Winter 2024

IAEA's Newsletter is Back!

We are so excited to share our first newsletter of 2024 with you! Inside you will learn more about your board members, important dates, fun classroom activities, and more! Sketchpad is IAEA's digital newsletter. The newsletter is published quarterly and includes information about upcoming opportunities for educators and students, highlights from around the state, and resources from friends and colleagues.

From the President

Although it's February and it is still snowing in parts of Idaho, the sprouting tulips in my garden remind me that the season of renewal is upon us. This year brings us a new IAEA executive board, new regional representatives to help us ensure that we represent all parts of our diverse state, new artmaking opportunities together, and the return of our seasonal newsletter.


Take some time to appreciate the new growth, opportunities, and possibilities before you this season and acknowledge all of the great things you accomplished last year. Find something new that pushes you to grow outside of your comfort zone. And most importantly, reconnect with yourself as an artist and create something that brings you joy!


Melissa Stephenson, IAEA President

Meet Our Regional Reps

Our regional representatives help IAEA's Executive Board know what's going on in each part of our state. Reach out to your rep if you have questions or exciting news to share about your school or classroom!

Rachael Eastman

Regions I/II, Northern Idaho


Where and what do you teach?

I teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade art in Lewiston.


If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three art supplies would you bring with you?

A travel watercolor kit, watercolor paper and micron pens


If you could meet any artist over dinner, who would you choose?

Frida Kahlo!


Any other juicy tidbits about yourself you'd like to share?

I have 10 chickens, 5 cats and an iguana!

Emily Meidell

Region IV, Magic Valley/SE Idaho


Where and what do you teach?

I teach Studio Art at Kimberly Middle School.


If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three art supplies would you bring with you?

If I were stranded on a deserted Island I would want oil paint, mineral spirits, and a paintbrush because I love to oil paint!


If you could meet any artist over dinner, who would you choose?

I would like to meet Vincent Van Gogh for dinner because he has always been an inspiration to me.


Any other juicy tidbits about yourself you'd like to share?

I have five kids and our favorite pizza topping is baked potato.

Michael Feik

Regions V/VI, Eastern Idaho


Where and what do you teach?

I teach Photography 1-3, yearbook, and broadcasting at Rigby High School along with Ceramics at BYU-Idaho. I have been teaching for 11 years. 


If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three art supplies would you bring with you?

  • I would want a torch/lighter to start a fire so that I could harvest and make my own clay, and then make bowls, cups, and anything else I needed. I would use the torch to create a fire so that I could fire the things I made. 
  • I would also take a Camera because I might as well take some photos while I am there. Plus, when I was done taking pictures I could use the lens and mirror to help survive. 
  • My third item would be clay in case there is none on the island.


If you could meet any artist over dinner, who would you choose?

I think I would probably want to have dinner with Ansel Adams. I just think it would be interesting to see his reaction to digital photography today and how photography has changed.  


Any other juicy tidbits about yourself you'd like to share?

I got my bachelor's degree from BYU-Idaho in art education and my Masters in art education from the University of Florida. When I actually get free time I love to take my family camping.

Dalton Mauzay

New to the Profession Rep


Where and what do you teach?

I teach at Lewiston High School, and I teach Art Survey and Ceramics.


If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three art supplies would you bring with you?

I would need an endless roll of smooth bristol paper, endless amounts of indigo blue ink, and a wood carving set.


If you could meet any artist over dinner, who would you choose?

I would like to have dinner with Gerhard Richter. With such an interesting life, I think to experience his energy in person would be something special.


Any other juicy tidbits about yourself you'd like to share?

I have an 8 year old cat named Katerina - Kat for short. 


Resources for New Art Educators

The Art of Education Magazine

  • Monthly articles on organization, classroom management, media exploration, and pedagogy, as well as podcast episodes
  • The Art of Education Magazine


Blick Art Materials Lesson Plans

Regional Highlight


At Sacajawea Middle School in Lewiston, Rachael Eastman and her students are having a Student Art Exhibit at the Lewiston City Library. The exhibit will be on display the month of March with a reception on March 12th from 4-6 p.m. The exhibit will feature 6th, 7th and 8th grade student work ranging from Van Gogh interpretations in acrylic by the 8th graders to collage and drawing by the 6th and 7th graders. If you are in the area, be sure to stop in and see the exhibition.

We want to hear from you! If you have something cool to highlight in our newsletter, reach out to your regional rep or to IAEA's Executive Board.

Opportunities & Resources

IAEA's 2024 PD Survey


As we plan for the next season of professional development, IAEA is seeking input from past participants about the formats, topics, and opportunities that will best support our community. Please take a few minutes to complete IAEA’s 2024 PD Survey


BONUS! We know you are busy! As a thank you, IAEA is giving away a free registration to the Summer Book Study and a gift card from Blick Art Supplies. Just add your information at the end of the survey to be entered.


Complete the Survey Here

Visual Art Standards


This last fall, the standards review committee made changes to the Idaho Visual Art Standards.


The Idaho State Department of Education and the standards review committee are seeking feedback on Draft 1 proposal of the standards. IAEA members are encouraged to review the standards and submit comments by February 16, 2023.


Visit idahoarted.org to view the Idaho Visual Art Standards Draft and access the feedback form. 


Review the Standards Here

Grants for PD


Did you know that the Idaho Commission on the Arts

(Arts Idaho) offers support for artists, arts administrators,

K-12 teachers, and educators?


This quarterly grant opportunity supports the professional development of artists and arts administrators. Applicants may receive funds for attending a conference, workshop, or other form of professional development.


The next grant deadline is March 4, 2024.


Visit the Website for Details

Cardboard and Paper Shoe Art Lesson


Using their knowledge of shoe construction and memoirs, students will make a shoe that is meaningful to them. This is a great way to introduce students to 3-dimensional design!


Grades: 6-8

Time: 5, 80-minute class periods


Download the lesson plan here!

Save the Dates


Winter Recharge Workshop | February 24, 2024

Join IAEA for this one-day, virtual workshop designed to help art educators recharge and re-energize for spring. Participate in hands-on sessions and demonstrations from the comfort of your own home or studio. Gather ideas, experiment with new techniques, and reimagine your teaching repertoire.


2024 NAEA National Convention | April 4 – 6, 2024

The National Art Education Association’s annual convention is April 4-6, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is a great opportunity to connect with art educators from across the country! More information at National Art Education Association


Alt+ Book Study  | June 13 - August 1, 2024

IAEA’s 2024 book study course is based on The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair. Rather than a traditional book study, this course takes a more creative, interactive approach. IAEA’s book study includes a virtual opening session, five weeks of exploring art making techniques, a curriculum development component, activities designed around new ways to use Elements of Art, and a virtual closing session. Watch our site for more details!


IAEA Fall Conference | October 4-5, 2024

The Idaho Art Education Association’s annual fall conference is October 4-5, 2024 in Twin Falls, Idaho. College of Southern Idaho has generously offered to host the event. Watch our site for more details!

Time to Renew


Now is a great time to join IAEA or renew your membership! Members receive discounts on professional development opportunities like workshops, classes, and the annual fall conference. Not sure if you need to renew? Reach out to IAEA's Financial Chair.


IAEA Membership Form

Get Involved


Want to get involved? We're currently accepting nominations for the following positions:



  • President Elect
  • Communications Chair Elect
  • Advocacy Chair
  • Region III Representative


Find out more about these positions or contact us here:


IAEA Website

Celebrate the New Year


Did you know that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon? Celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 10th! Angel, a Boise State student, created a series of Chinese Zodiac coloring sheets for 4-H Military Youth to learn about the Chinese holiday. Enjoy coloring in The Year of the Dragon with your students!


Download the coloring page here!

Idaho Art Education Association | idahoarted.org

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The Idaho Art Education Association promotes excellence in visual arts education in the State of Idaho. IAEA is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer board that provides professional development opportunities and support for art educators throughout the state.