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Art Teachers Association

Artful Minds 

Provincial Conference – Friday October 25, 2024

 
Our Halifax and Sydney Conferences will follow the same schedule.  Participants will select one workshop (4 hours in duration) that will have a morning session and afternoon session, with a lunch break in between. Click here to access the ATA website.

Accuracy of conference information cannot be guaranteed. In the event of a discrepancy, precedent should be given to the appropriate Conference Registration page.

 

Registration closed

 Registration Limit: 345 
No refunds after Friday October 11, 2024

 Registration Information

 
Conference Fee (NSTU Members)
$100.00
Substitutes
$60.00
Pre-Service Teachers
$60.00
Retired Members
$60.00
Other Affiliates
$60.00
As per NSTU Operational Procedure 14 E. IV.: receipts of payment and attendance will not be distributed until the conference has concluded.

 Locations

 

Sackville High School

Cape Breton Centre For Craft & Design

1 King Fisher Way | Lower Sackville, NS
322 Charlotte Street | Sydney, NS

 Conference Schedule

 
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Registration (coffee/tea & treats)
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session A
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch (not provided)

 Agenda

└ Halifax

Friday October 25, 2024 

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Annual General Meeting
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Devon Vankoughnett
 A • Explorations in Clay Sgraffito
During the morning portion of the day participants will use hand building techniques to create simple forms in clay. After the lunch hour, we will add coloured underglaze to our forms that we will then draw into to create sgraffito designs. Sgraffito is a ceramic technique where the painted surface of the clay is scraped away to revel the colour of the clay below. No experience is necessary to take this course, just an open mind to exploring mark making and drawing on clay. All work will be fired by me in my home kiln and available a few weeks after the conference for participants to pick up at my studio in Waverley.
Devon Vankoughnett studied ceramics at both Langara in Vancouver and at NSCAD in Halifax. She has been a junior high and high school art teacher with HRCE for the last 15 years and currently runs the Arts Lab for ceramics and fused glass at Rocky Lake JH. She also has a home studio where she creates and sells her own work.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Shan Liu
 A • Stampmaking Workshop
In this workshop, we will introduce basic relief printmaking methods, focusing on stamp making. In the morning, I will demonstrate image transfer, basic carving, and printing skills. We will have time for small practice pieces, such as carving leaves and making patterns. In the afternoon, we will spend time carving a larger block, and I will also briefly introduce other low-cost printmaking methods such as collagraph and Styrofoam printing. This year, I am planning to add a watercolor wet-on-wet painting activity at the beginning so that, by the end of the class, you will have the option to print on your watercolor background. I found that watercolor and stamp making complement each other well. So, just relax and have some fun. There is no need to have strong drawing skills.
Shan Liu is a Halifax-based art educator, printmaker, and children's book illustrator. I have many years of experience working as a graphic designer. In the past five years, I have published illustrated books and become an art teacher. My favorite art mediums are watercolor, stamp-making, and collage. I am also very passionate about sharing my creative skills in classrooms and various workshops. This is my fifth time teaching at the ATA conference. I hope we will have a wonderful creative time together.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30

Theresa Meuse
 A • A Medicine Wheel Teaching
Participants learn to better understand how to live a balanced lifestyle by focusing on their Spiritual, Environmental, Physical and Mental well-being. The facilitator uses a PowerPoint presentation that includes interaction from participants. The workshop ends with participants creating a medicine wheel for take home.
Theresa Meuse was raised in L’sitkuk Mi’kmaw (Bear River) community and left in 1986 to attend Dalhousie University as a mature student. Since graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree, she has been employed with several Mi’kmaq organizations including, the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, The Atlantic Policy Congress and the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center. Along with being privileged to serve a two-year term as Chief in her community, Theresa also spent many years working as an Indigenous Educator and Advisor. She presently operates an online craft business, is a Knowledge Sharer and is the author of four published children’s books entitled, The Sharing Circle, L’nu’k, The Gathering and Sweet Grass. Theresa is a wife, mother of three and grandmother of four. 
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 20

Britt Vegsund
 A • Physically active art lessons: Let's explore the possibilities!
In this workshop, through a hands-on and fun approach, participants will be introduced to the core concepts of physically active learning (PAL), which has been popularly defined as the "integration of physical activity into key learning areas other than physical education" (Watson et al. 2017). Through a series of example PAL lessons from across the curriculum and from across grade levels, we will explore the how PAL can support student engagement as well as increase physical activity within the school day. We will then workshop and co-design arts curriculum-based PAL lessons for future use by teachers across NS. Please come prepared to move in a non-competitive, inclusive environment, with some curriculum ideas up your sleeve for our co-design process.
Britt Vegsund is a health promotor and educator who has been leading the NS Active Smarter Kids Project since 2018. She loves helping classroom teachers and system administrators find the joy and engagement that comes when we incorporate simple, non-competitive, and often outdoors movement into the review of curriculum outcomes - in any subject area and across all grade levels. For more on the NS ASK Project, please visit www.nsaskproject.ca.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Sloane Rioux
 A • Still Life Painting from Observation
In this acrylic painting workshop, participants would focus on colour mixing and technical application and observational skills. Participants would be taught how to accurately translate a still life set up into a painting.
My name is Sloane (she/her), and I am a Junior High art teacher and artist. I have a Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Education Degree in Secondary, and am a certified Fine Arts Specialist. In my own art practice, I am an oil painter focusing on the exploration of perception. My work includes realism and elements of magical abstraction. During my teaching practice, I am very interested in teaching technical visual art skills and exploring youth psychology and the connection of art and mental health for students.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Angela J. Davis
 A • Exploring Rug Hooking
We will explore various rug hooking techniques by experimenting on a small kit. We will have detailed discussions on the techniques used and various ways to present and finish projects.
Angela J. Davis is an artist who delights in exploring various media and techniques. Davis has spent her career promoting creativity and positivity through unique approaches and 'hands on' experiences.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Dave Drapak
 A • Watercolour in the Art Classroom
Perhaps you teach painting and want to try a kind of paint that is vibrant, but less messy. Or perhaps you just want to have a hands-on day to learn the basics of colour theory, mixing, layering, and intensity control. Or you would like to learn how to use colour to express emotion. All of that, plus general art teaching tips and a watercolour painting kit for you to take home!
Dave has been teaching high school for over 25 years. He especially loves teaching beginners. He also thinks that writing in the third person is awkward.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Karyn Harrison
 A • Student-Centred Art Education: Grades 7-12
Come explore how to use the power of student-directed learning to meet the needs of both students and teachers. Gain a deeper understanding of classroom practices and strategies for creating studio communities that empower all learners to make art that is uniquely theirs.
Karyn Harrison is a visual arts educator and researcher residing in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. She holds a doctorate from the University of Glasgow. Karyn teaches grades 7-9 Visual Arts in HRCE using a Choice-Based Pedagogy. She also instructs in the Master of Arts in Art Education program at NSCAD University.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Rita Van Tassel
 A • Owl See You There
We'll use wool blend felt to sculpt and stitch elegant perching Barn Owls. Pattern pieces will be provided and using layering, a bit of wire and embroidery floss your creation will come to life.
Rita has worked within the fields of Art and Craft in Nova Scotia for 20 years through both formal education and producing a series of instructional sewing kits.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 20

Brody Weaver
 A10  • The Queer Art of Activism
In this workshop, we will look at examples of activist and socially engaged art practise made by queer and trans artists and engage in critical discussion about the topics addressed and the form the works take. Some artists and topics will include ACT UP, the AIDS Quilt, Tourmaline, Museum of Trans History and Art, drag and fashion, and more. With these examples in mind, we will consider and brainstorm how similar examples can be integrated into high school (10-12) art classes and frameworks for the inclusion of queer and trans artists into existing curricular outcomes.
Brody Weaver is a white-settler media artist, educator and writer currently living and studying in Kjipuktuk (so-called “Halifax, Nova Scotia”). She has a BA in Art History and Contemporary Culture and was a Media Art Scholar at the Centre for Art Tapes in 2022-23 where she made a feature length, collaborative documentary about trans people, health care, and the depth of knowledge that this community holds. From April–September 2024, she was the Writer-in-Residence at Eyelevel Artist Run Centre. She has worked in archives and collections, academic and arts-based research, and as a facilitator for art and community-based education programs.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25

Linnet Finley
 A11  • Stitching Your Way to Calm in the Classroom
Embroidery and slow-stitching are exciting ways to explore many aspects of art and design. However, they have also been found to be incredibly restorative and have many mental health/stress reduction benefits that we all need in this day and age. Join me to learn beginner embroidery and surface design techniques in a fun, relaxed setting. I will give you an overview of the basic tools and supplies needed for embroidery, and you will learn a selection of the most useful surface embroidery stitches. In addition, we will discuss how to create and transfer your own embroidery designs and how to utilize embroidery in different ways (including visible mending and using repurposed materials). All supplies are provided in a kit that you can take home to continue your explorations in stitching.
Linnet Finley is a community-engaged fibre artist, educator, and mother living and working in the North End of Kjipuktuk/Halifax, NS. With a keen sense of colour, Linnet produces vibrant and engaging artworks executed with a practiced skill that honours the long tradition of textile and embroidery craft. A self-taught artist, she has over 20 years of experience honing her craft, and the act of "making" has always been an integral part of her life. Linnet's art practice aims to foster community by creating connections. Much of this work utilises stitching and embroidery as an approachable and comfortable vehicle to tackle more complex questions, drawing the community into meaningful conversation. "The community I am actively seeking to create is a diverse one where people's histories and stories are honoured, and their shared spaces are protected."
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Robin Jensen
 A12  • Open Studio
This is an open space for art educators who have ideas they would like to explore independently in a shared studio space. Some art supplies will be available for your use, including basic drawing, painting, and some printmaking materials. Please bring anything special you might need outside of those items with you. This is an opportunity to sit and focus on your own art practice, share a creative space with other art educators, or learn something new you have been meaning to try in a self-directed approach.
Robin Jensen has been teaching Visual Arts in Nova Scotia since 1998. She is currently a Fine Arts Specialist in the Halifax West Family of Schools, bringing arts enhancement opportunities to classrooms from grades primary to twelve. She continues to find inspiration for teaching and learning alongside the doodlers, dreamers, builders, and changemakers she collaborates with everyday in Nova Scotia classrooms.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Lynn Coolen
 A13  • Zero Skill/Zero $$$: Surviving Art in the ELEMENTARY Classroom
This workshop is for any teacher interested in bringing art to the classroom but has no prior knowledge, or little to no budget. This workshop will guide teachers in directions of Free or economic resources available to them, how to use simple inexpensive tools, making their own tools and materials, organizing art materials in a classroom (with no sink), how to repurpose and reuse everyday items, and other tips, tricks and tools of the trade. There will be hands-on activities, art pieces produced, lesson plans provided and other resources to take home.
Lynn Coolen is from Cole Harbour NS with strong roots in the south shore area of Lunenburg NS. In addition to artistic interests, Lynn is also a “crazy plant lady” and “wannabe chef”. She has over 28 years of classroom teaching experiences with HRCE. After completing her training from NSCAD, she has been working since 2016 under HRM Supplementary Funding at Halifax Regional Arts as a Fine Arts Specialist for grades P-12. Lynn’s focus is Visual Arts. She considers herself a “Jack of all trades but master of none” as she enjoys sharing her various artistic interests with the students and teachers she works with. Watercolour painting, felting, metal embossing, screen printing, sculpture, folk art and ceramics are just a few of the many art mediums and experiences she brings to classrooms.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 12

Melanie Morrissey
 A14  • Intro to Stamp-Making and Linocut Printing
Discover the art of linocut printing in this introductory class! Learn carving techniques, design basics, and create your own unique prints and stamps.
Melanie is a high school art teacher and local artist in Truro, NS.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Brandy Davison
 A15  • Relief Printing
This workshop will introduce relief carving and intaglio methods including carving block, drypoint intaglio using plexiglass. Printing will insist on using a wooden or metal spoon to transfer ink to paper from block and plexiglass.
Brandy Davison is a recent graduate from NSCAD, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She currently works for NSCAD Extended Studies as a teacher\TA. Her current field in the arts is printmaking, sculpture and mixed media, although she is flexible with most mediums and generally interested in teaching.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch

  Agenda

└ Sydney

Friday October 25, 2024 

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Annual General Meeting
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Nancy F. Chiasson
 A • Hand Building with Clay
Hand building is working with clay off the wheel. It includes 3 basic techniques - pinching, coiling and slab work. Using these 3 basic techniques almost anything can be created! Our first project will be creating a pinch pot or small handleless cup which we will use as the basis for a wide mouth creature. Our second project will be creating small slabs and decorating them with stamps, found textures and more. All these fun materials will be provided. These creations can become ornaments, jewelry or decorative plates. We will learn about the language of visual arts and view slides of ceramic works which demonstrate this language. Air dry clay is also readily available and inexpensive making it an easy addition to bring into your classroom. We will be using clay from Dollarama. All materials will be provided. You can see more hand-built work by Nancy and her students on social media @nancychiassondesigns.
Nancy made her home and business in Cape Breton after attending Dundas Valley School of the Arts in the early 90’s. For the past 20 years, from her studio, she teaches classes and creates work both commercial and artistic. Nancy has been teaching professionally during this time and some of her many workshops can be found here - Paints Program which is funded by the Dept. of Education and Visual Arts Nova Scotia. Nancy is a renowned artist currently creating a show of ceramics sculptures inspired by the natural world, called Detritus, she successfully completed a Transitions Project commission through the Shubenacadie Canal Commission, and in 2014 Nancy was awarded the Grand Pre-Prize from Arts Nova Scotia for her artist in residency work at the Fortress of Louisbourg.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Elizabeth Lalonde
Melissa Marr
 A • Screen printing & the curriculum!
In this workshop, we will introduce basic relief printmaking methods, focusing on stamp making. In the morning, I will demonstrate image transfer, basic carving, and printing skills. We will have time for small practice pieces, such as carving leaves and making patterns. In the afternoon, we will spend time carving a larger block, and I will also briefly introduce other low-cost printmaking methods such as collagraph and Styrofoam printing. This year, I am planning to add a watercolor wet-on-wet painting activity at the beginning so that, by the end of the class, you will have the option to print on your watercolor background. I found that watercolor and stamp making complement each other well. So, just relax and have some fun. There is no need to have strong drawing skills.
Elizabeth Lalonde is an arts maker, arts educator and arts advocate. Elizabeth is a retired CBVRCE teacher and is currently working as the Cape Breton Regional Coordinator for ArtReach and ArtsSmarts. They live and work in Louisbourg, in Unama’ki.
Melissa Marr is a socially engaged artist and educator working within printmaking, drawing and participatory arts in Halifax. She is part of the programming team at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and was for has been dedicated to the co-creation of Wonder’neath Art Society. With a BFA from Mt Allison University and a MEd from Acadia, Melissa has extensive experience designing curriculum/workshops for P-12, creating art in collaboration with schools and neighbourhood groups, and enjoys pushing the boundaries of simple mediums to see what’s possible.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Chad Tobin
 A • Cellphone Photography & Self-Care
In this class we will explore what is required to make interesting and pleasing images as well as create meaning in the context of pushing your creative side. During the workshop, we will discuss framing, photographing people, and thinking of your phone as a camera. The concept of creating for self-care is also investigated as a method of restoring creative and personal energy. The skills used in this workshop can also be applied within the classroom and as a method of practice to engage student’s creative interests.
Chad Tobin is a photographer living and working in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He is one of the founding members of the Hot Fog Collective, a group of east coast artists specializing in project-based photography and documentary work.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 6

Linda Lou MacIntyre
 A • A Personal Pendant
Using sterling silver, you will use texture, created with natural materials & a rolling mill, to personalize a beautiful pendant. You will learn to saw out the shape you want, to drill a hole in this pendant & learn how to create a way to allow the pendant to fall smoothly from a Sterling silver chain. Great as a way to learn new skills & to create a special piece for yourself or as a gift.
In 1973, MacIntyre graduated from NSCAD University with BFA Ed degrees, majors were metal smithing & education. Once settled as an art teacher, she started giving jewellery making classes in her home studio. On moving to Sydney, she got involved with the CB School of Crafts. Here she has been teaching students at all levels, sharing her skills & knowledge. MacIntyre’s creative life has been enhanced by working with mentors, teachers, visiting Artists & students! Her work can be found at “Salty Rose’s & the Periwinkle Cafe” and “Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design”.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Jennifer Moss
 A • The Lettering Workshop
In this workshop, you’ll learn what’s needed to start with hand and brush lettering, the basics of letter formation, and how to embrace your own style. We’ll start with the fundamentals, exploring various lettering styles that form the foundation of this practice. You’ll then use these skills to create your own hand and brush lettered piece. This class is great for anyone who is interested in incorporating their hand lettering into their artwork. We will use pencil, micron pens, as well as brush pens, to do a variety of lettering styles during the workshop.
Moss is a retired high school Science/chemistry teacher, as well as a wife and a mom of two amazing people who are now young adults. She has always done art, with a very strong interest in lettering, calligraphy and graphic art. A couple of years ago, she decided to share a Cape Breton Island design on Facebook for fun to see if it would get any likes, and the response was quite overwhelming, so she decided to become a little more serious about it. Moss’s designs are inspired by Cape Breton, personal interests, by requests and by experiences and individuals she meets.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15

Merrideth MacDonald
 A • Painting with Papers: Exploring Collage and Creativity
Collage is a creative and meditative practice that anyone can do and enjoy. You can use a variety of materials, but as long as there are scissors, glue and some paper, you can collage! This workshop will introduce some of the basic skills used in collage and Merrideth will help guide participants along as they create their own individual works in their own style, using a variety of papers. All skill levels are welcome, as long as you come with creativity!
Merrideth is a paper collage artist and maker residing in Sydney, Nova Scotia. For the last decade, her art practice has mainly been working with a variety of papers to create original collages of animals and nature. Her works are typically made with magazine paper and occasionally with Chiyogami and Washi papers that are cut and pasted in a method that resembles 'painting with papers'. In addition to her own creative practice, Merrideth also works doing reproduction work for other artists and is employed as a gallery assistant at the Centre of Craft and Design in Sydney. 
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch

Registration closed

 Registration Limit: 345 

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