2020 Virtual Conference

...with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

With the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of venue availability, the NATA Board of Directors voted during their spring board meeting to hold the 2020 NATA Fall Conference virtually. As many state associations across the country are making similar, difficult decisions, NATA believes this plan is the most responsible solution, given the human and financial resources involved.

Through the online app, Hopin, we will offer a one and a half-day virtual conference on October 16 & 17, 2020.

The fees to participate in this virtual, interactive experience have been cut nearly in half! Active members will pay only $85 instead of $155 that was planned. Pre-service, First Year and Retired members will pay just $65. Non-members will pay $100 and enjoy all the perks of the conference!

Registration, the schedule of presentations, and speaker information will be published during the first week of July on our website nebraskaarteducators.org. Stay tuned!

We know how much our Nebraska art educators enjoy the NATA Fall Conference. Although we will not be face-to-face this fall, the NATA Board is confident in the decision to offer you an online conference to further your professional development. This exciting virtual opportunity will still include seeing each other in real time, as well as the Art Educator's exhibit and the Art Educator of the Year Awards!

We firmly believe in providing quality art education for learners across the state and the Board is hopeful that we will be back together in the fall 2021. Until then, join us on Hopin this fall!

If you have questions or comments, please contact our co-conference chairs, Julie Ryan and Jane Langenfeld at natafallconferencechair@gmail.com.

Our 2020 NATA Fall Conference Keynote Speakers

James Haywood Rolling Jr. is a dual professor of arts education and teaching and leadership, James Haywood Rolling Jr. serves as coordinator of Syracuse University’s arts education programs, which are based in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and School of Education.
In his earlier education, Rolling earned an M.F.A. in studio arts research at Syracuse University while studying as a graduate fellow in the Department of African American Studies. Rolling completed his doctoral studies in art education at Teachers College, Columbia University, in 2003 under the mentorship of Graeme Sullivan and Judith Burton. While preparing teachers for K-12 New York State art teacher certification, Rolling is also actively instigating the reconceptualization of the art education discipline as a natural nexus of interdisciplinary scholarship where visual art, design, and other creative practices intersect as an avenue of social responsibility. Rolling currently serves as NAEA President Elect until next March 2021 when he becomes NAEA's next president.

Gary Taxali is a Toronto-based acclaimed contemporary artist and illustrator known for his retro stylized art in the realm of pop. He has exhibited in many galleries and museums throughout North America and Europe including The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Jonathan LeVine Gallery, The Antonio Colombo Gallery, Steve Lazarides/The Outsiders, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Gary’s clients include Sony, Converse, Time, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, GQ, The New Yorker, and The New York Times.
He has collaborated with many brands and integrated his art in various mediums including releasing collectible designer toys, creating public art, and writing and illustrating a children’s book titled, “This Is Silly!” published by Scholastic. He has won hundreds of illustration and design awards including recognition from American Illustration, Communication Arts, Tow Gold Medals from The Society of Illustrators, and a nomination for a Cannes Lion. Gary created the cover art and inside illustrations for Aimee Mann’s album @#%&*! Smilers, which earned him a 2009 Grammy Award Nomination for Best Art Package.