Aynecia Gardner, a former visual arts student at Ida B Wells APAC (Academic and Performing Arts Complex) and valedictorian of Murrah High School, is a nationally and regionally recognized artist attending Mississippi College. She was a member of NJAHS and NAHS for the past 6 years and served as an officer. During her 6 years at APAC, she received a National Scholastic Art Medal, was juried into the NAHS Student Exhibition, had a graphic design internship, received a perfect AP Art score, and has had her artwork exhibited in numerous museums and galleries in Mississippi. She currently works as an associate curator assistant at the Mississippi Museum of Art, where she is also a member of their teaching fellowship. Her main mission is to bridge the gap between graphic design and art education. She wishes to inspire children to follow their passions and showcase the creative talent hidden in Mississippi. 

Angel Beckman is an emerging art educator and artist currently studying art education with an endorsement in culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) education at the University of Northern Colorado. Angel is the NAEA Preservice Division Director-Elect, where she is training to help navigate preservice students. Her work focuses on connecting art with students’ lived experiences, encouraging both creative exploration and meaningful dialogue. As both an artist and educator, Angel is committed to lifelong learning, community engagement, and empowering students through the arts.

Jainson Cedillo is an Ecuadorian American artist born in Queens, NY, raised partly in Passaic, NJ, and currently based in Baltimore, MD. He developed a love for drawing with graphite pencils—his most accessible medium growing up—and has since expanded into acrylic and oil painting, printmaking, and woodworking. Jainson’s work explores the intersection of his Ecuadorian heritage and queer identity through expressive figures, vibrant colors, and symbolic portraiture. His art blends bold patterns, emotional figuration, and personal narratives to normalize and celebrate the experience of being both Hispanic and queer. Ranging from joyful and celebratory to deeply reflective, his work often addresses contemporary challenges while highlighting identity and belonging. Portraiture remains central to his practice, with abstract patterned backgrounds that reflect the lived experiences and identities of his subjects.

Josie Hoskins is currently enrolled at the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University, where she is double majoring in BFA Theatre: Design and Technology and BA: Art. Last summer, Josie was the paint charge at the Black Hills Playhouse. She loves creating art every day, using various media including sculpture and painting. Josie is excited to speak about her experiences in art and to join this Studio Conversation. 

Cailyn Choi, a stationary geek and art enthusiast, is currently a junior at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington. She loves all kinds of arts—drawing and painting, photography, mixed media, and more—and will take any opportunity she can get to make something creative! Cailyn believes art is one’s voice and way of expression, and she encourages everyone to use their creativity, regardless of skill level, to participate in something artsy. Whether it’s cooking or baking, drawing, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, or anything else, Cailyn hopes people can find their creative outlet for speaking their truth through creativity. She has also recently become interested in video making and vlogging, and she looks forward to exploring new artistic styles in the upcoming year. When she is not at school or in the studio, she loves to golf with her friends and family or take naps with her Maltese. 

Josh Wilson is a senior at Parkville Hill South High school who enjoys fine arts–related projects like oil painting, charcoal, and colored pencil. Josh is excited to be part of the National Art Honor Society Student Council. As someone going into a creative field, Josh feels this is a great opportunity to gain experience while doing something he is passionate about. 

Isabel Lee is a senior at Los Altos High School and co-president of the National Art Honor Society. Through NAHS, she has contributed to community murals, art exhibitions, and creative outreach projects, including artwork for hospitalized children, sheltered animals, and The Memory Project for disadvantaged children worldwide. She completed AP 2-D Art & Design and is enrolled in AP Drawing. Isabel views art as a form of self-expression and a means to advocate for issues she cares deeply about. Her work has earned recognition including second place in the Congressional Art Competition, a cover feature in Blue Marble Review, and an honorable mention in the BowSeat Ocean Awareness Contest. Beyond the arts, she holds leadership positions in her school’s Environmental Green Team and the Stanford Hills Chapter of the National Charity League. She hopes to continue integrating art, community service, and leadership to inspire positive change in her community and beyond.

Tanvi Kulshreshtha is a junior at BASIS Phoenix. She serves on the Arizona Youth Arts Council and as the President of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS/NJAHS), she combines her love for art and leadership. Art has always been central to who she is—whether through painting, sketching, graphic design, or playing piano.Tanvi has led a variety of community-based art projects, including interactive murals, community garden benches, Empty Bowls fund-raisers, and senior home art workshops, all with the goal of making art more accessible and meaningful. Her favorite medium is acrylic painting because of its ability to create vibrant layers and depth. Tanvi has grown into a dedicated, innovative, and collaborative leader, and she is honored to continue serving her community through the council this year. 

Kaviya Ravi is an Indian American artist, maker, designer, biochemist, and small business owner. She has lived half of her life in Southern India and now lives in the United States. She is a mixed-media artist and maker who loves to learn and explore new media and techniques. Everything she creates is “Unapologetically Colorful,” and working with her hands brings her the greatest joy. Her motto is to live a silly, simple life, and this philosophy is reflected in her interiors, art, and all her designs. Most days, you can find her exploring the world with her partner and her pup or creating colorfully whimsical things in her little home studio in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a contestant on NBC’s Making It, and her colorful home has been featured on various design blogs and magazines. 
 

Chidera Oforkansi is currently a senior at George Bush High School. With a strong passion for the visual arts, she strives to create pieces that depict the daily struggles of people and the faults of society. This strong passion for art led her to join NAHS during her freshman year and she has stuck with the program ever since, evolving not only as an artist, but also as a person. Being in NAHS has transformed the way Chidera approaches leading others by pushing herself to become a compassionate and patient leader. Chidera hopes to someday become an artist who tackles challenging topics in unconventional ways while spreading her love of the visual arts to the rest of the world. 

Joshua Haynes is a passionate visual artist and student leader from Southaven, Mississippi. He serves as president of his school’s National Art Honor Society, founder and president of the Photography Club, and vice president of both the National Honor Society and Key Club. A dedicated thespian and member of the Orpheum STAR Council, Joshua also represents students as a youth representative on the Southaven Mayor’s Youth Council and as a Big Future and school ambassador. He loves creating portraits, and his photography has been exhibited at venues including the Mid-South Fair, Northwest Community College, Desoto Arts Council High School Exhibition, Brooks Museum, and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, where he has received multiple accolades. An HSF Scholar, AP Scholar, and NCTE Superior recipient, Joshua balances academics, leadership, and creative pursuits while pursuing his goal of becoming a professional photographer. His portfolio and projects can be viewed at lensofjoshua.com.

Klara Schnore is a junior at Kutztown High School in Berks County, Pennsylvania. She is a passionate advocate for the importance of art education in schools. She believes art fosters individuality, supports mental health, and encourages creative problem solving. Klara currently serves as president of the Kutztown High School National Art Honor Society and she previously held the role of class president for 2 years. She is a dedicated student athlete and participates in three varsity sports. She is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Jack Coggins Memorial Award for her creativity and innovation. Klara is also a member of the student council and an active community volunteer. During the summer, she loves devoting a week to help out at a local art camp for younger children. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a degree in museum studies and art conservation, where she can preserve works for future generations to appreciate.

Ella Grail is currently a junior at Ames High School, located near Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She is a driven artist with an extensive contest and exhibit history. She has been an active and engaged participant in NAHS and NJAHS starting in 2021. During those years, she has done substantial service, including The Memory Project, Hospice Project, and volunteering at local art events. Throughout her time in NAHS, she has risen to a leadership position for her school’s chapter. Highlights for Ella have included being the state winner for Doodle for Google, attending the first National Art Honor Society Conference, and becoming a two-time finalist for the Unsung Heroes project. 

Olivia Valenti is a senior at Kent Island High School. In the future, she hopes to attend a 4-year college to major in studio art and education. Her favorite art media to create with are gouache and oil pastel. Olivia’s dream since 2nd grade has been to become an elementary school art teacher so she can use her passion to inspire and help children discover their voices. She loves art because it has allowed her to build confidence in all areas of her life, and she uses art and creativity to express her love for the people and things around her. Olivia also incorporates art into her after school activities and community service work. Her goal is to spread the benefits of art into >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW254766077 BCX0"> community and she’s excited to use her voice to further advance the National Art Honor Society!

Marlena Myles, a self-taught Spirit Lake Dakota artist in St. Paul, Minnesota, brings Indigenous history, language, and traditions into modern contexts through children’s books, augmented reality, murals, and more. Her notable works include augmented reality public art installations such as the Dakota Spirit Walk, Sacred Hoop Walk, and Wodakota Walk. She has exhibited at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and other prestigious galleries, created a Google Doodle, and launched Wíyouŋkihipi Productions to promote Dakota culture. In 2023, she won the Knight Arts + Tech Fellowship and the Joyce Award, and created her first documentary, Realms of Resilience. 

Chidera Oforkansi is currently a senior at George Bush High School. With a strong passion for the visual arts, she strives to create pieces that depict the daily struggles of people and the faults of society. This strong passion for art led her to join NAHS during her freshman year and she has stuck with the program ever since, evolving not only as an artist, but also as a person. Being in NAHS has transformed the way Chidera approaches leading others by pushing herself to become a compassionate and patient leader. Chidera hopes to someday become an artist who tackles challenging topics in unconventional ways while spreading her love of the visual arts to the rest of the world. 

Tanvi Kulshreshtha is a junior at BASIS Phoenix. She serves on the Arizona Youth Arts Council and as the President of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS/NJAHS), she combines her love for art and leadership. Art has always been central to who she is—whether through painting, sketching, graphic design, or playing piano.Tanvi has led a variety of community-based art projects, including interactive murals, community garden benches, Empty Bowls fund-raisers, and senior home art workshops, all with the goal of making art more accessible and meaningful. Her favorite medium is acrylic painting because of its ability to create vibrant layers and depth. Tanvi has grown into a dedicated, innovative, and collaborative leader, and she is honored to continue serving her community through the council this year. 

Evan is grateful to further the arts in any way that he can. Other honors include: Jury-Selected Artist “Art on the Trail” 2023; Jury-Selected Artist Mass Cultural Council Hopkinton Diversity Mural 2024; Mass Cultural Council Grant Recipient to create first-ever Hopkinton Art Walk; Samsung American Legion Scholarship Recipient; Scholastic Art & Writing Awards 2021, National Reflections Literary Award Winner; Knights of Columbus Leadership Award First Place MA; Eversource Environmental Energy Conservation First Place State Winner. Extracurricular activities: Hopkinton High School NHS and NAHS; varsity track and field; varsity football; athletic office liaison to student council; weightlifting club; published artist in Marginal Literary Magazine. Community service: Evan serves as the official Broadway blogger for the Hanover Theater, MA’s second largest theater; The Memory Project for Africa; together with his brother, Evan created a rock garden at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in honor of his mom. Evan is a global ambassador to Ukraine with Soles4Souls, where he has personally collected, cleaned, and shipped over 3,000 pairs of gently used shoes since the outbreak of the war with Russia. He is also a three-time championship head coach for recreational youth basketball. Evan is an active fund-raiser for the Jimmy Fund, having completed the walk twice in honor of his friend Chris. Work experience: Evan created his own company, Evan-Uber, which serves as a shuttle service for the children of working parents. Evan was a legislative research intern for his local state representative this summer. Previously he served as a senior counselor at the Metrowest YMCA, where he received an award for his service. 

Sabrea Jordan (She/Her) is a 12th grader from Jackson, MS, where she is a visual arts student at Ida B. Wells APAC, and she also attends the advanced academic program at Murrah High School. She has been a member of NJAHS (2019–2021) and NAHS (2021–present), where she has served as NJAHS President and NAHS Secretary, Vice President, and President. 

Sabrea credits her participation in NAHS to leading her to her chosen future career in art education. Her passion and drive have led to her teaching art at the Mississippi Museum of Art, as well as receiving the 2024 NAHS Secondary Rising Star Award in Minneapolis. As a creative artist, Sabrea has received numerous art awards and opportunities to have her work displayed. These include being juried into the NAHS Juried Student Showcase in 2022, receiving a national Scholastic Art & Writing Silver Medal in 2024, and 14 regional Scholastic Keys. Additionally, her artwork has been published in multiple literary magazines and displayed in multiple museums and exhibitions, such as the Mississippi Museum of Art and Mississippi Crafts Center, and she was recently chosen to have multiple pieces displayed in the Black Art Now exhibit at the MMA.  

Outside of NAHS and art, Sabrea is a member of speech and debate, book club, and the Pleiades Literary Magazine, and she is also an honor roll student. Sabrea plans on majoring in art education in college, and she looks forward to being a member of NAEA in the future. 

I am Shriya Sharma, and I am a senior who loves to make art! I am currently the president of my school’s art club, NAHS chapter, and Science Olympiad team. I enjoy dabbling in the natural sciences due to the beauty and inspirational nature of nature! I enjoy reading art history–related materials both outside and inside of class, and I love visiting museums and galleries. I also love working with children and doing charity! I have participated in all of my school’s art auctions for charity and have donated many pieces to these auctions, which I also helped set up. I am a paid tutor at Mathnasium, and I also tutor kids in the humanities at my school. I enjoy studying history, art, and languages. I find languages, especially Latin, very relevant in the art history field, and I have participated in the National Latin Exam, where I placed second, and I also earned an honorable mention. Additionally, I am a member of my school’s HOSA chapter and academic team (which placed fourth at the state championship in 2023). I like doing many things, including playing the piano, but ultimately, I always fall back to art. I have heavily dedicated myself to art in high school (art is the top priority on my schedule), and I hope to become an art curator one day—or if I am lucky enough, maybe an artist. Next year I plan to double major in studio arts and art history at a small college, and I will most likely minor in science.

Minneapolis-based artist Peyton Scott Russell has a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and for more than 3 decades he has been a professional artist and arts instructor. The 1984 film, Style Wars, introduced Peyton to graffiti art and the world of hip-hop. This had a profound effect on him and changed the course of his artistic endeavors. 
 
In the 1990s Peyton introduced graffiti art as a fine art in the Twin Cities through gallery exhibitions and teaching in after-school programs. His current organization, SPRAYFiNGER, is dedicated to teaching, studying, and practicing graffiti and the Art of Creative Lettering. His mission, in addition to his personal artistic practice, is to increase awareness of graffiti as a teachable fine art and deepen the understanding of the medium. Peyton has engaged with multiple generations of individuals throughout the United States as well as in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Tel Aviv, Israel. 

Cailyn Choi, a stationary geek and art enthusiast, is currently a junior at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington. She loves all kinds of arts—drawing and painting, photography, mixed media, and more—and will take any opportunity she can get to make something creative! Cailyn believes art is one’s voice and way of expression, and she encourages everyone to use their creativity, regardless of skill level, to participate in something artsy. Whether it’s cooking or baking, drawing, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, or anything else, Cailyn hopes people can find their creative outlet for speaking their truth through creativity. She has also recently become interested in video making and vlogging, and she looks forward to exploring new artistic styles in the upcoming year. When she is not at school or in the studio, she loves to golf with her friends and family or take naps with her Maltese. 

Ella Grail is currently a junior at Ames High School, located near Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She is a driven artist with an extensive contest and exhibit history. She has been an active and engaged participant in NAHS and NJAHS starting in 2021. During those years, she has done substantial service, including The Memory Project, Hospice Project, and volunteering at local art events. Throughout her time in NAHS, she has risen to a leadership position for her school’s chapter. Highlights for Ella have included being the state winner for Doodle for Google, attending the first National Art Honor Society Conference, and becoming a two-time finalist for the Unsung Heroes project. 

Ella Grail is currently a junior at Ames High School, located near Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She is a driven artist with an extensive contest and exhibit history. She has been an active and engaged participant in NAHS and NJAHS starting in 2021. During those years, she has done substantial service, including The Memory Project, Hospice Project, and volunteering at local art events. Throughout her time in NAHS, she has risen to a leadership position for her school’s chapter. Highlights for Ella have included being the state winner for Doodle for Google, attending the first National Art Honor Society Conference, and becoming a two-time finalist for the Unsung Heroes project. 

Cailyn Choi, a stationary geek and art enthusiast, is currently a junior at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington. She loves all kinds of arts—drawing and painting, photography, mixed media, and more—and will take any opportunity she can get to make something creative! Cailyn believes art is one’s voice and way of expression, and she encourages everyone to use their creativity, regardless of skill level, to participate in something artsy. Whether it’s cooking or baking, drawing, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, or anything else, Cailyn hopes people can find their creative outlet for speaking their truth through creativity. She has also recently become interested in video making and vlogging, and she looks forward to exploring new artistic styles in the upcoming year. When she is not at school or in the studio, she loves to golf with her friends and family or take naps with her Maltese. 

Ella Grail is currently a junior at Ames High School, located near Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She is a driven artist with an extensive contest and exhibit history. She has been an active and engaged participant in NAHS and NJAHS starting in 2021. During those years, she has done substantial service, including The Memory Project, Hospice Project, and volunteering at local art events. Throughout her time in NAHS, she has risen to a leadership position for her school’s chapter. Highlights for Ella have included being the state winner for Doodle for Google, attending the first National Art Honor Society Conference, and becoming a two-time finalist for the Unsung Heroes project. 

Cailyn Choi, a stationary geek and art enthusiast, is currently a junior at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington. She loves all kinds of arts—drawing and painting, photography, mixed media, and more—and will take any opportunity she can get to make something creative! Cailyn believes art is one’s voice and way of expression, and she encourages everyone to use their creativity, regardless of skill level, to participate in something artsy. Whether it’s cooking or baking, drawing, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, or anything else, Cailyn hopes people can find their creative outlet for speaking their truth through creativity. She has also recently become interested in video making and vlogging, and she looks forward to exploring new artistic styles in the upcoming year. When she is not at school or in the studio, she loves to golf with her friends and family or take naps with her Maltese. 

Cappie Dobyns, a 25 year veteran, is an art / gifted and talented educator and an NAEA Outstanding NJAHS Sponsor. She also serves as the Middle Level Member at Large on the National Council of the NAHS. She earned her Master of Science in Teaching at Drake University where she is also currently a PhD candidate. While teaching adolescents at Ames Middle School gives her life purpose, she feels empowered through her differing volunteer roles within the Art Educators of Iowa (and, past work within the Texas Art Educator Association).

Josh Drews has been teaching visual art at Spring Valley since 2001. He has helped develop arts curriculum for South Carolina, including co-authoring the 2017 and 2010 SC Media Arts standards and writing the SC curriculum guide for Media Arts, Media Arts (Design) and Printmaking. He is currently the NAEA Secondary Division Coordinator-Elect and a past president of the South Carolina Art Education Association. He is also an avid printmaker and working artist. He is proud to have a deep passion for teaching art, students, comic books, video games, his wife, and battle cat Tobias.

Heather R. Overvold is the Senior Member Services and NAHS Programs Coordinator at NAEA, where she provides customer service to NAEA members and helps develop the NAHS and NJAHS programs. Before beginning her career at NAEA, Heather earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Design from James Madison University and her Master of Arts in Arts Management from George Mason University.

Dr. Susannah Brown is a professor of art education at the College of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning, at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, where she has worked for the past 28 years with learners of all ages—preK to adults—to inspire academic excellence and a commitment to the community through arts engagement. Brown has published book chapters, scholarly articles, and textbooks, including Curriculum Integration in Contemporary Teaching Practice: Emerging Research and Opportunities (IGI Global, 2018), Teaching Art Integration in the Schools (Cengage, 2013), and Creative Literacy in Action: Birth through Age Nine (Cengage, 2017), all of which incorporate creative engagement activities in teaching practice. 

Joana Hyatt earned her PhD in art education from the University of North Texas, where she was awarded the Priddy Fellowship. Dr. Hyatt has been a K-16 art educator for over 20 years, teaching in Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas. Her students range in age from four years old to 96 years young. Her research interests and teaching emphasize the affective domains of teacher development through the investigations of self and community by employing inquiry-based methodologies of arts-based research and narrative inquiry.

Hyatt has published in Art Education, The Journal of Social Theory in Art Education, and Trends: The Journal of the Texas Art Education Association, and will have a chapter in P. Sameshima, B. White & A. Sinner (Eds.), Ma: Materiality in Teaching and Learning. Hyatt serves on the NAEA Research Commission—Professional Learning through Research (PLR) Working Group as the Western Division representative. She is also on the editorial review board for Art Education. Hyatt is now assistant professor and program director for art education at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and teaches online courses for the University of Florida. 

Dana Carlisle Kletchka is an assistant professor of art museum education in the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy at The Ohio State University. Her research areas include post-critical art museum education theory; professional development for preK–12 teachers in art museum contexts; the use of social media and digital technologies on interpretation and engagement in the art museum; and the professional positionality of art museum educators within the profound paradigmatic shift of art museums over the last 40 years.  She is co-editor of an upcoming book, Professional Development in Art Museums: Strategies of Engagement Through Contemporary Art (NAEA). In 2015, Kletchka was recognized as NAEA’s Art Educator of the Year for the Museum Education Division.

F. Robert Sabol is a Professor of Visual and Performing Arts at Purdue University, Head of the Department of Art and Design, and Program Coordinator for the Art Education program. He has been the President of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the Art Education Association of Indiana (AEAI). He is a member of the Leadership Team of the National Consortium for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) and national chair of the Model Cornerstone Assessment Development Team. Sabol’s research interests include assessment, multiculturalism, arts education policy, curriculum development, educational leadership, and professional development of art educators. He has given over 280 presentations of his research at state, national, and international conferences. He has been a consultant for a number of federal government agencies and international governments on art education policy, standards, curriculum development, licensure, and assessment. He also has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the U.S. Department of Education, the National Art Education Foundation, and other funding sources to support his research. He has published three books and over 90 articles in professional journals. Sabol’s numerous awards for his research and teaching include NAEA Art Educator of the Year Award, NAEA Distinguished Fellow, NAEA Distinguished Service within the Profession Award, NAEA Manual Barkan Memorial Award, NAEA Western Region Higher Education Art Educator of the Year, Indiana Governor’s Arts Award, Indiana Art Educator of the Year, Purdue University Book of Great Teachers, and, twice, the Purdue University Excellence in Teaching Award.

Enid Zimmerman is Professor Emerita of Art Education at Indiana University. In her research in art education, she focuses on global concerns, talent development, creativity, feminism, and leadership and policy issues. She has taught, conducted workshops, and served as a consultant in over 25 countries. She is an NAEA Distinguished Fellow, was the first Chair of the NAEA Research Commission, and served as an NAEA Research Commissioner in 2012-2015. Zimmerman has received the NAEA National Art Educator and National Higher Education Art Educator awards, as well as the Ziegfeld, Lowenfeld, and Barkan awards. Recent awards are the Distinguished Lecture at Miami University of Ohio, the Davis Lecture at North Texas University, and the NAEA Elliot Eisner Lifetime Achievement Award. She is co-evaluator of the NAEA School for Art Leaders, and recently co-edited two NAEA books, Connecting Creativity Research and Practice in Art Education and Culturally Sensitive Art Education in a Global World. Another NAEA book, Through the Prism: Looking at the Spectrum of Writings of Enid Zimmerman, summarizes her influences on art education through her own contributions and those of her former students and colleagues.