Conference At-A-Glance

Arts in Action: What’s the Energy?

This year, we aren’t just looking at art; we’re living it. “Arts in Action” celebrates the power of the process, the impact of advocacy, and the physical joy of making. There will be plenty of onsite professional development as well as offsite opportunities. Here is how you can gear up for the movement:

• Dynamic Studio Styles – Wear your “maker” gear! Think paint-splattered aprons, comfortable kicks for gallery walking, and bold, expressive colors that shout creativity. Check out the themes below.

• Tools of the Trade – From high-tech digital tablets to the tactile grit of linocut tools, we’re celebrating the instruments that turn ideas into reality.

• Art as Advocacy – Explore how our classrooms become hubs for community change, visual storytelling, and student voice in motion.

Thursday – Day Theme: Rep Your Team
• Opening Session – We’re kicking off Day 1 with a jolt of collective enthusiasm!
• New Movers & Makers – First-time attendee? Join us for a dedicated welcome session to get you plugged into the OAEA network.
• Action Workshops & Exhibitor Hall – Dive into hands-on sessions, rapid-fire artist demos, and the latest gear from our vendors.
• Keynote Luncheon with Shannon Favia – Fuel up while hearing from a nationally known artist whose work is inspired & energized by street art, sports, hip-hop music, fashion & culture. Her work delivers simple but powerful messages.
• Awards Dinner: Night Theme Lights, Camera, Action – Honoring the educators who put art into action every single day.
• CoLab – Collaborative art-making, an Artisans Market, and an after-hours celebration to keep the energy high! Continued on next page.

Friday – Day Theme: Masterpieces in Motion
• Lab Time & Exhibitors – More intensive sessions to expand your pedagogical toolkit.
• Keynote Luncheon with Micheal Thompson – Another powerhouse speaker shares his vision for the future of the arts and education.
• Awards Dinner: Night Theme Red Carpet Roll Out – A night of recognition featuring a keynote by Matt Young, Ohio Art Educator of the Year!
• Master Artist Session with Cedric Cox – Experience “Art in Action” firsthand as he demonstrates elite techniques and shares professional secrets.

Saturday – Day Theme: Arts in Activism
• Connection Circles – Final morning meetings to network and solidify your new professional bonds.
• Final Sprint Workshops – Catch those last-minute techniques and exhibitor deals before the doors close.
• Launch – Head home fully charged, inspired, and ready to bring “Arts in Action” back to your students!

• Vendors will again be set up in the halls and in workshops.

• Pop-up interest groups workshops in hallways.

• CEUs/Credit available.

• Buffet-style meals