GAEA Conference Fall 2024

The Art of local artist Lisette Corea @arrrtaddict SINCE I WAS A KID THE ONLY THING I EVER WANTED TO DO WAS BE A FASHION DESIGNER. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO BE LIVING MY DREAMS FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS. I BUILT MY CAREER IN THE FAST FASHION INDUSTRY BY HAVING GRAPHIC APPAREL IN STORES SUCH AS TARGET, MACY'S, ZUMIEZ, URBAN OUTFITTERS AND FOREVER 21, JUST TO NAME A FEW. THE COMPANIES I HAVE WORKED FOR HAVE TRUSTED ME TO DESIGN FOR EVERY DEMOGRAPHIC, GENRE AND STYE WHICH HAS MADE ME A WELL VERSED DESIGNER. MY SPECIALTY FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS HAS BEEN FOCUSED ON MENS STREETWEAR APPAREL. I LOVE BRANDING AND BRINGING PEOPLES VISIONS TO LIFE. I AM SOMEONE WHO CAN PUSH BOUNDARIES AND CREATE TREND SETTING DESIGNS THAT APPEAL TO THE MASS MARKET. EARLY ON I LEARNED THAT A T-SHIRT IS REALLY JUST A CANVAS AND IT HAS HELPED ME EXCEL INTO THE ARTIST I AM TODAY. MY ARRRTWORK UNDER MY ALIAS ARRRTADDICT HAS LEAD ME TO DO CONCERT POSTERS FOR RED BULL, TWO COLLABORATIONS WITH NIKE, BEER LABELS FOR SEVERAL BREWERIES, FLYERS FOR EVENTS AND MURALS ALL AROUND THE CITY OF ATLANTA. THERE ARE NO LIMITS WHEN IT COMES TO MY ARRRT. I HOPE THAT YOU CAN BE APART OF MY JOURNEY.

Local artist, Liz Alzona, presents about her work and leads a mixed media collage workshop. Liz Alzona is an award-winning, published artist and gifted storyteller. Inspired by extraordinary individuals and their stories of struggle and triumph, Liz uses bold and vibrant mixed media collages to ignite inspiration and foster connection. Her work emphasizes the desires, dreams, and legacies of both renowned figures and unsung heroes. Raised in Chicago by artist parents, Liz's passion for art began at a young age. She studied art alongside biology (B.S.), and neurophysiology (M.S.) at Loyola University Chicago, seamlessly integrating science, art, and narrative in her work. Currently based in Atlanta, Liz's work is featured in both private and public collections, including the James Clerk Maxwell foundation in Edinburgh, Scotland.

She was awarded the Rosemary Cox Award for Art from Georgia State University, featured in the Creative License magazine and has been mentioned on various digital platforms. Liz's most recent exhibitions span venues such as the Douglasville Cultural Arts Center, Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, the Alpharetta Arts Center, the Emma Darnell Aviation Museum and Conference Center, and the Swan Coach House Gallery. Notably, her collages also grace Midtown as banners in the “Art! Everywhere” project, the Southeast’s largest outdoor gallery bringing art to the community.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Liz has been a guest lecturer at Georgia State University and actively engages in local artistic events and workshops.

Please connect with her on

Instagram @lizalzonaart

View her work on lizalzonaart.com

Do you want to collaborate with your feeder schools and need a fresh new idea? Elementary, Middle, and High school students come together to put on a fabulous show where each student creates a piece of art that they can not wait to share with the community. This show has had more attendance than any other show I have done in 18 years of teaching and it has become an annual occurrence in our district. Walk away with ideas and a hands-on activity to take with you.

Sponsored by YAM and Royal Brush, this hands on workshop is adaptable to all ages! Come and explore this year's Youth Art Month theme, "Healing With Color" in this social emotional inspired lesson! "Make and take" your own example for a lesson that you can take back to your school and apply with any grade level! While you're creating, you will also be provided with some great activities and suggestions on how you can use YAM to elevate your visual arts program! Leave with a great lesson, example, YAM ideas, and some awesome Royal brushes, too!

Ever wondered how to truly ignite creativity in art education? The choice-based art approach is the answer. By empowering students to control their artistic journey, they develop problem-solving skills and confidence in their creativity. But how do we balance student-led and teacher-guided learning? Join us to explore the choice-based art program and discover how to foster creativity and self-expression effectively in your art room!

Maintaining a studio practice while being an art educator can be quite challenging. However, finding a balance between teaching and creativity is essential to our personal growth. This hands-on workshop will explore various sketchbook and journal prompts to help you jumpstart or revive your own art practice. Hear from a practicing artist educator about effective strategies to maintain an art practice at the end of a long workday.

We will look at several recycled material sculpture projects that are possible in your elementary art room. We'll focus most of our time on creating an art nouveau inspired lamp sculpture using recycled paper towel rolls. You’ll walk away with your own beautiful lamp, and a toolbox of sculpture lessons that your students are sure to love! Nothing keeps kids engaged like keeping their hands busy and messy. P.S. these lessons are sure to be show stoppers at your next art show! All supplies will be provided for you.