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I was delighted to participate in the Museum of Art and Design‘s professional development workshop for NYC teachers working in ALternative Learning Centers.  I started my keynote on “Art and Transformative Education” with a drawing activity and ended with reflections on how art can provide a space for conversations about violence, racism, and inequality that can motivate young people to action.  It was inspiring to hear the passion these committed educators have for their students.

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Had so much fun learning from the very talented and creative teaching artists at the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program during a workshop I led on “Social Justice Art Education” on February 25, 2014. This tremendous group works with youth groups all over the city and had fantastic insights on what it means to be working artist-teachers trying to empower–not just direct–young people.

IMG_1308IMG_1200IMG_1197 We boarded a bus bright and early in NYC for MTS‘s first conference road trip to Baltimore for the annual meeting of the American Alliance of Museums. The teen participants wow’ed the international audience with their poise, professionalism, and insight into what works for teens in museums. Afterwards we explored Baltimore, paddled dragon boats in the harbor, and stuffed our bags with pens and post-its at the exhibition hall.

The final exhibition of teen artwork from this spring’s City Art Lab drew crowds of over 150 family, friends, educators, and fans to Azucarar Gallery in Harlem to celebrate the work of a talented group of young artists. The exhibition was curated and installed by the graduate students in City College’s Art Education program.  Not a bad way to finish up the semester.