GAEA Conference Fall 2024

Based on a case study conducted at UGA ("Caregivers, Creativity, and Conversation: Investigating Place and Belonging at a Rural School Through Artmaking", Goeckel, 2024), this workshop explores strategies for using artmaking to engage caregivers and families from your school community in meaningful dialogue that promotes a sense of belonging, place, and community. While this research was investigated in a rural elementary school setting, it has applications across grade levels and settings. This workshop will discuss specific strategies and examples for facilitating parent and caregiver workshops, school-wide family events, and more that encourage intentional listening to learn more about families, establish strong family-school connections to build community and belonging, and weave artmaking into a variety of school experiences for students and families. This workshop will also give a brief glimpse into what Victoria calls her "Dollar General Art curriculum" that strives to make artmaking accessible and engaging for families, whether they are at home or at school.