Welcome to the website of the Virginia Art Education Association

It is a great honor to represent the individuals who advocate for art education in the state of Virginia.  As the current President I wish to welcome you to our VAEA website.  I look forward to the 2 years during which I will get to work with you as we continue to be a strong voice for art education. 

The VAEA has been a voice for art education dating back to 1915, when there first became an art department in the Virginia Education Association (VEA).  Since then many things have changed, but the one thing that remains constant to this day is the passion that the members have for the visual arts and art education.  The Virginia Art Education Association became its own organization in 1961 and then in 1976 unified with the National Art Education Association.  Currently we are one of the largest state art organizations in the Nation. Our mission is to promote, support and advance visual arts education through professional development, leadership, research and service.

Now, more than ever, we as visual art educators and supporters of art education need to ignite that passion, not just for us, but for those around us.  Now more than ever we need to demonstrate what art education means for our children, our communities – our lives in general. 

How do we do that?  Simply stated – together.  Together we will provide the support needed to move art education further.  One of the most powerful statements I’ve read on the purpose of art education comes from artist Grant Wood in his article “Art in the Daily Life of the Child:  "The aim of art education in the public schools is not to make more professional artists but to teach people to live happier, fuller lives; to extract more out of their experience, whatever that experience may be."  Each day I am educating a generation to value the arts in their world and find ways to incorporate a love of the arts into their everyday lives.

My hope is that you will continue to support the VAEA and its efforts as a member.  If you have not joined, take a look around our site and consider it.  From the professional development offered at our annual conference, to the camaraderie you will feel as you get to know the art educators from across the state – VAEA is a family and you are an important part. 

Recently I was asked why I was a member of NAEA and after some thought gave the following points – I believe that they are equally true for being a member of VAEA.

I am an NAEA member because I'm an art educator.  
I need to support the organization that looks out for my interests.
I have to support the organization that looks to tell others how important the visual arts are
to our children and our society.
I want to support the organization that values what I know to be my life calling.

I need to provide a strong voice for art education.
While I can do that in my corner of the world it is easier to be heard when voices come together.
Being a member gives my support to that voice.

I need to continue to be a better art educator.
I know that while my students are happy and excited,
 if I become complacent in learning new things, it will affect their education.
I trust that through NAEA I can become part of a network of art educators who value growth
as individuals, as educators and as artists.   

Once again welcome to our website and please join us to participate in the common passion we share, to provide and improve the quality of visual art education for all of Virginia.

Artfully
W. Scott Russell