Summer Professional Development

MAEA is happy to share we will be offering two different summer professional development offerings this July and August.

The 2022 Wicked BooksmART book group will be reading: Art Making, Play, and Meaning Making by Sydney Walker. The book group will meet Wednesdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. from July 13 – August 17. More information and the link to register can be found here. 

We are also offering Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) for Arts Educators July 19-21 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day. More information and the link the register can be found here. 

April 22, 2022 Melissa Mastrolia 0

The Virtual MAEA Recognitions Exhibit is Live!

Congratulations to all of the artists with work in the exhibit! Please also take a moment to check out the 27 award winners on the MAEA website. 

Thank you to all of the educators who worked hard to make this virtual exhibit happen and to our sponsors, Davis Publications and Sargent Art.

MAEA Recognitions Committee 
Helen Downey, Former K-12 Curriculum Coordinator, Marlborough Public Schools; MAEA Treasurer
Laura Howick, Director of Education, Fitchburg Art Museum
Anne Kress, Retired Art Educator, Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools
Kathleen Flynn, Waltham High School
Brenna Johnson, Franklin High School
Rebecca Kostich, Groton-Dunstable Regional High School
Constance Moore, Winthrop High School
Diana Adams Woodruff, Former Visual Arts Director K-12, Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools; Recognitions Committee Chair
MAEA Recognitions Jury Panel:
Dr. Ralph Caouette: Adjunct Instructor, Fitchburg State University, NAEA 2021 MacArthur Goodwin Award for Distinguished Service Within the Profession
Anne Kress: Artist, Art Educator, Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools (Ret.)
Timothy O’Connor: Arts Administrator Scholastics /New England Art Conference Director (Ret.)
Dr. Kristi Oliver, Professional Development Manager, Davis Publications
Ann Holt PhD: Art & Design Educator, Visiting Assistant Professor, Pratt Institute School of Art, Adjunct Instructor, Adelphi University, Advisor and Artist Teacher, Arts Action Group, artsaction.org

SARGENT ART FOR SPONSORING Youth Art Month MAEA

March 27, 2022 Melissa Mastrolia 0

Congratulations!

The MAEA Executive Committee is excited to appoint the following MAEA members to the MAEA Board of Directors. MAEA terms run January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023 unless otherwise noted.

  • Diana Navarrete-Rackauckas | ED&I Director-Elect
  • Rebecca Kostich | NAHS Representative 
  • Margaurita Spear | Early Childhood Representative
  • Billy Claire | Independent Schools Representative
  • Laura Evonne Steinman | Special Needs Representative
  • Alyssa Taranto | Media Arts Representative
  • Lydia Gruner | Conference Committee Chair, term ends December 31, 2022
  • Diana Adams Woodruff | Student Recognition Committee Chair
  • Amy Hussey & Helen Downey | Youth Art Month Co-Committee Chairs

Currently open positions include: President-Elect, Retired Representative, Community Arts Representative, Exhibitions Committee Chair, Awards Committee Chair, Advocacy Liaison, Webmaster, Publications Editor, Secondary Division Director. Click here for more information as well as how to apply for any open position.

January 24, 2022 Melissa Mastrolia 0

Support MAEA by buying some MAEA merch

We are happy to share we have new merch available in conjunction with the 2021 MAEA Conference. Check out the QRSTs storefront to purchase your own 2021 Renew.Rebirth.Reinvigorate t-shirt or sweatshirt, or a newly redesigned WickedsmART t-shirt or sweatshirt.

November 11, 2021 Melissa Mastrolia 0

Arts Learning 34th Annual Champions of Arts Education Advocacy Awards

The 34th Annual Arts Learning Champions of Arts Education Advocacy Awards are a little more than 3 weeks away. This year’s event will be live AND Live-streamed!

Arts educators and advocates being celebrated are Diana Adams Woodruff, Senator Harriette L. Chandler, Lisa Donovan, Representative Carole Fiola, Alexandra Gelles Etscovitz, Julie Jaron, and Emily Ruddock.

Champions of Arts Education Advocacy Awards Ceremony will take place November 17 at Old Sturbridge Village Visitors Center Theatre.

REGISTER HERE to attend LIVE
REGISTER HERE to attend VIRTUALLY

Proof of vaccinations required.
Masks must be worn indoors.

6:30 p.m. – Reception for guests and honorees
7:30 p.m. – Ceremony

For 34 years we have recognized arts educators, administrators and policy makers who advocate for and support arts education in our Commonwealth.

October 25, 2021 Melissa Mastrolia 0

Fall/Winter MAEA News

In this issue you’ll find the President’s Message from Melissa Mastrolia, as well as articles and updates from Editor Jane McKeag, Billy Claire, Lydia Gruner, Maura Jereb, Emily Moran, Margaurita Spear, and Emily Valenza.
Thank you to everyone who submitted articles and updates for this edition of the publication!
Learn more about submitting on our website or email Jane McKeag at editor@massarted.com if you have any questions or would like her to walk you through the process.
October 20, 2021 Melissa Mastrolia 0

Congratulations Emily Ruddock

THE GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD
The Arts|Learning Good Neighbor Award is awarded to organizations or individuals who have gone out of their way to offer logistical, technical, moral, or financial support for arts education to thrive in their community.

As Executive director of MASSCreative, Emily Ruddock brings 15 years of experience in strategic and management positions for non-profit arts organizations. Before joining MASSCreative in 2017, Ms. Ruddock was the first director of the City of Lynn’s Downtown Cultural District, and the artistic producer at Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT)
As director of Lynn’s Downtown Cultural District, Ms. Ruddock was highly regarded by city officials and local arts leaders for her leadership in coordinating arts and cultural organizations for neighborhood revitalization and economic development. Ms.Ruddock worked with elected city and state officials on a range of projects to promote downtown Lynn and the arts community, including drafting legislation establishing the city’s first Public Art Commission. She also organized and executed free public events featuring local arts and community groups.
Ms. Ruddock is a proud member of the Mass Nonprofit Network’s Board of Directors. She is a potter who loves making original ceramic art and functional ware for her home, her family and her friends. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Critical Social Thought from Mount Holyoke College.
We honor Emily Ruddock for her work advocating for a “Commonwealth of Massachusetts where arts, culture, and creativity are an expected, well-funded and valued part of everyday life, recognized for their significant impact on building civic engagement and economically vibrant, equitable communities.”
SAVE THE DATE!

The 34th Annual Champions of Arts Education Advocacy Awards Celebration will be held on November 17th at Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566

This year’s event will be live AND livestreamed! Stay tuned for more information about this event.

October 20, 2021 Melissa Mastrolia 0

Congratulations Julie Jaron

KATHY TOSOLINI EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
The Arts|Learning  Excellence in School Administration award honors a school administrator for exemplary support for, and commitment to high-quality arts education programs, leadership in promoting arts education and building community support. The recipient is an active advocate for the arts and shows outstanding leadership and rapport with students, teachers, parents, and the community.

Julie Jaron is the Director of Visual and Performing Arts for the Springfield Public Schools. For over thirty-five years Ms. Jaron has dedicated herself to a full spectrum of music and arts programming that supports and promotes the academic achievements of students Pre-K – 12.
Ms. Jaron provides professional support to arts teachers, advocates for and manages budgets and resources for arts programming, serves as an arts-focused liaison between the school district, the Springfield community and beyond, fosters the design and implementation of high-quality curricula benefiting students’ arts education, and facilitates professional development that enhances or develops arts instruction, curricula and assessment.
One of the greatest successes during Ms. Jaron’s tenure as Director of Visual & Performing Arts has been the institution of visual art and music programs at all Springfield Public Schools, K-12. With this resounding achievement, SPS arts curricula continues to evolve so that all students can artistically express who they are, where they come from, and what’s important to them in a supportive academic environment.
At the core of all Julie Jaron’s work is the desire to inspire and create equitable arts education opportunities, provide culturally responsive, relevant, and meaningful arts experiences, and to empower all educators to instill in children the love of learning both in and through the arts.
SAVE THE DATE!

The 34th Annual Champions of Arts Education Advocacy Awards Celebration will be held on November 17th at Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566

This year’s event will be live AND livestreamed! Stay tuned for more information about this event.

October 14, 2021 Melissa Mastrolia 0