USAO Art Department Hosts Annual OAEA Conference Sept. 21-22

CHICKASHA – Oklahoma art educators are joining faculty and alumni for a weekend of artistic tips, tricks and training on the University of Science and Arts campus. Beginning Sept. 21, public school teachers and college professors will engage in workshops for the annual Oklahoma Art Education Association (OAEA) conference.

The conference ends Saturday afternoon with a special presentation in USAO’s Gaia Garden.

Jacquelyn Knapp, assistant professor of art, said she and other faculty are excited about this year’s conference.

“The USAO art department is excited and honored to host the annual conference of Oklahoma art educators,” she said. “It is a great chance for art teachers from across the state to discuss, share and learn information on new art techniques, art media and art education philosophy that can be utilized in the classroom.”

Throughout the weekend conference, USAO faculty and even art alumni are teaching special workshops. Knapp is providing an overview of mat cutting and choosing frames for works of art. Stephen Breerwood, assistant professor of art and USAO’s newest art faculty member, is teaching a session on portrait drawing.

Kenny Tolman, a 2002 fine arts graduate in graphic design, is leading two workshops about Photoshop, a leading software in the graphic arts industry. Patricia Morgan, a 1999 art graduate, is teaching basketry methods including weaving techniques, reed dyeing and more.

Several other workshops feature art professionals from around the state, including representatives from the University of Central Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Arts Council and other institutions.

Guest speaker Dr. Michael Johnson will give a special presentation during the conference. Johnson is the author of “The Most Special Person,” “The Whispering Horse” and several other books. An international performer, Johnson uses storytelling, songs and comedy to deliver his message of the power of a positive education.

According to the Oklahoma Art Education Association website, OAEA provides “visual art educators with a professional organization which facilitates a statewide networking community to develop, promote and support art education as core curriculum.”

Knapp said OAEA’s philosophy is similar to USAO’s own, making the University an appropriate location for this year’s event.

“The purpose of the convention and the Oklahoma Art Education Association, identical to the mission of the USAO art department, is to promote art,” she said. “I am really looking forward to meeting many of the wonderful art teachers we have in the state of Oklahoma and the opportunity to visit with them about art.”

The OAEA conference is made possible with support from the Oklahoma Arts Council. More information about OAEA is available online at www.okarted.org.