Open Studio Conversations

NAEA's monthly Open Studio Conversations highlight topics of interest for art educators to spark conversation around ideas in the field. Registration is FREE for all! Invite your colleagues to this monthly community gathering to exchange ideas.

To suggest a topic for an Open Studio Conversation, please contact Laura Grundler, Chief of Creative Engagement, at [email protected].

 Stay tuned for upcoming Open Studios—they will be announced below.

 Please note that live and on demand Open Studio Conversations do not provide professional learning credit.

Upcoming Open Studio Conversations

Product Image: Artist Connections: Open Studio Conversation With Shannon Downey
Artist Connections: Open Studio Conversation With Shannon Downey
[November 19, 2026] Join us for the next Artist Connections, an exclusive online series for students who are members of a National Art Honor Society chapter. Each live Zoom event features a 30-minute artist talk followed by a 30-minute student-led interview and Q and A, giving members the opportunity to connect directly with inspiring artists and creative leaders.
Product Image: NAEA Open Studio Conversation: Educators, Museums, and an Artist Collaborate to Bring Contemporary Indigenous Art to Classrooms
NAEA Open Studio Conversation: Educators, Museums, and an Artist Collaborate to Bring Contemporary Indigenous Art to Classrooms
[October 22, 2026] Contemporary Native American art provides a powerful tool for countering stereotypes and asserting the ongoing presence and vitality of Native peoples and cultures. When Cherokee/Choctaw artist Jeffrey Gibson represented the United States at the 2024 Venice Biennale, he was determined to use this unique platform to connect with educators and youth, and make a difference in how Native American art and cultures are taught. This session will present the rich partnership formed between the artist, staff at three museums, and a cohort of K–12 and college educators. Participants will learn how to adapt elements of the project for their classrooms and institutions. Please note that participation in this live event or recording does not include NAEA professional learning credit.
Product Image: NAEA Open Studio Conversation: Defining Belonging: Simple Inclusive Strategies for the Arts Classroom
NAEA Open Studio Conversation: Defining Belonging: Simple Inclusive Strategies for the Arts Classroom
[October 1, 2026] As leaders in equity, diversity, and inclusion, the NAEA ED&I Commission recognizes belonging as the outcome of intentional, inclusive practice. Join Commission members as they share practical, classroom-ready strategies grounded in equity-centered teaching that help foster environments where every student is empowered to thrive. Please note that participation in this live event or recording does not include NAEA professional learning credit.
Product Image: NAEA Open Studio Conversation: Create Digital Trading Cards: Teaching Foundational Art Skills With Free Tools
NAEA Open Studio Conversation: Create Digital Trading Cards: Teaching Foundational Art Skills With Free Tools
[August 27, 2026] Step into the Wacom Hero Lab and discover how simple digital art skills can unlock creativity in any classroom. In this Open Studio, educators will explore foundational digital drawing techniques such as sketching, linework, using layers, and adding color while working with free online art tools. Inspired by Wacom’s hands-on Hero Lab experience at NAEA26, this session demonstrates how to guide students through creating their own Art Hero trading card while learning core digital art skills along the way. Participants will leave with ready-to-use lesson plans, printable digital templates, classroom adaptations, and creative inspiration to help bring digital art into their teaching. No prior digital art experience is required. Please note that participation in this live event or recording does not include NAEA professional learning credit.