Join Embracing Our Differences for our annual Art Intensive, a one-day professional learning experience designed specifically for visual art educators. Through engaging workshops, collaborative learning, and creative exploration, participants will discover practical strategies for using the arts to foster belonging, empathy, curiosity, and student voice in every classroom.
This year's theme, The Art of Belonging, celebrates the power of creativity to build inclusive learning communities where every student feels seen, valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
This Art Intensive is designed for PreK–12 visual art educators who are passionate about inspiring creativity, encouraging critical thinking, and creating classrooms where every student belongs. Teaching artists, museum educators, arts integration specialists, and creative writing educators are also encouraged to participate.
Educators from Charlotte, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota, and surrounding Florida counties are welcome.
"Belonging is created through the stories we share, the questions we ask, and the communities we build together."
Every session is designed to inspire creativity, strengthen classroom practice, and provide meaningful experiences you can immediately bring back to your students.
WorkshopsChoose from engaging breakout sessions led by artists, educators, and creative practitioners exploring topics such as:
Workshop schedule coming soon! |
Creative CommunityConnect with visual art educators from across Florida while sharing ideas, building relationships, and exploring innovative classroom practices. Breakfast, lunch, networking, and collaborative artmaking are all included. |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Registration, Breakfast & Creative Connections |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Session |
| 9:30 AM | Keynote Presentation |
| 11:00 AM | Morning Workshop Sessions |
| 12:15 PM | Lunch & Networking |
| 1:15 PM | Afternoon Workshop Sessions |
| 3:15 PM | Closing Reflection & Celebration |
Schedule subject to change. Detailed workshop selections will be released prior to the event.
Workshop descriptions and presenter biographies will be added as they are confirmed.
Justin Gomlak | Dir. of Education and Community Engagement (Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall)
Workshop Description Coming Soon
Camilo Loaiza Bonilla | Eleanor Merritt Fellow (John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art)
Workshop Description Coming Soon
Latonya Hicks | 6th-12th Secondary Visual Arts Coordinator (Pinellas County Schools)
Workshop Description Coming Soon
Continue the learning beyond the Art Intensive by encouraging your students to create original artwork and quotations for submission to the 2028 Embracing Our Differences International Art Exhibition.
Presented in partnership with John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, School District of Manatee County, Pinellas County Schools, Sarasota County Schools.
For more information, please contact:
Patrick Arthur Jackson | VP, Learning & Engagement
941-404-5710
EMAIL
