Philadelphia, PA—Moore College of Art & Design will host the 2021 iteration of the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) conference from October 21–24 at its campus in Philadelphia, located at 1916 Race Street on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Six total honors will be awarded at the conference to both the College and its Art Education graduate students, alumni and faculty, for achievement in the field of art education.
“Moore’s name has long been synonymous with innovation and rigor in the field of art education, and that is underscored by the achievements of our students, alumni and faculty,” said Cecelia Fitzgibbon, president of Moore College of Art & Design. “On behalf of the College, we are proud of our many 2021 PAEA awardees and honored to be recognized at this year’s conference.”
At the October 22 conference awards ceremony, themed “The Art of Agency: Equity and Access,” President Fitzgibbon and Director of Art Education Lauren Stichter will accept the 2021 Pennsylvania Art Education Association Outstanding Friend of Art Education Award on behalf of the College.
“PAEA has identified Moore as an outstanding supporter of our organization and future and practicing art educators,” said Leslie Marie Grace, PAEA president. “The institution's creative contributions, excellence in professional engagement, and dedication to service are meritorious and deserve our recognition. Moore has stood out as a leader that is committed to the continued growth and collaborative efforts of art educators across the state of Pennsylvania.”
In addition to the College’s recognition, the following individual awards and honors will also be announced for members of the Moore Art Education community:
- Kendyl Boyd, a 2021 BFA graduate and current Art Education MA student, will receive the Clyde McGeary Scholarship
- Marita Fitzpatrick, a 1985 BFA graduate, will receive the Outstanding Secondary Art Educator Award
- Faculty member Joyce Millman will receive the Outstanding Supervision/Administration Award
- Hannah Swanson, a 2020 MA graduate, will receive the Outstanding New Professional Award
- Faculty member Emilee Taylor will be celebrated at this year’s Legacy in Art Education Series Breakfast on October 23
- Samantha Varian, a 2016 MA graduate, will receive the Oustanding Special Needs Art Educator award
Moore has been a longstanding hub for innovation in the field of art education, with an undergraduate major and a 12-year-old graduate program that stands out as one of a kind thanks to its focus on inclusive practices. Many graduates go on to win awards for their work and achievements, much like Boyd, Fitzpatrick, Swanson and Varian.
The College recently announced the launch of a new online iteration of the graduate program, debuting in 2022, which will offer aspiring and working art educators around the country a chance to participate in the prestigious, award-winning program and to advance their own careers.
“It’s exciting and gratifying to see so many Moore graduates and faculty receive accolades at this year’s PAEA conference,” said Director of Art Education Lauren Stichter. “We are proud to play a role in advancing the careers of so many fine art educators working in the field, and we look forward to expanding our reach to up-and-coming art educators throughout the country, thanks to our new online track.”
Other highlights of the PAEA 2021 conference include keynotes from Mario Rossero, Executive Director of the National Art Education Association; curator, educator and social justice activist Dr. Kelli Morgan; and Symone Salib, Philadelphia-based and Cuban/Egyptian street artist, muralist, and educator. A ticketed Saturday night gala will also be held at Philadelphia cultural nonprofit organization Taller Puertorriqueño with special guest Robert Lugo, an artist, ceramicist, social activist, spoken word poet and assistant professor at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. Registration details and a full conference schedule can be found at paeaconference.org. Masks are required during the event, per Moore campus and City of Philadelphia guidelines.
For more information about Moore’s Art Education MA program and the new online track visit Moore’s website or email gradstudies@moore.edu. Applications to the program, both online and hybrid tracks, will be accepted now through spring 2022.
For press inquiries:
Stephanie Fanelli, Signature 57
stephanie.g.fanelli@gmail.com | 484.213.5968
Photo: Steve Weinik
