Greetings!

More Conference Workshop Spaces Now Available!

The FAEA Annual Conference is returning to beautiful St. Petersburg on October 15-18 for an inspiring event filled with hands-on workshops, insightful presentations, and fantastic networking opportunities designed to ignite your passion for art education.

Register by September 13 to take advantage of the early bird discount before registration prices increase on September 14.

Hands-On Workshops — Additional Capacity

We heard your feedback loud and clear about workshops always filling up early. To make sure you have the best conference experience, we have opened up additional opportunities for you to participate in our most popular hands-on sessions. Whether you're looking to explore a new medium, sharpen your skills, or learn a new project for your classroom, now is your chance to sign up!



Conference Highlights:

• Professional Learning: Master new techniques and gain practical insights from top art education leaders across the state by attending hands-on workshops, art forums, demonstrations, and product showcases.
• Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Recharge your vision with nationally renowned keynote speakers and artists Michael Albert and Steven & William Ladd.
• Exhibit Hall: Explore innovative materials, tools, and trends from top-tier industry vendors.
• Exclusive Cultural Experiences: Visit world-class museums for free during exclusive nighttime events at the Imagine Museum, The Dalí Museum, and FloridaRAMA!
• Recognition & Fun: Honor excellence in visual arts education at our annual Awards Celebration, and cap off an unforgettable weekend glowing on the dance floor at our finale Neon Artist Party!
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with your peers and share resources at the New Teacher Big Giveaway, Artful Happenings, Division Meetings, and much more!

Click here to register for the FAEA Conference or add additional workshops to your registration.

Dear FAEA Family,

Welcome to September! As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, I hope your classrooms and studios are buzzing with creativity, energy, and inspiration. Following up on our August reflections as we embarked on this new journey together, I want to take a moment to share some exciting updates and heartfelt gratitude as we move forward into the season ahead.

Over the past few months, I have been listening closely to your feedback, and I am thrilled to share that we have some new and exciting initiatives planned for you this year!

Key Updates & Monthly Highlights

• Mindfulness Monday Social Media Campaign: Teaching art is deeply rewarding, but it can also be demanding. To help you recharge, look out for our new #MindfulnessMonday posts across our social media every week. We will be sharing quick creative prompts, stress-relief strategies, and inspiring reflections to start your week with intention.
• Your Voice Matters – Register to Vote: As shared in our August message, advocacy extends beyond our classrooms. With crucial elections approaching, please make sure your voice is heard. Take a moment today to check your voter status or register to vote for upcoming local and general elections.
• 2026 FAEA Conference Registration is Here: Get ready to flock together and ignite your creative spark! Registration is officially live for the 2026 FAEA Annual Conference, taking place October 15–18, 2026, at the stunning Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront! Inspired by “The Flamingo Effect”, the powerful idea that art educators, much like flamingos, thrive, stay vibrant, and shine brightest when gathering in a flock to nourish one another, this year’s conference is set to be our most inspiring event yet. 
• Thank You for Your Continued Membership: FAEA is strong because of you. We extend our deepest gratitude to our returning members for your ongoing dedication, passion, and support of visual arts education across Florida. Your membership keeps our community vibrant and resilient.
• Invite a Colleague: Know an art educator, administrator, or advocate who hasn't joined our community yet? Help us grow our support network! Reach out and invite a colleague to join FAEA today so they too can access all the exciting things we have to offer. 

Thank you for all that you do every single day to nurture and inspire the next generation of artists and creative thinkers. As Cyndi Lauper sang, "I see your true colors shining through," and we can’t wait to see yours shine in St. Pete this October!

With warm regards,

Christy Garton

President, Florida Art Education Association

2027 Youth Art Month Flag Competition

Your Story, Your Community

The FAEA Youth Art Month (YAM) Flag Competition is returning for the 2026-2027 school year! Submit your students' flag designs for the chance to represent Florida at the 2027 National Art Education Association (NAEA) Convention.

Submissions Accepted:

September 14 - November 20, 2026

Click here to learn more about the YAM Flag Competition and download the lesson plan for this activity.

Cover Artwork:

Camila Martinez (Grade 10)

Summer Bliss

Photography

Westminster Christian School

Teacher: Kimberly Comber

Miami-Dade County