National Art Education Association

It’s time for ! Do you know that the NAEA Delegates Assembly was officially established in 1971? Read on to learn more about the history of NAEA’s Delegates Assembly!

States Assembly to Delegates Assembly: Delegates Assembly elected its own officers until the 1989 constitution proposed that NAEA Regional Vice Presidents would preside over it, improving the group’s organization as an integral part of NAEA. The constitution also stated commitment to the DA’s work and to how decisions and important matters that originate in DA move forward for consideration by the Board. With the DA role defined, true governance in action—by members, for members—became a reality.

In 2010, interest group chairs were invited to also participate with nonvoting delegates. Over the past 25 years, DA members have made major contributions to platform and position statements. DA meets once a year, in person; prior to advances in technology, the ability to conference call or work virtually throughout the year was limited, resulting in a growing frustration as there was no mechanism to assure that important initiatives generated were acted upon and carried out. Improvements in the online presence of NAEA through the website, and additional technology resources made available to members, meant the NAEA Board and DA members were more connected. Ultimately, this has streamlined the work of DA—no longer requiring 2 full days of work at the National Convention, now enabling delegates to participate more fully in the overall Convention experience.

Major contributions over the past 25 years are platform and position statements that have been reviewed, organized, and added to by the many DA members.*

*Source: Gabbard, S. J. (2022). “States Assembly to Delegates Assembly.” In R. Diket & D. Burton (Eds.), Celebrating 75 years: National Art Education Association in 2022—Abridged version (pp. 20–21). National Art Education Association.

This year, we want to highlight all the fantastic work done at National Art Honor Society Chapters nationwide!

Today, we want to celebrate Waynesville High School in Missouri!

Waynesville NAHS volunteers at several events throughout the year. Members participated in painting a mural in Waynesville Park, giving away candy at Trunk N Treat with the theme “Where the Wild Things Are,” painting a plywood Christmas card for the Fort Leonard Wood Christmas tree lighting, painting the 7 Habits from Leader in Me in the cafeteria, and helping with Kindness Week by painting rocks. NAHS also provided an opportunity for members of the community to create clay ornaments or mugs in February and hosted a community paint night in April. NAHS also helped with theatre backdrops, painted faces at the Easter Egg Hunt, and created two murals for the school before the end of the school year.

Written by: Autumn Werner
Sponsors: Ms. Birdsell, Mrs. Luttrell, and Ms. Rushing

Are you ready to inspire your students and foster a vibrant arts community at your school? Consider starting an NAHS or NJAHS Chapter today! It’s a fantastic way to support young artists, encourage leadership, and bring exciting opportunities to your art program. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this creative community!

NAEA Invites YOU to register for the 2026 National Leadership Conference (NLC), from July 24–26, 2026, in Washington, DC. Spots are filling fast!

Designed to support experienced, emerging, and aspiring leaders in visual arts, design, and media arts education, the National Leadership Conference provides opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth (and the ability to log some professional learning hours while you're at it). Learn more and register here: https://ow.ly/T4Sb50YOM5h

The application deadline is approaching for members interested in serving on the 2026 Nominating Committee. Help shape the future leadership of NAEA by serving on the committee responsible for reviewing and selecting candidates for the 2026–2027 Board of Directors ballot and open 2027 ED&I and Research Commission positions. Learn more here: https://ow.ly/OHAP50Z4pyv

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We want to help you to submit your proposal to present at the 2027 NAEA National Convention happening March 4–6 in New York, NY! You can now access the resources and on demand recording from the April 30 Open Studio: Submitting Your Presentation Proposal for NAEA27 here: https://ow.ly/NPJ550Z0pUP

The National Art Education Association (NAEA) invites current and rising high school students from across the country to the 2026 National Student Arts Leadership Conference: Empowering Future Creative Leaders! This event will take place July 24–26, 2026, in Washington, DC.

The National Student Arts Leadership Conference brings together high school student artists from across the country for an inspiring experience that celebrates creative leadership, artistic growth, and student voice. Participants will take part in interactive presentations, hands-on workshops, museum visits, and meaningful opportunities to connect with peers and visual arts professionals.

Learn More:🔗https://ow.ly/mu3I50Z1ePt

We can’t wait to see you in Washington, DC!

Did you miss our recent NAEA Open Studio Conversation: Submitting Your Presentation Proposal for NAEA27? Login to NAEA’s Professional Learning Studio to watch the recording!

This online conversation covers the basics of submitting a presentation proposal for the upcoming 2027 NAEA National Convention. Walk through the proposal submission process with Laura Grundler, Director of Learning and Program Development, and Ray Yang, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Special Initiatives. Learn firsthand what you’ll need to prep your submission—plus tips to make it easier and more effective.

You can also download the NAEA27 Presentation Proposal Guidelines and visit the NAEA website to learn more!

💻Watch now: learning.arteducators.org/products/naea-open-studio-submitting-your-presentation-proposal-for-naea27

Even if you couldn’t join us in Chicago, you can still gain the information and inspiration from General Session Keynotes, Artist Series Speakers, and Super Sessions through the NAEA Professional Learning Studio—and receive professional learning credit for engaging online. Session recordings are available through September 30, 2026. See rates and details here. https://ow.ly/RogK50YYlwW

We’re back to spotlight more amazing NAEA Interest Groups—where art educators can connect, collaborate, and inspire!

Today we are highlighting the Committee on Multiethnic Concerns (COMC)—Established 1971.

COMC’s Purpose: To promote, strengthen, and encourage the role of visual arts education while fostering respect for and a greater understanding of cultural diversity within our society.

NAEA Interest Groups offer members a key opportunity to connect with other members who share an interest in a specific issue or topic in art education. Interest Groups share ideas, bring areas of concern to NAEA’s attention, and hold events at the NAEA National Convention.

Visit the NAEA website for more information for each Interest Group: arteducators.org/community/interest-groups