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AWTT to be Honored by Maine Art Education Association
We are pleased to announce that Americans Who Tell the Truth has been named the 2024 Maine Art Education Association’s Art Advocate of the Year.
MAEA announced the 2024 award in a letter this week from the Association’s president, Cory Bucknam, to artist Robert Shetterly and AWTT education director Connie Carter:
“Your creative and dedicated efforts using art education as a way to inspire teachers and students to participate in environmental and social justice activism is recognized by many. This is our most gracious thanks for your continued work at the state and national levels and for the difference you make in shaping informed, creative, and active citizens in our democracy.”
A recognition ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 9th, 3:30-6:30 p.m., during the Youth Art Month Celebration at the Portland Museum of Art. The celebration will be one event during a statewide celebration of art in the schools, honoring K-12 artists with an exhibition of their works at the museum.
MAEA exists to advance three goals:
- To encourage best practices in standards-based and learner-centered visual arts classrooms in all Maine schools.
- To foster high quality teaching in visual arts and provide professional opportunities in curriculum, instruction and assessment, as well as in current issues and artistic practice.
- To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and support collaboration among educators and other arts agencies to ensure quality programs for all learners.
Youth Art Month at the Portland Museum of Art is an annual exhibition showcasing the incredible talent in Maine’s art education programs. In collaboration with the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA), the PMA is presents artwork made by young artists in our communities. Youth Art Month is also an opportunity to highlight the art educators in our schools and the importance of and access to quality art programs. Art educators help to inspire and empower young artists, creating avenues for young artists to express their creativity, find their voice, and cultivate communication skills. Read more on the PMA site.
The larger event also includes a weeklong celebration of arts education, March 28 – April 1, including a celebratory gathering on March 31, featuring actor and arts advocate John Lithgow and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree. Read more here.