GAEA Conference Fall 2024

The workshop begins with a step-by-step guide on preparing paper for artistic use. Participants learn techniques such as staining, texturing, and priming to enhance the paper's surface for different mediums.With a focus on mixed media, drawing, painting, and even embroidery, attendees discover innovative ways to elevate their creative expression even when traditional canvases or quality watercolor paper aren't readily available.

“We Want To Do More Than Survive” We want to do more than survive is the title of the best seller written by Bettina Love. Her research centers around the study of the inequalities in the educational system. The ability to have the difficult conversation about the shortcomings of the educational system regarding minority students and their failing hopes and dreams. The discussion and hands on activities allow space for anyone who wishes to make a genuine change in our current systemic failures. The activities and discussion invite participants to engage in the journey toward healing, justice and revolution. Examination of both We Want To Do More Than Survive and Punished for Dreaming is an invitation to listen, critique, heal, and fight for the schools and world we deserve. This opportunity provides space for reflection, rage, sorrow, dreams, and questions.Difficult discussions encourage you to feel, think deeply, and engage in meaningful dialogue and action. To address the inclusion aspect more specifically, We will also examine how neurodivergent children are valued and seen. The goal is for participants to leave with a renewed sense of hope and ideas to address equity, diversity, and inclusion in their personal lives and educational forums shedding the fear of having those difficult conversations that foster systemic change.

Discover a new twist (or stitch!) to mixed-media collage. An introduction to basic collage techniques -- combining paper and found materials with drawing and painting -- is followed by the additional element of stitching and embellishing. Participants will explore abstract and narrative compositions while experimenting with the opportunity to mix materials in surprising ways. Opportunities for differentiation to include all grade and skill levels is an important element of the workshop. Participants will create their own small canvas mixed-media artwork.

In this hand's on workshop, participants will discuss portraits and how to bring a fun spin by using animals as the main subject. We will discuss animal portraits and look at hand drawn, digital, and photo collaged examples. **Please bring any preferred supplies you like. (some supplies will be provided)**