Bio Link for all presenters

There will be a morning session and an afternoon session.

Workshop Title: Creatively Exploring our Hopes and Worries -Jonathan Juravich

There is a lot to be worried about, but just as much to be hopeful for. In this workshop, we will explore how to support ourselves, our fellow educators, and our students through the identification and communication of our hopes and worries. Explore ideas for hands-on artmaking, conversation starters, and picture books that encourage processing experiences individually and together. 

Workshop Title: Expressive and Creative Explorations in Drawing- Adhi Two Owl WORKSHOP FILLED

This hands-on, immersive workshop is designed for art school educators seeking to deepen their own creative practices and refresh their pedagogical approaches to drawing. In the peaceful context of a retreat setting, participants will engage in a series of guided individual and collaborative exercises using a wide variety of traditional and experimental materials on paper. The focus is on fostering expressive mark-making, intuitive discovery, and conceptual development through drawing. Educators will be invited to step beyond technique and into a space of visual inquiry—where process is emphasized over product, and where drawing becomes a means of self-reflection, storytelling, and play. Through structured prompts, spontaneous exploration, and group dialogue, participants will reconnect with the fundamental joy of drawing as a mode of thinking and feeling. This experience is intended to nourish both personal practice and inspire new methods to bring back to the classroom.

Workshop Title: Canva in the Art Room: Exploring the use of Photography and digital media tools in the Middle and Secondary Art Room Canva and Procreate in the Art Room- Jennifer DeAngelis

In this workshop we will explore two online applications and how they can support art teachers to create dynamic and engaging learning experiences, while students can explore their creativity and develop valuable digital design skills.

Workshop Title: Recycled Notebooks with Coptic Binding- Meghan Doherty

In this workshop you will learn how to assemble your own sketchbook from start to finish using the coptic binding method. We will be using recycled materials as part of our sketchbook creation. Please feel free to bring your own collage materials (2D or minimal relief) as well as any decorative paper you might want to use for the covers (if you bring your own note that the paper needs to be 6X8 inches to use for a cover). However, there will be lots of provided materials as well. We will also go over how you can scale this activity for younger audiences. 

Workshop Title: Visible Mending- Iana Dobreva // Яна

This workshop allows participants to learn different methods of repairing damage and wear on garments while adding customized details and personality. Participants may bring a garment to work on and there will be plenty of fabric to practice on. 

Workshop Title: The Art, Beauty, History and Culture of Henna Tattoo- Amal Eltaib

Participants will actively engage in the practice of henna tattoo applications following a PowerPoint sharing the history and culture of henna by Henna Artist Amal Eltaib who resides in St. Johnsbury.  Amal will share her journey from her native Sudan that she was forced to flee along with her husband and son to the United States. Now a naturalized US citizen Amal’s talent as a henna artist has become a gift of not only art and tradition but a gift of cultural exchange

Workshop Title: Unfinished Revolutions in Vermont: Giving K-12 Students a Chance to Shine at the 250th Capital Art Exhibition- Eric Howard

This workshop supports the launch of the 250th Recognition K-12 Student Art Exhibition, which will be held at the State House and/or at Historic Sites across Vermont, in March of 2026. This is an opportunity for students to create “Unfinished Revolutions in Vermont” themed artwork with real world, interdisciplinary, and personally meaningful content. This session will provide educators with an opportunity to model art creation, make connections between the artmaking process and the AOE Framework for Proficiency, as well as brainstorm and workshop ideas with peer educators for implementation in individual and unique classrooms and contexts.