In March of 2018, I was able to travel to Seattle, Washington with the Art Education program to present my new methodologies/eco-feminist research, In the Roots of Wise Women, at the National Art Education Association conference. I presented my research on a panel entitled, Committed to Inquiry: Emerging Issues, Strategies and Trends in PreService Art Education Research, with other preservice educators in the field. This presentation session gave me the opportunity to share my research and connect with others who are working with diverse research strategies to inform their pedagogy.

Brooke Hofsess and Shauna Caldwell

Traveling to Seattle was an enriching experience for me as I had never been to that part of the country before. I was able to travel with my mentor, Dr. Brooke Hofsess, and visit museums, local marketplaces, and quaint coffee shops. While I spent time at the conference, attending sessions and learning more about contemporary research and work in art education, I spent a fair amount of time exploring the city and meeting colleagues of Dr. Hofsess which was, truly, the best part of the trip for me. It was also a treat to see Dr. Hofsess receive the Preservice Chapter Sponsor Award of Excellence as she deserves every ounce of recognition for her honorable work in our program. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to travel across the country to share my research, learn about the work of my colleagues, and meet incredible scholars in art education.

by Shauna Caldwell