Welcome to the WAEA where we gather to promote ​and grow Art Education and Advocacy in Washington State.

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WAEA AWARD WINNERS for 2025!

Lifting as We Climb

Every year, WAEA recognizes outstanding educators from across the state. Nominations come from friends, colleagues, supervisors, and WAEA members.
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Do you know a Public or Private PreK-12 or post-secondary teacher, a teaching artist in your community, a higher education educator or and arts administrator? Nominate an outstanding visual and media arts educator for the 2026 WAEA Art Educator Spotlight all year long. 

Nomination Form

Congratulations to our 2025 Art Educators of the YEAR!

Tribute Award: Marta Olson (not pictured)
Museum Educator of the Year: Yaoyao Liu
Elementary Educator of the Year: May Morgan
Art Educator of the Year: Emily Palmiter
Supervision/Administration Art Educator of the Year: Delonna Halliday
Middle Level Art Educator of the Year: Jennifer Preston
Secondary Art Educator of the Year: Emelia Mattwig
Outstanding New Art Educator of the Year: Jen Arnautovic

Youth Art Month 2026

March 2026

To promote Youth Art Month, The Council for Art Education coordinates Youth Art Month activities at the national level. The primary event is the State Design Program. 

Click below to learn more from our YAM Coordinator about the 2026 Youth Art Month Design Contest with Info and Lesson Slides.

YAM INFO + Lesson

2026 Theme "The World Needs Art"

Member Educators may enter their student designs for the State of Washington, highlighting the unique diversity throughout the entire state.

​2026 Entries due January 16th.

YAM Entry Form

2025 Winner "Healing Through Color"

​Using the national theme, each state coordinates a design contest, with the winning design made into a flag for display in the Youth Art Month Museum at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) annual National Convention.

WAEA YAM Page

Members Supporting Members

Washington PreK-12 Public and Private Educators, Post Secondary Arts Educators and Organizations, Teaching Artists, Museum Educators, Arts Administrators.

​Giving in 2025

Please consider contributing to WAEA in support of Student Scholarships and Educator Professional Development for the coming year.

This Year has been AWAESOME!

As the year comes to a close, WAEA wants you to know that we are thankful for you and your dedication to Arts Education across the ENTIRE State of Washington.

WE are YOU

Without you, there would not be a WAEA! Your membership, voice, advocacy, and support for our students in the Visual and Media Arts is everything!