NILS2024

It can be really hard to get started on any type of project regardless of the subject matter.

Grid journaling is an excellent way to warm up and ignite creative flow—not to mention the satisfaction of pealing away a perfect grid upon completion.

Whether you choose to sample color palettes, experiment with different materials, or explore mark-making, the act of working quickly (and small) will get your mind and body ready for larger endeavors. Use this technique with your students as a daily warm up, early finisher activity, or try it yourself before or after you teach to steady your mental state.

This is not just for art educators -- ALL ARE WELCOME!

Puppetry has been a part of performance traditions for thousands of years. The ability to bring an inanimate object to life and tell a story strikes at the core of imagination. Puppetry invites us to work creatively and collaboratively. This workshop will focus on the bunraku style puppets from Japan and ask participants to work as teams to bring their puppets to life. This interactive work will allow for an exploration of how puppets can help students experience SEL in a unique and fun way.

With a group workshop model, visual art teachers from all grade levels will be given the time and space to re-think and re-evaluate the work they are doing in regards to at least one specific unit or project that is taught. The time will be allocated for brainstorming and collaboration amongst various grade levels to extend the current work art teachers are doing to provide spaces for problem solving, independent thinking, and success amongst artists in the studio.

In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how to effectively integrate specific vocabulary into song creation using Magic School and Suno. Attendees will learn techniques to engage students in vocabulary development through music, enhancing their overall language skills. By the end of the session, educators will have practical strategies and resources to create original songs that reinforce vocabulary in a fun and memorable way. Participants will leave with ready-to-use materials that can be immediately implemented in their classrooms to enrich students' learning experiences. Join us to discover the power of music in education!

Puppetry has been a part of performance traditions for thousands of years. The ability to bring an inanimate object to life and tell a story strikes at the core of imagination. Puppetry invites us to work creatively and collaboratively. This workshop will focus on the bunraku style puppets from Japan and ask participants to work as teams to bring their puppets to life. This interactive work will allow for an exploration of how puppets can help students experience SEL in a unique and fun way.

Join us for an engaging watercolor workshop designed to equip teachers with creative techniques that can be immediately applied in the classroom. Participants will explore basic watercolor techniques, color mixing, and brush handling to create vibrant, expressive artwork. You’ll also discover how to incorporate watercolor activities into lesson plans, promoting creativity and mindfulness among students. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with hands-on projects and practical resources that can enhance your teaching, whether in arts education or cross-curricular activities. No prior art experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm to learn and create!