Renewal

There is something about the smell of it that still fascinates me. People look at me like I am crazy, but growing up in land locked central Pennsylvania it was not until my early twenties until I first experienced it and I still enjoy it immensely. The ocean is a multi sensory experience. It delights and intrigues me. I could sit for hours watching, observing, feeling, sensing, and smelling it. It brings on a sense of renewal over my body and soul.

I had the renewal happen to me just recently. This year Team East was held in the delightful city of Portland Maine. The Maine coast is a very special place. I actually had the opportunity to experience a bit of renewal by the ocean on two evenings during my stay.

Renewal also took place among the more than 20 participants in this event. Here at a time when we should all have been exhausted from yet another academic year, there was energy. Not a phony energy, a real and direct energy and passion for what we do, how we do it, and a yearning to make it better. We shared this energy with each other as well as ideas, best practices, and inspiration to make our individual and collective states better. New and old partnerships will indeed make the Eastern Region states better for art educators at all levels.

One common thread that we all shared were the attacks on our profession. Stories evolved about cuts in program, personnel, or quality from all corners of the eastern region. It is a political reality of our times. I truly feel that the leadership in the various state art education associations is prepared to serve the membership in times of uncertainty. Pro-active is better than reactive. Please let your voices on the PAEA Board of Directors know what is happening in your area of Pennsylvania. If they do not know the answer they are well equipped to find the answer and help with a solution. It is the team approach that will allow us to preserve quality programs and move them forward within the state.

Your PAEA board will meet in a few short weeks for the annual Leadership Retreat. Held once again in Williamsport we will be focusing on leadership development in two areas. We plan to complete the work started last summer with reviewing and renewing the PAEA Constitution. Secondly, we will be developing a program we hope to present to the membership in the fall. In partnership with the PA Council on the Arts, we will be developing an exciting program called Art Educator as Artist in Residence. It in many ways will help with personal and professional renewal of art teachers in the state. Your board of directors will again have a renewed sense of purpose and vision for the organization.

Take the opportunity and many points in your life and year to do some self-renewal. Observe, Sense, Feel, and Smell all that is around us. You may find something that you have not noticed before. You and your students will appreciate your reinvigoration!

It’s all about instruction and learning.

Tom Kelchner