Greetings!

FAEA members are invited to cast their vote to select the student artwork for the design of the 2026 Youth Art Month (YAM) Flag! The winning design will represent the state of Florida at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Convention this March in Chicago, IL.

Voting closes at 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Take 30 seconds today to cast your vote!

Dear FAEA Family,

As I approach the end of my term, I’m feeling all the feels. I’m deeply grateful to every one of you who has shown up as your authentic self, and to those who worked to keep FAEA alive during challenging times. I’m also a little sad to think I won’t get to share my “crazy thoughts” with you in this space each month. I feel like we’ve become the best of friends.

But I’m also excited — because THE Christy Garton is about to take the helm of this awesome ship. For those who don’t know her well, let me paint a quick picture: She loves aliens. She’s a killer karaoke queen who can wow you with her 90s rap styling. She’s fashionable and fun, with a background in sales and a Rolodex of educational knowledge. She’s also approaching the finish line of her Master’s Degree. Christy has a soft and powerful heart and serves as the Senior Administrator for Visual and Performing Arts in Orange County Public Schools, supporting approximately 800 arts educators (that’s another FAEA right there!). Most importantly — she wants to hear from you.

So please, welcome and support her the way you’ve supported me.

Fill your cup, rest your spirit, and remember the joy that brought you to this work.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you for letting me serve you.

P.S. EVER yours.

P.S.S. Together we are STRONGER.

Warm regards,

Latonya Hicks

FAEA President

Florida Student Art Assessment

FAEA's Florida Student Art Assessment is Florida's premier program for assessing student artwork. This program serves as a tool to help visual art teachers develop their art programs, foster performance in the classroom, and celebrate the artistic achievements of Florida's students, teachers, and school art programs.

Submissions are now open! Log in to your FAEA account to submit your students' artwork today.

Deadlines:

• February 13, 2026 - deadline to submit student artwork submissions
• February 27, 2026 - deadline for FAEA office to receive payments and signed release forms

*New this year: You may now enter up to three entries per student.

Click here to learn more about the Florida Student Art Assessment, view the guidelines, access the scoring rubrics, and view past years' virtual exhibitions.

Not Too Late to Donate!

Thank you to all of the donors who supported FAEA on #GivingTuesday this week! While GivingTuesday may be over, it's not too late to donate to FAEA. You can support FAEA all year long by donating at FAEA.org/donate.

With your support, FAEA will continue its mission to promote high-quality art education in Florida.

Click here to donate!