ABOUT OAEA
OAEA is dedicated to the promotion of exemplary, equitable, and current Visual and Media Art practices and learning at all levels in public education, independent schools, and teacher education programs.
OAEA provides leadership in the development and support of visual arts and media arts education in the province of Ontario. Visual arts and media arts, as defined by OAEA, include traditional art forms such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture; communication and graphic design arts including typography, illustration, and product design; photographic or time-based media such as animation, photography, film, and video; material areas such as ceramics, textiles, jewellery, glass, and woodworking; architectural, environmental, interior, and landscape design; theatre design and fashion; new media art forms including digital imaging, website design, sound art, game design; and hybrid art forms such as performance art, installations, and social practice. In some jurisdictions, the above digital art forms or media-based works are referred to as media arts. In addition, OAEA supports the teaching of visual culture, art history, aesthetics, art theory, and art criticism as adjacent, age-appropriate curriculum content, to supplement practices of artistic production.
As an organization, OAEA:
- Promotes quality visual and media arts education in K – 12 schools and their communities across Ontario;
- Facilitates communication links and information exchange, and provides resources for educators, about Visual and Media Arts education;
- Promotes and implements policies, current practices, and professional learning opportunities for its members;
- Contributes to ongoing reflection and renewal of theory and practice in Visual and Media Arts education and, subsequently, contributes to the shaping of education policy;
- Elevates teaching and learning practices through professional learning at conferences, local workshops, virtual seminars, website resources, and publications;
- Partners with other education and interest groups, and vigorously supports learning in and through Visual and Media Arts, both within and beyond Ontario;
- Provides leadership and advocacy for Visual and Media Arts learning in public education, independent schools, and teacher education programs, and liaises with the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ontario Teachers’ Federation and its affiliates;
- Collaborates with existing teacher organizations to promote transdisciplinary learning and curriculum renewal.
Overview
OAEA continues the work of the Ontario Association of Teachers of Art (OATA), founded sometime in the early 1940s. In 1958, our name changed to The Ontario Society for Education through Art (OSEA), bringing it more in line with the national organization, the Canadian Society for Education through Art (CSEA). In 2011, the organization legally changed its name to the Ontario Art Education Association (OAEA). OAEA operates as a not-for-profit corporation, in accordance with the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (2021), and is a registered charitable organization.
Curriculum Development
In the past, OAEA has maintained and boosted curriculum, instruction, and assessment standards through various professional learning opportunities: annual conferences, regional workshops, webinars, research, and publications. OAEA is an Ontario Teachers Federation affiliate member, participates in OTF’s Curriculum Forum, and consults with the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Partnerships
OAEA values continuing partnerships with district school boards, independent schools, post-secondary institutions, and public art galleries, as well as CSEA and other arts subject associations, including the Ontario Music Educators’ Association (OMEA) and the Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators (CODE). Communication with members is maintained through our website, e-blast notices, and numerous social media platforms.
Awards
OAEA has created awards to recognize exemplary teaching practice in Ontario: Teacher of the Year Awards for each Elementary, Secondary, Post-Secondary, and Community & Cultural Organization, as well as the Ray Blackwell Award for Excellence in Art Education that recognizes outstanding, career-long contributions to Visual and Media Arts education.
As an OAEA regional representative, you have the opportunity to share your passion for Visual and Media Arts education, information, ideas, and changes as we continue to grow as an association. Here are some initiatives you can participate in your region:
- Coordinate a Day of Art in your area;
- Inform members of OAEA initiatives, conferences, social media, and website activities;
- Encourage members to register for regional events, as well as, our Annual Conference;
- Encourage arts advocacy in your area, including setting up information displays at events and other conferences;
- Encourage participation in arts-related activities in your area;
- Coordinate OAEA participation in local arts events, or host your own
- Encourage non-members to join OAEA.
For more information on how to become a Regional Rep Contact us
Our current Regional Reps
Board Members
Tara Rousseau
Co-Chair
Tony Caputo
Treasurer
Jessica van Enckevort
Executive
Llana Bruggemann
Executive
Freya Hastings
Co-Chair
Vanessa Barnett
Director of Advocacy
Leslie Bethune
Executive
Marijo Howard
Executive
Michele Kleinschuck
Vice Chair
Cyrel Troster
Director of Awards
Victor Wong
Executive
Denise Cober
Board Member
