Inclusive Arts at the Forefront
Fall 2021 On October 6th 2021 I was thrilled to receive the Community Art Educator of the Year award from the Ontario Art Education Association (OAEA) for my work as facilitator of MixAbilities Inclusive Arts Training. The award recognizes "excellence in visual arts education in a museum or community setting and leadership in and/or contributions to art education in the candidate’s institution, organization, or community". It is an honour to receive this award alongside other Ontario arts educators. Thank you to the OAEA and special thanks to H’art Centre for the nomination and chance to share in the important work of furthering inclusive arts in the Kingston community.
I have known about H’art's mission "...to provide artists with disabilities and those facing barriers with opportunities to create..." since I was a high school art teacher. When H’art’s Executive Director Katherine Porter asked me to take the lead on MixAbilities I was excited about the opportunity.
It has been a team effort with H’art staff and artists. This has been an enriching experience for me, keeping in touch with artists, getting back to my love of teaching and advocating for accessibility and inclusivity in the arts.
What could be more rewarding than working with artists to ensure that the arts are accessible to all!
