Presidents Message
What a year we have had! Many of the strides that AEAI and its members have accomplished over the last year have occurred in spite of some difficult times. The news has been filled with the crisis in the nation’s economy, the ongoing healthcare debate, and our struggles overseas. In Indiana, our attention has been distracted by Superintendent Bennett’s push to reform teaching licensure (RIPA), which initially predicted enormous changes in our professional landscape. Unfortunately, it seems that the future for Indiana education continues to be troubling. Recently, Governor Daniels has announced further cuts in funding for public education. These reductions have followed earlier cuts across Indiana in higher education. With news such as this, I have been tempted to leave my newspaper in the driveway and keep the TV off so as not to face the next announcement of doom and gloom. A better choice however, is to push ahead. To put energy in those areas where we have control and can see results, to choose our battles carefully, and continue to do good work. An important component of those efforts are with AEAI.
Our recent Fall Conference was a great success. It was a wonderful opportunity for members to grow professionally, to reconnect with colleagues from across the state, and to get energized for the coming year. Next year’s conference in Fort Wayne promises to be particularly rewarding. The conference (now called a “convention”), while the largest event we sponsor, is only one of many professional activities where AEAI members invest their time and energy. AEAI-sponsored workshops and events occur throughout the year in every district and division. Other important activities include those with Youth Art Month, with our advocacy programs, in museum education, and through our awards program. Communication with our members is yet another essential aspect of our organization which is pursued through our website, our district blogs, the CONTACT magazine, and other publications. Additionally, AEAI members have been making enormous progress in developing professional relationships with arts organizations around the state. VSA Arts of Indiana and the International Society for Education Through Art (USSEA) have traditionally held important relationships with AEAI. Recently however, new efforts have begun with the Foundation for Art and Music in Elementary Education (FAME) and the Indiana Music Education Association (IMEA). We look forward to working with these organizations to find common ground from which to offer support to our members, as well as respond in a unified voice to the issues that face us in Indiana.
There are more developments on the horizon for AEAI. Two of are of particular note. In conjunction with NAEA we are looking forward to a concerted effort to grow our membership. At our Fall Conference, NAEA’s Executive Director, Dr. Deborah Reeve, elaborated on that effort at the national level. We are looking forward to working with her to become a more powerful organization. Secondly, we are actively developing an overhaul of the AEAI website. This development will greatly enhance many of our current activities and better meet the needs of our membership.
I am excited about this year and what will be accomplished. Though we are sure to see and experience some difficult times, I think it is important to stay focused on our strengths. Help us move ahead. Consider getting more involved with AEAI. Call me, or another member of our Executive Council and let us know that you are interested in joining with us to help AEAI grow.
Brad Venable
President, AEAI