It is so exciting to see that veteran music educator Pam Kinsey has been recognized for her dedication to teaching and “always going beyond” the minimum. Pam is certainly a ‘high flyer’ and has been selected to receive the NFHS 2023-24 Music Outstanding Educator Award!
Pam has been a teacher leader with the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative turned Maine Arts Leadership Initiative turned Maine Arts Education Partners in Leadership. She served on the leadership team for many years planning professional development opportunities for Maine Visual and Performing Arts Educators. I’m sure that the initiative joins me and all of you in congratulating our colleague and friend Pam Kinsey for this well deserved award. YAHOooOOooo!
Pamela Kinsey is based in the Easton School District in Maine, has been the sole Music Teacher K-12 in Easton since 1988 and has held various positions in local and state music organizations. Kinsey has been an active member in NMMEA and MMEA, serving in leadership roles such as District Chair and President, showcasing her commitment to music education in Maine.
Press Release
A total of 56 individuals have been selected to receive Outstanding Performing Arts Educator Awards from the NFHS, including 22 with Outstanding Music Educator Awards, 21 with Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator Awards and 13 with Outstanding Theatre Awards.
The 22 music honorees include seven section recipients and 15 state recipients. Eight individuals are receiving section awards in speech and debate and 13 will be honored with state awards. In theatre, there are seven section and six state recipients.
Since 1988 when the first Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Awards were presented, 254 individuals have received section awards and 413 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Music Educator Awards began a year later in 1989, and 213 individuals have received section awards and another 394 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Theatre Award was given for the first time last year, separating it from the Outstanding Speech/Debate Educator Award, and 13 individuals have received section awards and 12 have earned state awards.
You want to be sure to attend this year’s annual Maine Music Educators Association conference on May 16 and 17, 2024 at the University of Maine. Who wouldn’t want to attend with these two silly and fun people?
The conference committee has been working on picking an exciting slate of session presenters. We will soon be announcing who will be presenting, but in the meantime, you can look forward to the following:
Choral reading sessions
Orchestra reading session
Conference-wide Keynote address by Matthew Arau: “Upbeat! The Power Within”
Sessions for every area of music education
Live performances
Networking with friends and colleagues
Getting a selfie with President Andy Forster in front of the MMEA banner
Up to 15 contact hours of high quality professional development
If you are one of the blog followers you’ve read about HundrED in the past. HundrED is an organization based in Helsinki, Finland who specializes in K-12 education innovation. Each year they put a call out for innovative ideas to be submitted for review. Some are selected and become part of the HundrED collection that serve as resources for educators around the world.
DEDICATION
“We at HundrED are dedicated to helping every child flourish by giving them access to quality education. We believe that with education innovations we can transform school systems and equip students with the skills to thrive as global citizens.”
MISSION
“The world is full of hardworking educators who are driving innovative, impactful, and scalable approaches in education. Our mission at HundrED is to give them the recognition and visibility they deserve.”
IMPACT
“At Hundred we believe that through identifying, amplifying, and facilitating the implementation of education innovations we can transform education systems and equip students with the skills to thrive as global citizens.”
In fact Hundred has identified 694 Innovations which have impacted 4.77 billion students. To land on the 694 innovations a team of reviewers have read through 24732 innovations. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the review process as a member of Hundred’s Academy. Each July for the past four years I’ve been invited to review the new innovation applications. It is an amazing opportunity. Below are just three that I find interesting.
Global Schools Program – The mission of Global Schools is to create a world where every primary and secondary student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to tackle the problems of the 21st century.
Play Africa – Disrupting the idea of a “museum,” Play Africa developed a flexible museum model to bring transformative learning experiences promoting creativity, innovation and connection to a divided society
Story Arts – Story Arts inspire creativity, critical thinking, communication, and empathy.
The HundrED Innovators represent countries from around the world. Along with the collections of innovations they have several different research reports and resources that are easily accessible on their website. All of the resources are available to the global community at no cost. I invite you to check them out.
The winter 2024 issue of the Maine Arts Journal is all about PLAY! It celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Surrealism and the pieces included penned by Maine artists, writers, and educators elaborate on how vital play is to the human experience. Maine poet Betsy Sholl writes,
“(M)aging art and allowing art to make us is perhaps one of the most serious and necessary kinds of play.”
I am continuing impressed by the tent of the UMVA Maine Arts Journal. Some of you are familiar with writers who have contributed including of dear friend from days gone by at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts Stuart Kestenbaum, Gibson Fay-LeBlanc, Susan Webster, Carl Little, and Maine Art Education President Cory Bucknam. You can read Cory’s piece and all the others by CLICKING HERE. You can subscribe at no cost at THIS LINK.
Student work of Cory Bucknam, fall 2023, white earthenware and tempera
The cover design is by Charlie Hewitt, neon sculptures inside NeoKraft sign shop in Lewiston.
UMVA is an amazing organization, please consider becoming a member. The journal alone is worth the price of membership. You can join at THIS LINK.
Perhaps you’d like to consider writing for the journal. If so, please email me at meartsed@gmail.com and I’d be glad to communicate with the details.
Spring MAEA Member Exhibit at the Saco Museum, “Changing Seasons”
Spring Member Exhibit at the Saco Museum, “Changing Seasons”
Whoops! I didn’t realize my mailing list was woefully out-of-date! It’s updated now, so all MAEA members should receive this email. If you’ve already received it – disregard this duplicate! I’m proud of our state association for our belief in educators as artists, and for supporting the artistic practice of our members. That’s why our Fall Conference focuses on hands-on experiences, why we have a thriving interest group (MAEA Creates!) devoted to art-making, and that’s why we have not one, but TWO Member Exhibits that allow us to share our artwork in professional venues. Our Spring Member Exhibit, “Changing Seasons”, at the Saco Museum is coming right up! The show will be up from February 10th through May 3rd, with an opening reception February 10th from 1:00-3:00 (snow date Feb 17th, same times). Participate by registering no later than January 31st at this link:
Not all of us live near Saco, however. Don’t let that stop you! We typically coordinate art shuttles to bring artwork in from other regions around the state. Want to help, or need a shuttle? Let me know!
Each year the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA) recognizes and celebrates outstanding educators during their annual spring conference. This year is no exception. Now, perhaps more than ever, taking the time to consider who does what to promote quality art education, is critical. We know that art teachers dedicate their lives to teaching. A career as an art teacher is forever woven into the fabric of dedicated teachers. YOU have the opportunity to nominate a colleague for their contributions. The deadline for nominations is January 5, 2024. CLICK HERE to nominate or email aeforme.awards@gmail.com for more detailed information.
The categories include the following:
Elementary Art Educator of the Year
Middle School Art Educator of the Year
High School Art Educator of the Year
Higher Ed Art Educator of the Year
New to the Profession Art Educator of the Year
Retired Art Educator of the Year
Museum Art Educator of the Year
Community Art Educator of the Year
Supervision/Administration Art Educator of the Year
Preservice Art Educator of the Year (nominations due April 5)
I’m fortunate to be collecting stories from the citizens of my town. Mrs. Mildred O’Jala was the oldest at 102 until she passed away over Thanksgiving. Grateful that we taped her life story in October. She was alert, articulate and happily showed us the basket of mittens and hats that she made for the elementary students and the church Winterberry Fair. The fair was held last Saturday and you betcha, I was there to purchase one last hat created by MIldred’s careful hands. The stitches absolutely perfect! Mrs. O’Jala may be gone from earth but her stories will live on. I’m certain that her hats and mittens will keep many heads and hands warm for years.
I’ve been thinking about the importance of stories as we plan the Sestercentennial (250 years) celebration for my hometown of Union. I know that many businesses are using stories to promote their product in an indirect way. This one is truly memorable and I just had to share. How do you use stories in your classrooms?
I usually stay home for Thanksgiving but not this year. Thanksgiving included visits with family and dear friends, some that I haven’t seen in many years. At the heart of each visit was catching up, reminiscing and storytelling. Our memories collide with bits and pieces of what each of us remember. Rooms filled with laughter, excitement and many kind words. My heart was full over and over and I experienced gratitude. Gratitude that I could make the trip, that I have my health to do so, and for all the kindnesses offered. As my friends and family members age and pass away I am reminded of the importance of connecting, living in the moment, giving to others, and living each day to the fullest. Everywhere I went yummy food was shared while listening, sharing, laughing, and taking pictures. So much laughter and smiling until my face hurt. I am grateful!
As I head back to Maine I am thinking about what Maine education and educators are experiencing over this holiday weekend. I had a long conversation with a friend who has been a teaching artist for over 30 years. Arts education funding has changed across the country in the last 25-35 years. We are feeling the impact of that now all these years later. We have a whole new generation of educators. I am amazed at how arts educators in Maine and across the country are so resilient. In spite of the lack of policy and funding in the arts education, excellent education in the arts continues to take place. Today I give THANKS for your contributions, whether you are a visual or performing arts teacher, a teaching artist, an administrator, a parent who understands the value of arts education or a supporter of quality arts education for all learners, THANK YOU! I am more grateful than you can imagine.
Thanks to Green Meadow Farm for the photo of their young turkeys.
Waterfall Arts, November 15, Open Clay Studio. Start a new project or finish something you have started. Don’t let your lack of studio equipment be an obstacle! Waterfall Arts has a well-furnished and staffed clay studio for artists of all skill levels (*must have some experience and an orientation before attending Open Studios) to drop in and work independently on their own projects. Drop-in rates are $20 for a 3-hour session. Maximum 5 artists during Open Studios. Studio Monitor, Jeremy Hollinger has a Fine Arts degree, specializing in Ceramic and Sculpture works.
Two-hour workshop, Fun with Fused Glass, Waterfall Arts, November 30, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Students will learn how to fuse a glass wave using a 4″x4″ flat glass sheet and bits of crushed transparent glass in shades of blue and green. Your unique design will be fired to a tack fuse to create a textured, 3D work of art to be displayed on a mini easel or used in a decorative way in your home. Instructor Sharon Warren, glass artist has a BS in Marine Engineering from the US Merchant Marine Academy. LEARN MORE!
WATERVILLE
Waterville Creates is hosting an extra-special Maine Art Education Association (MAEA) meet-up on Saturday November 18th, 9:00-12:00. Bring whatever art supplies you want to play with (there will also be fun extras and goodies to try, including a communal “crankie”)! In order to participate you need to be an MAEA member. Join at THIS LINK.
Last years Waterville Creates and MAEA workshop
The following two opportunities are open to anyone.
Ticonic Gallery + Studios is offering a Ceramic Jewelry Workshop with visiting artist Martha Grover from 10:00-2:00. A delightful beginner level jewelry making workshop. Martha will lead participants step-by-step to create unique ceramic jewelry that will be fired with hand-made ceramic elements. In this one-day workshop, students will make a variety of earrings, pendants, brooches, and beads. Beginners will be given individual attention while those with more experience can work at their desired pace. LEARN MORE. Register HERE.
Greene Block + Studios will be hosting the Elm City Small Press Fest from 11:00am – 4:00pm. The Small Press Fest is a free community event that focuses on independent publishing in the Maine region. The goal of the Fest is to promote contemporary creative publishing while stimulating and promoting creative economies in the area. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to browse independent publications and art prints and participate in free workshops throughout the day.
Argy Nestor
Arts Educator, Blogger, Artist, Connector meartsed@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/view/anestor/
Argy’s Blog
The purpose of this blog is to share stories about people and places; and to celebrate the amazing work (and play) that students, educators, and organizations are doing in and for arts education. In addition, the blog has a plethora of resources and innovative ideas. This forum gives blog readers the opportunity to learn from each other. It is essential that we listen, learn, and collaborate in order to build on teaching practices for the benefit of every learner in Maine and beyond.
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