The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, and it isn't slowing down yet as I get ready to head out to Chicago for the National Art Education Association's National Convention. Art Teachers from around the world are descending on the Windy City for three days of Art Education fun, play, and serious learning.
Chicago is a special place for the JFJ, because ten years ago Dave and I attended our first National Convention together as the Journal Fodder Junkies. We weren't scheduled to present, but we did an impromptu presentation when someone didn't show leaving a room full of participants pondering how they were going to get into another session. So, Dave and I jumped up and said, "We've got something to share." We introduced ourselves, and shared an activity based on Angeles Airren's book Signs of Life.
When several people came up to us and said that it was one of the best presentations they had been to, we knew we were onto something. If two schmucks could jump up with nothing but some scrap paper they picked up off of the table, and give a compelling presentation to a room full of people, they must be doing something right. And for the last ten years Dave and I have been spreading the word.
Chicago is going to be awesome! I can't wait. I get there tonight, and we hit the ground running tomorrow with pre-conference workshops.
I am completely awed to think of the hundreds and thousands of people that we have met, spoken to, and inspired. Who have thought? Ten years and going strong.
Here's to 10, 20, 30 more!!!