Last weekend, Shaker High School Art Teachers Carrie Lue and Genevieve Chornyak showcased their creativity and passion at the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) conference in Binghamton! Representing North Colonie, the duo presented on how the artwork of contemporary artists has inspired their lesson development for advanced art and AP level students. Using works by contemporary artists like Caledonia Curry a.k.a. Swoon, a world-renowned artist, Mrs. Lue and Mrs. Chornyak showcased how they guide students to explore themes of identity, portraiture, and the figure, all while connecting their art to meaningful locations within the school community. This approach encourages students to think beyond traditional art spaces, engaging a broader audience. Over the years, college-bound art students have held peer critiques discussing their work.
At the conference, not only was Swoon the keynote presenter, but she also sat in on Mrs. Lue and Mrs. Chornyak’s presentation, had lunch with them, and included highlights of the experience on her own social media channels. Mrs. Lue and Mrs. Chornyak were joined by District Art Supervisor Anne Manzella and more than 500 art teachers from around the state who enjoyed hearing from Swoon herself about her life’s work and community outreach efforts.
