KU visual art education students to show works at state conference Nov. 1 and 2

LAWRENCE -- The visual art education program at the University of Kansas will enjoy a strong showing at the Kansas Art Education Association conference Nov. 1 and 2 in Salina.

Four graduate students and five undergraduates will attend the annual conference, which this year celebrates the theme "First Things First: Building Foundations, Changing Lives."

"Participating in the art education conferences not only provides opportunities for professional development and networking for our students, it's a way KU can contribute to the quality of education in the state," said Liz Kowalchuk, associate professor of visual art education at KU.

Students representing KU at the conference, and their presentations, are:

 • Natalie Aillon, Lawrence graduate student in visual art education, "Creative, Collaborative Communication." Aillon will present a hands-on workshop about mail art, its origins and the possibilities it offers for new forms of communication.

 • Elizabeth Rowe, Overland Park junior in visual art education, "Queen of Arts." Rowe will present a hands-on workshop about the history and design of playing cards.

 • Cassie Sebring, Topeka junior in visual art education, "Industrial Photography." Sebring will present a lecture and criticism activity about the ways to interpret industrial photography in the classroom, focusing on the work of Lewis Hine, Bernd and Hilda Becher, and Jet Lowe.

 • Brian Pollack, Overland Park junior in visual art education, "Installation Art: Space Materials and Function." A hands-on workshop about the history, function and importance of art installation in the 21st century.

 • Trishia Nelson, Eden Prairie, Minn., junior in visual art education, "Just Bead It." A workshop about beads in society that will include exploration of polyform clay.

 • Erin Elisabeth Scott, Roca, Neb., junior in visual art education, "Tattoos: History and Temporary Solutions." A presentation about the art form of tattooing, including cross-cultural comparisons. Participants will experience a safe alternative with henna (Mehndi) and other removable tattoos.

 • Margaret Schramm, Merriam graduate student in visual art education, Elizabeth Gamber, Olathe graduate student in visual art education, and Deena Amont, Lawrence graduate student in visual art education, "Confronting the Challenges for First-Year Teachers." Schramm, Gamber and Amont will present a more scholarly look at the challenges beginning teachers face with Joyce Huser, fine arts consultant for the Kansas State Department of Education, and Kowalchuk. The presentation will provide advice and suggestions for meeting the challenges of managing a classroom, implementing lessons, locating resources and establishing an art program within a school.

The Kansas Art Education Association is dedicated to the advancement of human and cultural understanding through the study of art by providing opportunities for professional growth and development, exchange of knowledge and ideas, service and leadership for the advancement of quality art education.

For more information about the conference and its participants, please call the KU art and design departments, (785) 864-4401.