Southwest Georgia art educators will have a unique opportunity to come together for professional development and networking with peers at Art Ed. Connect. The workshop is 9 am-2 pm on Wednesday, March 16 at the Albany Museum of Art.

“The Albany Museum of Art recognizes the benefits of arts education in every setting,” AMA Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem said. “Social and emotional support and specialized professional development for art teachers should involve opportunities to collaborate and share ideas with each other.”

Art Ed. Connect is for art educators teaching in grades kindergarten through college. Vanoteghem said participants will be able to meet and learn from peers, network and grow a support system.

“Research shows that professional development leads to better instruction and improved student learning when it connects to the curriculum materials that teachers use,” she said.

Participating educators will take part in discussions and hands-on workshops; discover new effective lesson plans, tips and tricks, and be inspired with innovative ideas to take back to their classrooms.

Additionally, participants will receive a tour of the five current winter exhibitions, engage in gallery discussions, and practice Visual Thinking Strategies, an inquiry-based teaching strategy for all grade levels. 

The cost for an educator to attend this professional development opportunity is $25. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. A link for secure registration may be found at www.albanymuseum.com/art-ed-connect.

Teachers with questions about the program or registration may contact Vanoteghem at [email protected] or call her at 229.439.8400. 

AMA EXHIBITIONS

• The Way of Life, Works by Ray Pierotti is in the Haley Gallery Jan 20 -April 23, 2022.
• Prismatic, Works by Melissa Huang is in the East Gallery Jan 20 -April 23, 2022.
• Ordo naturalis, Works by Eric Mack is in the McCormack Gallery Jan 20 -April 23, 2022.
• African Artifacts of Spirituality and Identity is in the Hodges Gallery Jan 20 -April 23, 2022.
• Escape Plan, installation by Elinor Saragoussi, is in the West Gallery.