RAEA salutes JMU Student Chapter

In recognition of outstanding activities carried out during the year by a Student Chapter, the Retired Art Educators Affiliate (RAEA) annually invites nominations for the Outstanding Student Chapter Award, sponsored by the RAEA. The award, to be given annually, honors an outstanding National Art Education Assoication (NAEA) Student Chapter. The RAEA/NAEA presents a certificate and monetary award to the selected chapter.

The James Madison University (JMU) Student Chapter of NAEA, Harrisonburg, VA, is the 2016 recipient. According to President Laura-Paige Mertins, the mission of the JMU Student Chapter “is to smooth the transition from art education preparation to professional practice.” This mission has been accomplished by involvement in campus, community, and professional activities.

The JMU chapter organized events that brought young people to campus. Chapter members led various groups of adolescents in gallery discussions, studio production, and tours of the studio art building. Community activities included planning and implementing art activities in the children’s area for the annual Harrisonburg International Festival, which is attended by 8,000 community members. Members also organized crafts for the Children’s Harvest Festival at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Harrisonburg City Public Schools Youth Art Month Exhibition, and Art Nights at local schools.

Fundraising efforts provided funds to support students to attend the Virginia Art Education Association Conference. Graduate and undergraduate chapter members presented in several group and individual sessions at the conference. The JMU chapter members were also able to interact with art education professionals.

The chapter advisor, Karin Tollefson-Hall, describes the chapter leaders as being “energetic, passionate about teaching art, and reliable” and commends the level of maturity and professionalism of the JMU Chapter. 

Representatives of the JMU Student Chapter will give a presentation at the Blending Our Voices session and the RAEA Awards Ceremony at the 2016 NAEA Convention in Chicago.