Art Teachers Association
Better Together
October 28, 2022
Registration now closed.
(No refunds after October 14th)
The Art Teachers Association is excited to welcome everyone back in person at three locations: Halifax, Truro, and Sydney.
For more information about site locations and the workshops offered please visit our conference website: https://sites.google.com/gnspes.ca/ataconference2022/home
This year we are also pleased to offer a Virtual Keynote: Art Education In Nova Scotia: (Creative) Precedents and Possibilities which will be hosted by Halifax based art educator Karyn Harrison. The presentation will take place between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27th. The presentation will take approximately half hour, while the remaining half hour will be dedicated to disussion/questions. All registrants will receive an email with final details and a link to the presentation no later than Wednesday, October 26th.
Locations
Halifax / Sydney / Truro
Halifax - Sackville High School, 1 King Fisher Way, Lr. Sackville
Sydney - Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, 322 Charlotte St, Sydney
Truro - École acadienne de Truro, 50 Aberdeen St, Truro
Click on map for desired location to access directions
| Halifax | Sydney | Truro |
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Conference Registration Fees:
Conference Fee: $95.00
Substitutes / Retirees / Pre-Service Teachers: $50.00
Other Affiliates: $95.00
Registration questions should be directed to:
Jonathan Church: jchurchnstu@nstu.ca
As per NSTU Operational Procedure 14 E. IV.: receipts of payment and attendance will not be distributed until the conference has concluded.
Registrar
Jonathan Church jchurchnstu@nstu.ca
Annual General Meeting
October 28, 2022. 9:15 AM
Keynote: Karyn Harrison
Art Education In Nova Scotia: (Creative) Precedents and Possibilities
Karyn Harrison (she/her) is a visual arts educator and researcher residing in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. She holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Glasgow and instructs in the Master of Arts in Art Education program at NSCAD University. Her research can be described as arts-based post-qualitative explorations of teaching experiences and perceptions. Karyn also teaches full time in HRCE as a Fine Arts Specialist with Halifax Regional Arts. Within this role she works with schools to integrate and enhance arts-based educational experiences.
Session A 10am - 12pm /lunch break/ 1pm - 3pm
Workshops
Halifax
A1 Trump l'oeil Clay
Workshop participants will be introduced to clay sculpting techniques. The morning will consist of modeling and shaping the clay while the after lunch session will be for adding colour using coloured slips or underglazes. All the finished work will be fired and glazed by the instructor. Work will be ready about three weeks after the workshop and can be picked up from the instructor's studio in Waverley.
participants: 15
Devon Vankoughnett
Currently I run the ceramic and glass Arts Lab for Halifax Regional Arts. I also work out of my home studio creating functional and decorative ceramics that I sell at craft markets and through various local venders. My education includes a diploma of Fine Arts from Langara College in Vancouver, a BFA from NSCAD and a BED from the Mount.
A2 "A" Medicine Wheel Teaching
Learn various components of a medicine wheel and how it can help guide a person in living a more balanced life style. Focusing on a Wholistic Approach, participants gets to examine their own journey that includes their Spiritual, Environmental, Physical and Mental well-being. This workshop end with participants making their own personal medicine wheel to take home.
participants: 25
Theresa Meuse
Theresa Meuse is a Mi'kmaq Band Member of Bear River and has made Halifax her home for the last 35 years. She has worked for several Mi'kmaq organizations and spent the last decade providing cultural education. She presently works at the Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Center in Halifax as a Cultural Advisor and is a published Mi'kmaq author of children story books. Theresa is married, a mother of three and a grandmother of four.
A3 Exploring Beginner Rug Hooking
A brief instruction on the art of rug hooking, with emphasis on creativity. We will also explore how to transfer a drawing to create patterns, selection of materials, colour and finishing techniques. No previous experience is necessary.
participants: 15
Angela J Davis
I am a multi media artist who currently specializes in custom dyeing and fibre arts.
A4 Stamp making workshop
This workshop focus on relief printing method using soft lino block, like stamp making in various dimensions. We will go through the basic carving and printing skills. How to print with multiple colors, and how to integrate stamp making into school art program. We will also explore some alternative printing materials such as styrofoam, collagraphy and monoprint with Gelli plate. Have some fun!
participants: 16
Shan Liu
Shan is a printmaker, illustrator and art teacher. She loves to create art using water color, acrylic, collage and block printing. Shan is a passionate art educator with many teaching experience in high school, NSCAD extended studies and community workshops such as WonderNeath and Pier 21. This is her third time teaching in ATA conference day.
A5 Choice-Based Art in Action
Join me to explore how to use the power of student-directed learning to meet the changing needs of both students and teachers. Come try a centres-based approach to arts education and gain a deeper understanding of classroom practices and strategies for creating studio communities that empower all learners to make art that is uniquely theirs. Leave with inspiration, ideas, and a realistic action plan for your classroom (and some free materials to support that plan).
participants: 15
Karyn Harrison
Karyn Harrison is a visual arts educator and researcher residing in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. She holds a doctorate from the University of Glasgow and instructs in the Master of Arts in Art Education program at NSCAD University. Karyn also teaches full time in HRCE as a Fine Arts Specialist with Halifax Regional Arts.
A6 Driftwood Wreath Workshop
Create a beautiful east coast Driftwood Wreath with Knotty Lemon Designs
participants: 15
Adrienne Dean
A love for Atlantic Canada and a passion for nature drives Adrienne Dean, owner and artisan behind Knotty Lemon Designs. Finding extraordinary beauty in using raw reclaimed wood and other natural materials, she has harnessed a lifelong artistic hobby into a thriving business endeavour, where she works to create commissioned pieces and other masterpieces, and run workshops, private events, and camps using knotty aged reclaimed wood that was once someone’s lemon.
Before she started her Art Business, Adrienne got a Bachelor of Commerce and Certificate in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations at Saint Mary’s University. After many years working in the events and not-for-profit industry, to shake things up, she decided to start her own business from the ground up!
Adrienne lives in Bedford with her two sons and valley bulldog, Mabel
To chat with Adrienne you can reach her on Facebook or Instagram at @knottylemondesigns
A7 Stitched Octopus (not your typical stuffie)
This is more than your typical "stuffie". You'll see how humble felt is an excellent material for learning hand stitching techniques, as well as exploring how to create an armature within our octopus which will allow it to hold poses. The potential for sculptural application is huge!
participants: 15
Rita Van Tassel
Rita Van Tassel has been working within the fields of art and craft for nearly 20 years after earning her BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design. Soon after she attended MSVU for her BEd in Secondary Art education and worked for the Halifax School Board for a number of years. In 2014 an opportunity on the South Shore to work within the craft industry was offered to her and she’s been based out of the beautiful town of Lunenburg ever since. Rita is passionate about entrepreneurship and small business and a few years ago launched Rita Van Tassel Studio - where she designs and produces sewing patterns and hand stitching felt kits and fabric creatures out her home-based studio.
www.ritavantasselstudio.com
A8 Watercolour in the classroom
The benefits of using watercolour with beginning painters • How do you mix colours? • What the heck are magenta and cyan? • What are complementary colours? • How do you mix black and greys? • Can you make your own watercolour? • Basic watercolour techniques • Classroom strategies and saving money • How to paint something that looks mostly right • Please, please learn from my two decades of mistakes.
participants:
Dave Drapak
Dave went to NSCAD and then taught high school art for a couple decades, especially grade 10. He started making paint to save money and got carried away.
A9 Art on a Chromebook for Beginners
A collection of Art assignments using Google apps. Learn how to create posters, stop motion animations, .gifs and booklets. All asssignments can be copied to your google drive/classroom. (This is mostly a repeat of the former workshop Art and Google Apps)
Participants: 15
Meaghan LeMoine
Meaghan LeMoine is an interdisciplinary artist and educator. She enjoys using technology in fun and creative ways and considers humour an essential teaching skill. She is a crazy cat lady but please don't mention it in front of her chihuahua, he's quite sensitive about that.
A10 Classroom Silkscreen Magic
Learn the basics of silkscreen printing in classroom contexts. With a focus on exploring stencil making, printing on fabric, paper, wood and other surfaces, budgeting, improvising equipment, setting up a studio and exploring possibilities of how to relate screen printing to your curriculum or teaching needs. This is for all teachers from P-12, support teachers, and specialists.
Participants: 15
Melissa Marr
Melissa Marr is a practicing visual artist, educator, and arts administrator located in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. For over 20 years, she has been deeply committed to the development, creation, education and promotion of the arts in the maritimes. She creates collaborative and participatory mixed media work related to her practice in printmaking and performance, and is co-founder of Wonder’neath Art Society. Melissa has written curriculum and consulted for the Department of Education, CBC Children's Television, and AGNS. With a BFA from Mt Allison and a Master in Education from Acadia, she has worked extensively with teachers and students from P-12 and in university contexts throughout Nova Scotia to develop greater awareness of the transformative power of the arts, and to create points of access to visual arts expression within education systems.
A11 Open Studio and Art Education Advocacy
This workshop is for educators who would like space to explore their own personal art practices along with creating a place to discuss current state of art education in our province. Topics of discussion will include arts advocacy and choice based art in Nova Scotia. Some basic drawing and watercolour media will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own unique art materials if they prefer. This is an open studio and all are welcome. No instructional art techniques or methods will be offered as part of this workshop.
Participants: 15
Robin Jensen
Robin Jensen is a teacher with 20+ years of experience teaching art in Nova Scotia. She currently works in the Halifax West Family of schools as a fine arts specialist. Robin is interested in choice based art education and promoting art education development in our province. She is the founder and past president of the Nova Scotia Art Educators Society
Sydney
A12 The Elements of Art - Printmaking and Collage
The Elements of Art - using Printmaking with a Gelli Press to create beautiful papers and Collaging compositions.
In the first part of this workshop we will discuss the Elements of Art. Next, we will learn about Gelli Press and using inexpensive inks to create prints. The prints we create will follow The Elements of Visual Art. There will be time for individual exploration within the theme.
The second part of the workshop will include a slideshow on Modern Art and how collage developed. Next we will look at some of the artist’s award winning work with a discussion on her collage process and how this fits into the Elements of Art.
Finally, using our prints from the morning and some papers supplied by the artist we will create our own collages.
participants: 15
Nancy F. Chiasson
Visual and ceramic artist Nancy Chiasson made her home and business in Cape Breton after attending Dundas Valley School of the Arts in the early 90’s. From her rural studio she has taught classes and created work both commercial and artistic for 20 years.
Nancy is currently working on a Transitions Project through the Shubenacadie Canal Commission conducting research and developing visual imagery in clay based on the lives of the Acadians along the waterway. Her working title is Acadian Surfaces.
In 2014 Nancy was awarded the Grand Pre Prize from Arts Nova Scotia for her artist in residency work at the Fortress of Louisbourg. Creating collaged landscapes inspired by the rugged coastline around the fortress she worked in a small format with space, color and perspective. She also created hand built pottery vessels inspired by eroding coastline and lost historical buildings both real and imagined, in part, by allowing her mind to wander through time at this historic site.
Nancy has worked with local artist collectives, represented Cape Breton Artists as board member with Visual Arts Nova Scotia (www.visual.ns.ca), as well as the national organization - CARFAC (www.carfac.ca) and she is a professional teaching member of PAINTs (www.paintsns.ca).
A13 Hammered copper bracelets
In this workshop, you will magically turn a piece of copper pipe into a beautiful, wearable cuff bracelet. You will have two sizes of pipe to choose from & a variety of hammers for you to use while creating your own designs. The studio is equipped with polishing equipment but there will be alternatives you can use in your class rooms to create a lovely finish.
participants: 8
Lynda Lou MacIntyre
Lynda Lou MacIntyre is currently a Jewellery instructor for the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design. She is a NSCAD graduate & spent her career teaching art. She is known for her watercolour paintings, silk paintings & fish prints as well as her jewellery. Lynda Lou has participated in many group shows & has several solo shows to her credit. She has taught numerous workshops including two in Italy. She loves teaching!
A14 Handbuilt clay candle holders
Through this workshop, I will demonstrate how to create floral candle holders using air dry clay, templates, and tempura or acrylic paints to add colour. This project could be easily modified to make a vase or catch all, etc by following the same basic steps but changing the template. Tools and materials can be easily sourced from dollar stores and Michael’s.
participants: 12
Alana Wilson
Builderburner Ceramics/ Alana Lea Wilson makes handbuilt, colourful ceramic objects for use in the home. She completed her MFA at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and her BFA at NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her 20s and 30s were spent working seasonally as a tree planter and then a fire tower lookout, and travelling. She’s done residencies in Canada and Australia, and spent two years living in Mexico, learning Spanish. Currently, she lives on Cape Breton Island with her dog, Rocky, where she makes work about memory and belonging, and her ongoing search for a home.
A15 Eco Printmaking
We will start with an introduction to the art and examples of my work. The group will then layer plant material between sheets of watercolor paper, immersing them in boiling water with a mordant and a natural colorant. After one hour or so, the plant material is separated from the paper to reveal the print which has emerged due to the chemical processes of tannins and colorants. Papers are then dried and can be used as bookmarks, matted as art work or made into cards and tags. While things are boiling the group can learn more about the printmaking process, mordants, tannins, and colorants and which plants or flowers yield the best results
participants: 15
Kathleen Bunin
Graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with an MFA, as a mature student, in 1995. I have taken courses and workshops in visual arts, weaving, pottery, photography, woodworking and printmaking. I have taught myself other arts/crafts like basket weaving, sewing, knitting and crochet. Recently had an Eco Printmaking Residency in the City of Fredericton at their Odell Park Summer Arts and Craft Project. Have also had a Pottery Residency and sale at the Cape Breton Centre for Arts and Crafts.
A16 Exploring the Works of Jaques Hurtubise Through Looking, Making and Reflecting
Jacques Hurtubise was best known as a Quebecois abstract expressionist painter and printmaker. Hurtubise lived and worked in Cape Breton until his death December 27, 2014. The images referenced in this workshop are part of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia permanent collection.
During this workshop we will look at and discuss images created by Hurtubise and we will make our own works inspired by Hurtubise. This workshop will use lesson plans developed for ArtsReach, an AGNS arts education program. ArtReach brings works from the permanent collection to Nova Scotia Communities. These lesson plans are designed for teachers to use in their classrooms and the workshop will show you how.
The workshop will use an Art Analysis lesson plan developed by Art Historian, Anna Richard and two "Making" lesson plans developed by Artist/Arts Educator, Kelly MacDonald. The workshop will be facilitated by Elizabeth Lalonde, Cape Breton Regional Coordinator for ArtsSmarts and ArtsReach.
Participants will be using wet materials so please dress for mess! All materials will be provided but if you are a maker and have your own tools feel to bring them, ie. sketchbook, scissors, drawing tools.
The workshop intends to provide strategies of how to incorporate art and art materials in a non-art classroom and also peak the interest of arts specialists.
Participants in this workshop will receive the lesson plans used and a book on the life and works of Jaques Hurtubise.
participants: 15
Elizabeth Lalonde
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 ArtsReach and ArtsSmarts. Elizabeth lives and works in Louisbourg, in Unama’ki.
A17 Using Cellphone Photography To Unlock Creative Potential With Students
The best camera is the one that’s with you. In this course, we are going to focus on how to teach students how to use their mobile devices for viewing the world in new and engaging ways. We will also examine some free photo editing app’s that students can use to process their images and employ them for projects in cross-curricular situations.
Participants: 15
Chad Tobin
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.
Truro
A18 The Art of Mindful Mending
Students will learn a variety of sashiko (Japanese embroidery) techniques that are perfect for mending. Known as hitomezashi (single stitch) they can be used for repairing jeans, or mending any favourite garment. Bring a garment you wish to mend if you would like to learn how to apply this knowledge in class.
In addition to the visible mending techniques we will discuss the mental and physical benefits of stitching including how to incorporate more creativity in your day.
participants: 15
Kate Ward
Kate Ward is a multidisciplinary artist, working in jewelry, textiles, ceramics, video and installation. Her work is often minimalist, focusing on form, colour and the interplay of contrasts. Her practice is inspired by the ephemeral, the metaphysical, the symbolic, and the relationship between art, ritual and culture.
Kate has a number of art degrees.
She first obtained a Bachelor of Visual Art from the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia in 1998. Went on to study a Masters in Arts Management and Policy from London University, UK in 2008. A Certifcate in IV Ceramics from Goulburn’s TAFE, Australian 2012. And culminating with a Masters in Fine Arts at the Nova Scotia College for Art and Design, Halifax, Canada in 2016.
Kate has been the recipient of numerous international scholarships, residencies and exchange programs. Her work has been selected for national and international exhibitions, and won the Fibreart International Guild’s 2001 ‘Outstanding Work by an Emerging Artist’ award, Pittsburgh, USA. Her work is in private collections world wide.
A19 "I can't think of anything to draw": Creating Prompts for Social-Emotional Learning through Art Journaling
"I suck at Art.", "I can't draw.", "I can't think of any ideas": These are common phrases muttered by many students in an art room. However, the right prompts can target individual interests and experience, and inspire both kids and adults to create meaningful art in a variety of mediums. Art Journaling is a fun and creative way for students to begin to explore mindfulness and gain introspection on their daily thoughts, values, and emotions. This workshop focuses on centered art journaling prompts designed to both inspire the creative process and motivate individuals to step out of their regular art routine and create personal and meaningful journal pieces while having fun in a relaxed environment. No art experience necessary! Centers will include: the art of mixed media collage, watercolours, oil pastels, and alcohol inks. Participants are asked to bring along a blank journal. Other materials will be provided for you to try but feel free to bring some of your own as well.
Participants: 15
Melanie Morrissey
I am a self-taught gallery artist , member of the Truro Art Society, winner of Art Battle Canada, and recently have joined as a board member of the Cobequid Arts Council (The Marigold Centre). I have been a teacher in Nova Scotia since 2004 when I moved to Millbrook First Nations Community with my family. My primary work is in abstract mixed medium. I enjoy creating cross-curricular art with my students with culture as a focal topic.
A20 Loop-in-Loop Chain Making
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at jewellery making? Are you interested in ancient skills and techniques? If so, this workshop is for you! In this workshop we will make loop-in-loop chain bracelets, a technique that has been used for at least 3000 years! This technique uses a series of jump rings (little wire rings) that are formed, fused together with a torch, bent, and then woven into a chain. While there are a huge number of loop-in-loop chain variations, this workshop will cover the most basic variety, the single loop-in-loop chain. In this workshop each participant will learn to make loop-in-loop chain and leave with an 8” long silver bracelet complete with a handmade clasp.
Participants:15
Ann Perry Aleksis
Ann Perry Aleksis is a Nova Scotian studio jeweller. The owner and operator of Ann Perry Fine Jewellery, which specializes in the ancient techniques including forging, hollow-forming, backed filigree, and gemsetting, Ann received her BFA in Jewellery & Metalsmithing from NSCAD University in 2017. In addition to designing and constructing her own line of jewellery, Ann is a co-founder and Jury Member of East Coast Artisans, a Truro based craft association that puts on multiple juried artisan shows a year.