Four art teachers from Herkimer County showcased their talents at the 76th annual New York State Art Teachers Association Conference on Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23, in Binghamton – with their registration covered through the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Arts in Education program.
At the conference, Central Valley art teacher Cheryl LaVenture led a workshop titled “Clay-quariums: Little Oceanic Homes for Water Creatures.” Frankfort-Schuyler art teacher Cynthia Brownell presented on glass-fusing techniques for elementary students. Little Falls art teacher Adrienne Watson offered a workshop called “The Power of PHI,” which focused on Zentangle art. Herkimer art teacher Heather McCutcheon, who also is the Herkimer BOCES Arts in Education coordinator, explored self-expression through continuous line drawing in her presentation.
The Herkimer County art teachers said they aimed to help highlight the commitment to fostering creativity and innovative teaching methods to emphasize the importance of art in education.
“The event attracted numerous attendees from across New York state, creating a vibrant atmosphere for sharing ideas and inspiration,” the Herkimer County art teachers said, in a jointly written statement. “Educators from various districts came together to learn, collaborate and grow within the art education community.”
In the 2023-24 school year, LaVenture developed a clay lesson that was needed to scaffold smoothly from second graders to third graders. She also really wanted something that would get the students excited to make. The project is called “Clay-quariums,” and students develop little oceanic and nautical themed habitats for the sea creatures of their imagination. This project is inspired by the “Save the Turtles” movement, which is a campaign to protect sea turtles from plastic pollution and other threats. Presenting this project in 2024 to NYSATA members allowed for other preservice, current and retired art teachers to think about pollution and how they can raise awareness through their own lessons. These educators learned the process of the successful project, but also were able to “make and take” a clay-quarium sculpture, so they can reference it for use in future projects.
Brownell received a grant last school year through the Region 3 NYSATA organization. The grant helped fund a glass-fusing project for Frankfort-Schuyler fifth graders. Brownell presented the results of the grant and was able to introduce the concept of glass fusing into elementary, middle and high school art curriculum. She talked about the science of glass and the ins and outs of firing glass in a ceramic kiln. She shared a firing schedule with the group as well as a number of resources to get them started. It was a well-attended event, and she also shared lesson plans on glass fusing, examples of the student work and introduced microwave kilns for those on a tighter budget.
Watson presented an advanced Zentangle lesson, based on the golden ratio, PHI. In addition, she was able to share new materials and techniques from Zentangle. Her Zentangle presentation allowed participants to leave with the knowledge and skills to incorporate the Zentangle method in their curriculum. Watson is a certified Zentangle teacher and currently teaches middle school art. She incorporates many forms of art therapy in her curriculum, including Zentangle. Zentangle is an art form that is considered easy to learn, lowers stress and is for everyone. Watson is always willing to share her passion at conferences. Healing through art and addressing students’ social-emotional health is a priority in her instruction.
McCutcheon’s presentation provided educators with valuable skills to guide students in creating continuous line drawing portraits using the iPad, Apple Pencil and Keynote. Focusing on self-expression and creativity, participants learned how to encourage their students to explore their unique artistic voices. They even delved into animation within Keynote, experimenting with colors and shapes to enhance their projects. Everyone in attendance walked away not only with this lesson but also with access to 10 additional lessons developed by fellow art teachers, further enriching their teaching toolkit.
“The 76th Annual New York State Art Teachers Association Conference served as an exceptional platform for educators to exchange knowledge and techniques, further enriching the art education landscape in New York,” the Herkimer County art teachers said. “The dedication and creativity exhibited by the presenters, including those from Herkimer County, inspire not only their students but also fellow educators to explore new avenues in art integration within their classrooms. This collaborative spirit ensures that art continues to thrive in schools across the state, nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers.”
Herkimer Central School District art teacher Heather McCutcheon, who also is the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Arts in Education coordinator, presents during the 76th annual New York State Art Teachers Association Conference in Binghamton. She attended the conference with Central Valley art teacher Cheryl LaVenture, Frankfort-Schuyler art teacher Cynthia Brownell and Little Falls art teacher Adrienne Watson.
Little Falls City School District art teacher Adrienne Watson led a workshop on Zentangle art during the 76th annual New York State Art Teachers Association Conference in Binghamton, and this photo shows some of the artwork her workshop attendees created. She attended the conference with with Central Valley art teacher Cheryl LaVenture, Frankfort-Schuyler art teacher Cynthia Brownell and Herkimer art teacher Heather McCutcheon.
Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District art teacher Cynthia Brownell presents during the 76th annual New York State Art Teachers Association Conference in Binghamton. She attended the conference with Central Valley art teacher Cheryl LaVenture, Little Falls art teacher Adrienne Watson and Herkimer art teacher Heather McCutcheon.