Support art, artists and these happenings by attending a workshop, an opening or show, a WAEA board meeting or the state/national conference.

Have an Art event coming up?
​​Let the WAEA know and we would love to support you and get the word out
​Here’s what is HAPPENING…
Join us for OSPI’s Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show on May 14th!

The 52nd Annual Superintendent's High School Art Show will be held live at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts on May 14th, 2025! The event will also be livestreamed.
​
Date:
May 14, 2025
 
Location:
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington St. SE Olympia WA 98501
 
Time:
10:00 am – 12 noon (doors open at 9:30 am)
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Artist Reception at OSPI – 2nd Floor
Refreshments will be served.
​
Every year since 1973, the Art Show celebrates the creativity and artistic skills of high school students from across Washington. Student artworks are selected for awards by Governor Jay Inslee, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, Arts Associations across the state, and more!

Please join us as we celebrate Washington’s students and their accomplishments!
Please celebrate your students locally as best you can!
Winners announced during the ceremony.
High school students from all nine of the state's educational service districts (ESDs) participate in this artistic celebration each year.
Click here for list of Regional ESD's Art Show Deadlines

The Superintendent's High School Art Show is Co-hosted by OSPI and WAEA
​Please celebrate your students locally as best you can!
Winners announced during the ceremony.
High school students from all nine of the state's educational service districts (ESDs) participate in this artistic celebration each year.
Click here for list of Regional ESD's Art Show Deadlines​

WAEA will give out the WAEA award for an artwork,
​with a $200 prize, honor the overall winning WA State YAM Flag, and have the honor to present the WAEA Tribute Award.
Washington State High School
Photography Competition
Deadline April 26th.
Download the Complete Competition pdf here.
What is the Washington State High School Photography Competition? An annual print competition designed to showcase the finest photographers in Washington State high schools.

Watch a three-minute video about our program

Entry Fee $3 per entry. A student may enter up to ten entries. Purchase orders and checks only. No bank cards. Checks and PO’s payable to Kelly Atkinson, or Visual Aid. 

Who can enter? Any student grades 9-12 currently enrolled in an accredited public, private or alternative high school in Washington State. Students must coordinate with their school’s photography instructor in order to participate.

Why enter? An opportunity to have your photograph exhibited at the Seattle Art Museum, see your photograph on a Jones Soda bottle, have your photograph expertly matted and framed by Frame Central, and bank a little prize money.

Deadline All entries must be in my possession by 3PM Saturday April 26th, 2025. If you have any questions, contact [email protected]. Entries must be sorted by category and delivered in a container. You must include one payment (check or purchase order), a fully completed entry form, and a typed, alphabetized list of competing students.

Prizes
  • Best in Show: $250
  • Frame Central expertly mats and frames all images in the final exhibit.
  • Students placing first in category will receive a check for $50.
  • Ten images from the exhibit will be selected by Jones Soda and featured on a run of 250,000 of their soda bottles

See current and past exhibits at https://kenmorecamera.com/wshspc-galleries
Questions? Contact Kelly Atkinson at [email protected]
Supporting Dual-Language Literacy in Art Education Practices
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 7–8pm ET
FREE for NAEA members; $49 for nonmembers
Join us for an insightful webinar on supporting dual-language literacy in art education practices. Gain innovative tools and strategies for effectively teaching visual arts while integrating literacy activities that support dual-language learners through artmaking. Explore culturally responsive teaching, emphasizing the integration of dual-language literacy into art education. Learn how to design creative and inclusive programs that foster language development, providing practical strategies for creating enriching learning environments that honor all students’ linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

This webinar is ideal for art educators, administrators, and curriculum developers committed to promoting equity in education and enhancing the learning experience for all students. Whether you want to start a dual-language program or refine your current practices, this session will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies.

Register HERE on the NAEA website.

You can also watch online once posted for pd credit and apply for WAEA Clock Hours with Completion Certificate from NAEA.

Use this Link here to apply for WAEA Clock Hours 
(up to 30 a year from NAEA Virtual events)

Annual Events

NAEA NATIONAL CONVENTION
It is a great time of year to start planning your travel plans, and to get you and your network to the NAEA National Convention

Dates: 
March 5-7, 2026
Location:
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60601

Registration
Register here View the registration rates schedule and NAEA26 policies here.

We want to know if you are presenting... Please email copresident1@waea.net if you are.

The board is looking into supporting WAEA members in this, but need to know the scope of the ask.

Make plans to attend the 2026 NAEA National Convention—March 5-7 in Chicago, IL. NAEA brings thousands of visual arts, design, and media arts education professionals together for this epic event offering hundreds of opportunities for all levels of educators, administrators, teaching artists, and more! Engage in premier professional learning and make meaningful connections at NAEA25. Join us in Chicago and be inspired!
​
Check out the previous NAEA Workshop and Speaker Recordings here.

The NAEA National Convention is an annual event providing substantive professional development services that include the advancement of knowledge in all sessions, events, and activities for the purpose of improving visual arts instruction in American schools. As such, it is the world’s largest art education convention.

The three-day Convention includes over 1,000 participatory workshops, panels, seminars for job-alike groups…research reports, discussions, exhibits, and tours…keynote addresses by world-acclaimed educators, artists, researchers, and scholars…with the opportunity to connect with your colleagues from all over the world. Each year, some 110-200 exhibitor booths displaying the latest art textbooks, high-tech software, prints, slides, curriculum materials, equipment, and programs, as well as the latest studio and art history media are made available for examination and review by art educator delegates.

PACIFIC REGION EVENTS

WASHINGTON OSPI ART SHOW
The Annual Superintendent's High School Art Show
Co-hosted by OSPI and WAEA
​Reception and Awards Ceremony

The creators of the WA State YAM Flag is honored along with the WAEA Tribute Award. We need volunteers to help set-up and bring table decorations and refreshments. 
Questions? Contact WAEA Presidents.​

​Home
Join
Email Us
Need help finding something on our website?