PAEA - Pennsylvania Art Education Association

Call for K–12 Student Artwork!
Pennsylvania 250 Celebration: 
“Many Communities: One Commonwealth”
In honor of the Pennsylvania 250 celebration, the Pennsylvania Art Education Association, in partnership with Pennsylvania Creative Industries and First Lady Lori Shapiro, is inviting K–12 students across the Commonwealth to submit original artwork under the theme: “Many Communities: One Commonwealth”
This theme encourages students to explore voice and community: what makes their hometown, neighborhood, or personal story meaningful. Artwork may reflect:
* Family and personal identity
* Local landmarks or places
* Prominent figures in the community
* Cultural traditions, history, or everyday life

Why Participate?
This is a chance for students to:
* Share their unique voices
* Celebrate their hometowns and communities
* Be part of a statewide, historic arts initiative
* Have their work seen by audiences across Pennsylvania
Submission details and instructions will continue to be shared through PAEA newsletters and social media and are also found below. We encourage art educators to incorporate this theme into classroom projects and submit student work for consideration.

All submitted artwork will be featured in an online gallery on the Pennsylvania Art Education Association website.
A selection of student artworks will be curated into a digital collage, printed and mounted on exhibition panels. These panels will be unveiled in Harrisburg in June 2026 and will travel to locations across Pennsylvania as part of the Pennsylvania 250 celebration.
Submission Guidelines
* Eligibility: K–12 students. Any Pennsylvania K-12 Arts Educator is eligible to submit student work. 
* You do not need to be a PAEA/NAEA member.
* Format: 2-D and 3D artwork (drawing, painting, collage, photography, digital, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, etc.) Artwork completed prior to this call is eligible for submission provided it fits the theme.
* Theme: “Many Communities: One Commonwealth”
* Submit artwork here. Teachers are encouraged to submit multiple artworks. Each artwork will require a separate entry form. 
Deadline: April 10, 2026
Submission info on the Paea website!

Region 10 + Moravian University Art Education & NAEA graduate and undergraduate students got together on this chilly Saturday to make some Gelli prints and meet new art educators in the region!

See the link in our bio to submit your interest!! PAEA Art Room of the Month!
Each month, the Pennsylvania Art Education Association recognizes & celebrates a Pennsylvania Art Classroom “Art Room of the Month.”

Whether you have been teaching for several years, rocking a cart through the halls, teaching in higher education, or the museum, we want to recognize YOU, your program, and your students. This is one of the easiest ways to advocate for your program and for the Arts in Pennsylvania!

When you are selected, MaryJo Rosania Harvie, President Elect, will email you with follow-up instructions to submit images of student work, your classroom space, student work, a brief bio, and a statement about your classroom/space.

You must be a PAEA/NAEA member to be eligible, it is the responsibility of the selected individual to ensure permissions for all individuals pictured.

📣 Members-at-Large Jaime and Andrea kindly remind you to make your voice heard by completing the 2025 PAEA Membership Survey! Your input helps guide our plans and priorities for the year ahead. 💡
Check your inbox for the survey link sent on October 9th — we value your voice and appreciate your time!

🎨 Pennsylvania Outstanding Art Educator of the Year
Leslie Grace – Nebinger Elementary, Philadelphia
Elementary Division Director, NAEA
✨ Congratulations to Leslie Marie Grace, our 2025 Pennsylvania Outstanding Art Educator of the Year! Leslie’s 21+ years in art education are rooted in connection, creativity, and belonging. At Nebinger Elementary, she centers student voice, identity, and joy through culturally responsive and SEL-based artmaking. Beyond the classroom, Leslie serves nationally as NAEA’s Elementary Division Director and continues to lead with compassion, advocacy, and reflection.


🏆 Outstanding Board Service Award
Jill Anders – William Penn Senior High School, York
PAEA Director of Programming
👏 Honoring Jill Anders for her incredible leadership as PAEA’s first Director of Programming! With 26 years of art education experience, Jill has transformed how we connect through professional learning—streamlining programs, launching the monthly newsletter, and recording over 11,000 Act 48 hours for art educators statewide. Her dedication keeps our community inspired and informed!


🖋 Outstanding Supervision/Administration Art Educator
Dr. Julia Hovanec – Kutztown University
🎓 Congratulations to Dr. Julia L. Hovanec, whose 38-year career has shaped generations of art educators! From her early years in York schools to her mentorship at Kutztown University, Julia’s focus on reflective practice and professional identity continues to empower future teachers across Pennsylvania.


🏛 Outstanding Museum Art Educator
Danielle Linzer – Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
🌟 Celebrating Danielle Linzer, a national leader in inclusive museum education! Danielle’s human-centered approach and DEAI work have transformed how museums engage with communities. Her leadership at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and her impact on accessibility, equity, and belonging in the arts are truly inspiring.


💜 Outstanding Special Needs Art Educator
Sarah K. Swanson – Green Tree School & Services
💫 Honoring Sarah K. Swanson, whose 20 years of dedication to youth with disabilities has made art a pathway to resilience and expression. Through her teaching, research, and advocacy, Sarah builds inclusive, joyful spaces where every student’s creativity can shine.


🎓 Outstanding Higher Education Art Educator
Dr. MaryJo Rosania-Harvie – Moravian University
👏 Congratulations to Dr. MaryJo Rosania-Harvie, artist, educator, and advocate for inclusive, transformative arts learning. From high school classrooms to university leadership, MaryJo’s work bridges generations and disciplines—proving that art truly connects us all.