St. Paul’s Art Teachers Bring Fresh Inspiration Back from National Conference

This spring, St. Paul’s art teachers Ms. Katy Hoogendyk (K–4th) and Ms. Jessica Lynn (5th–8th) traveled to the annual conference hosted by the National Art Education Association in Chicago—the largest professional gathering of art educators in the country. Surrounded by thousands of teachers, museum educators, artists, and creative leaders, they spent several days exploring new ideas, materials, and teaching strategies designed to help students connect with art in meaningful ways.

The experience left both teachers energized and eager to bring fresh inspiration back to their classrooms.

“My experience really opened my artist eyes to the value that art education adds to our school,” said Ms. Hoogendyk. “The level of insight on social-emotional learning and the importance and impact that art is having in the current climate of our world is phenomenal. I’m excited to use the art lessons and ideas I learned in my classroom.”

For Ms. Lynn, attending the conference for the first time was equally transformative.

“My first NAEA conference was inspirational and empowering,” she shared. “It sent me home ready to try new materials and teaching methods and wanting to empower my students not only to create art, but to shape the world.”

One of the conference highlights was a keynote presentation by internationally recognized artist Bisa Butler, whose vibrant quilted portraits are inspired by historical photographs taken by artists such as Dorothea Lange and Gordon Parks. Butler shared how studying historical images deeply can help artists—and students—build empathy and make human connections across time.

“My favorite quote of hers was, ‘It takes bravery to try something new and then to show it to somebody,’” said Ms. Lynn.

Throughout the conference, the teachers attended hands-on workshops every hour, learning everything from visual journaling and digital art techniques to experimenting with new materials from hundreds of art vendors. They also heard from museum educators—including those from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art—professional artists, and fellow teachers sharing classroom-tested ideas.

Another key discovery was Art21, an educational resource that helps students explore contemporary artists and understand that art is not only something from the past—it is a living way for people to tell stories, express ideas, and shape the world around them.

“It truly felt like a summer camp art intensive,” Ms. Lynn said. “I can’t wait to bring new ideas and energy to my classroom.”

Experiences like these help ensure that St. Paul’s art program continues to evolve and grow, giving students opportunities to explore creativity, think critically, and develop their own artistic voices.

With new lessons, materials, and inspiration in hand, Ms. Hoogendyk and Ms. Lynn are excited to share what they learned—and to encourage St. Paul’s students to be brave in their own creative journeys.