The Museum’s Annual Superintendent’s Day Conference for K-12 art educators on November 5, welcomed 102 teachers from 18 school districts across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
The full day of Professional Development at both The Heckscher Museum of Art and nearby Huntington Fine Arts inspired teachers to make authentic connections as artists, and gain fresh ideas to enhance their curriculum in the classroom. Teachers received professional development credits for the day’s activities.
At the Museum, teachers were able to see the current exhibition, The Body Politic: Long Island Biennial. Biennial artist Edward Acosta was joined by artist Joan Kim Suzuki in presenting their work. The artists then led the teachers in art activities inspired by their work.
At Huntington Fine Arts, Biennial artist Manuel Alejandro Macarrulla was on hand to talk about his art and lead a mask making activity inspired by his work. The studio space at Huntington Fine Arts also offers teachers the opportunity to dive deep into additional hands-on activities. A live nude model was posing, and unique still lifes were set up for everyone’s drawing pleasure. About the opportunity to share with colleagues, Macarrulla noted, “the enjoyment of the projects themselves carry their own value.” Adding, “You never know when a simple direction given, or, even, the example of a peer’s inspired response to the task may enhance a teacher’s future work with students.”
“It’s fabulous to see how this conference has continued to grow over the years,” commented Director of Education & Public Programs, Joy Weiner. “Being a resource for K-12 art teachers and their students is at the very heart of our mission at the Museum. It’s particularly wonderful to do this conference in a Biennial year where exhibiting artists can participate and inspire the attendees.”
