CENTREVILLE — Love is in the air, and in Queen Anne’s County, it’s not just reserved for Valentine’s Day. This February, the world of art education witnessed a groundbreaking worldwide event at the Art of Education University’s (AOEU) Winter 2024 NOW Conference. Michael Bell, Supervisor of Fine Arts for QACPS, took center stage to deliver a keynote for the After Pass on: “How Administrators Can Build Relationships and Support Art Programs.”
Bell, renowned for his transformative work in art education, shared insights and strategies that have elevated the QACPS Visual Arts programs into national award-winning initiatives, while showcasing the hard work and dedication of the teachers under his supervision. With over 2,500 art educators in attendance, the conference witnessed a convergence of love and learning, featuring thirty presentations aimed at deepening educators’ connection to their craft.
“I got Queen Anne’s there by ‘challenging the process,’” shared Bell, echoing the sentiment of love and perseverance that defines his art education initiatives—qualities essential for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of art education. His commitment to fostering a tight-knit family of art educators that also ‘stay artists’ has created a community bound together by a shared love for creativity and expression.
When asked about his unique approach to advocating for his programs, Bell spoke about the love he has for his teachers as a motivator, and the support of his talented C&I team, his Asst. Superintendent and Superintendent, Dr. Patty Saelens.
“If you want to stay endlessly motivated, it’s all about being creative. Everything that creates actually solves,” says Bell. “For me, this began with the relationships that I forged with my various teams, and it all starts with ‘why.’”
Watch Michael Bell’s After Pass keynote at: https://theartofed.wistia.com/medias/2z91hfjayy
Also, tune in to Stephanie Zeiler’s recent podcast for the AOEU with Tim Bogatz here: https://theartofeducation.edu/podcasts/visual-journals-and-classroom-communities-ep-397/
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!