It featured one-hour workshops that allowed us to explore both technology and traditional art media. The first was all about using iPads in the art room. It was taught by Tricia Fuglestad, an amazing art educator who has really enlivened her classroom with the use of iPads and technology. Students as young as kindergarten are learning to edit video and create simple animations. We hope to add iPads some day to the PHS art room.
Next we learned about the diversity of techniques for Prismacolor markers and pencils. We did some of our own artwork in this session, which is always welcome for art teachers. Lastly we created sculptures by felting with wool fibers, a new media for both of us at least for sculpting.
In addition to the workshops there were outstanding prizes and freebies and of course the opportunity to meet other art educators. We finished our day of learning with a trip to the Chicago Art Institute. For part of our visit Amber Wilson, former PHS art student was our un-official guide. We are now inspired and ready to begin the year...as super heroes of art and teaching!