2026 Scholarship Recipients

Someone who inspires you and how or why they are inspiring?

Jonah – Dr. Patty Bode inspires me every day because of her passion for visual arts education and her dedication to social justice advocacy and equity work within the field. I especially admire her ability to navigate the intersection of art education and societal issues, particularly in the realm of anti-racist education and mental health stigmatization, with both strength and compassion.

The best advice I’ve received as an art educator is "I wish you would stop apologizing for being yourself" (This was told to me by another art teacher who witnessed me struggling with establishing my identity as a new art teacher.)

Mia – Someone who inspires me is Alma Thomas. One quote of hers that has always stayed with me is, “When I entered the art room, it was like entering heaven. . . . The Armstrong High School laid the foundation for my life.” I connect deeply with that feeling because it captures the power an art classroom can have in shaping a person’s life. For Thomas, the art room became a place of possibility, discovery, and purpose, and that is the kind of environment I hope to create for my own students.

What inspires me most about Alma Thomas is her perseverance. She became an art teacher during a time when opportunities for Black women in the arts were extremely limited, yet she continued to push forward despite the barriers she faced. While dedicating herself to teaching, she also continued developing her own artistic practice and eventually gained recognition for her work.

I also admire the way she built community and created space for collaboration with other artists. Her story reminds me that being an art educator and being an artist do not have to exist separately. I can pour into my students while continuing to grow, create, and make space for others along the way.

The best advice I’ve received as an art educator is to not take every moment too seriously and to give myself grace when things do not go exactly as planned. Teaching has reminded me that some of the most meaningful moments happen outside of the lesson plan—through laughter, conversation, and genuine connection with my students. I’ve learned that building strong relationships and creating a classroom where students feel comfortable, valued, and excited to be there is just as important as delivering a successful lesson.

What is your favorite thing about Art Education?

Jonah – My favorite thing about art education is diversity: in materials, artistic expression, and ability to connect with people of all walks of life. I love that art education has the potential to highlight and celebrate diversity, while simultaneously fostering skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and social-emotional learning.

Mia – My favorite thing about Art Education is having the opportunity to help children discover that art is so much more than creativity. Art can be a powerful tool for healing, self-expression, confidence, and connection. I love creating meaningful experiences that make art relevant to my students’ everyday lives and help them understand the importance of having a creative outlet.