizing meaningful, impactful programming.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Despite this temporary conference postponement, we remain steadfastly dedicated to:
- Providing critical resources for art educators
- Creating professional development opportunities
- Supporting Arkansas art education community
Next Steps
- We will communicate future conference dates promptly
- Continued engagement through digital platforms
- Maintaining regular communication with membership
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Sincerely,
Lynn Smith
President
Arkansas Art Educators
