UTRGV to host arts education conference

UTRGV will host its first ever ArtsEd Conference from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday in the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus. The conference focuses on UTRGV students who are planning to become educators in the field of arts.

“The College of Fine Arts represents the School of Music, the Department of Dance, the Theatre Department and also visual arts and creative writing,” said David Sadlier, associate director of the Office of Engaged Scholarship & Learning. “So we have presentations and performances. … We are covering the entire college.”

In the spring semester, the university hosts the Engaged Scholar Symposium (ES2). Last year, the ArtsEd Conference was a part of ES2. 

Sadlier said this year, the department wanted it to be its own stand-alone event.

Asked why it was necessary for arts education students to have their own conference, he replied, “The arts aren’t taken quite as seriously as STEM areas. It sort of elevates [the arts] for the students, for the faculty members.”

Some arts education majors also believe that there are differences between them and students in other content areas.

“Art teachers cannot necessarily give out the ‘right’ answers, but only point them in the direction they believe is best for their students,” theatre graduate student Joseph Balderas said. “This requires a relationship between student and teacher outside the scope of a math and science teacher. … It requires trust.” 

While this event is focusing on arts education majors, some of the panels are geared toward a specific subject matter. 

Theatre Professor David Carren is hosting “Big Ideas in a Small World,” which will focus on the creative ways a small budget can be used creatively and effectively. 

“Nowadays, [young filmmakers] can be producers,” Carren said. “They can go and make an interesting story.”

Other panels will focus on educational content.

“Teaching the Spirit of Collaboration” will be hosted by School of Art and Design Lecturer Lilia Cabrera and aims to teach young students how to collaborate with each other to strengthen themselves and their field. 

“You have to collaborate with people,” Cabrera said. “You aren’t always in agreement with what others have to contribute but you kind of have to honor others’ contributions and try to include others.”

UTRGV professors will not be the only presenters at the event. Four students will also be presenting, Sadlier said.

He said students will also be involved in other ways.

“Also happening during the day … [are] a few performances and presentations from students in the College of Fine Arts,”  Sadlier said. “Student musical ensembles, the flamenco ensemble [will] dance … visual art presentations as well.”

Panel topics will include “Influence of Arts in School,” “Student Led Anxiety Workshops” and “Natural Dyes in Application.”

The keynote speaker will be Donalyn Heise, an award-winning porcelain artist, educator and author, according to her website. Heise is based in Austin, where she is an assistant department chair of Art Education at the University of Texas at Austin.

“She is going to be doing a presentation on resilience through art and how art can help rebound from traumatic experiences,” Sadlier said. “That’s her specialty. She’s a visual artist … which is really exciting.”

The purpose of the event is to give arts education students information and knowledge on their field and provide encouragement.

“Days where you feel uninspired will also come to pass,” music education major David Guiterrez said.

Asked how this event could make them stronger students, Sadlier replied, “Broaden your mind. This is an opportunity to get different perspectives … see what’s out there. It might underscore your speciality but open up your mind to ways to collaborate with others.”

Admission to the conference is free.

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Juan Villarreal

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