Frank Juárez

On November 1st, I  led a teacher recharge program through the lens of an art educator at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. It brought art educators from across Wisconsin to connect and engage in artmaking at this special creative development session. I was joined by JMKAC Education staff for my presentation, “Cultivating Space for Emerging Artists.” 

As educators, in what ways can we infuse our artistic lives into our teaching practice? How can we acknowledge and share our students’ voices and perspectives outside of the art room and into our communities? We explored these questions through individual and group reflections, highlighting the necessity of nurturing future creatives.

Prompts for self-reflection and group conversations

Educators were tasked to think about the words, cultivate, space, emerging, and artists. What comes to mind? What examples can be referenced and shared with one another?

• What does this look like in your school?
• Do you have dedicated spaces for student art?
• Are there areas you envision as a place for student art?
• What type of art programming and experiences do you offer your students?
• In what ways can you extend art education and advocacy into the community?

Afterwards, they participated in an activity called Parking Lot, which consisted of four large Post-Its. They jotted their ideas. It was interesting how they interpreted these key words.

Art educators spent time in the Arts Center’s galleries, exploring the This is Where I’m Coming From exhibition series focused on themes of place and belonging, which resulted in creating their own response piece. We went off script and seized the moment to hear from a couple of educators talk about their work in the exhibition, And I Will Tell You Mine. 

Finally, they joined artist-in-residence Lonnie Holley and community partners for a celebration of Holley’s work in the Sheboygan community at the culmination of his two-week-long residency at the Arts Center.

About Frank Juárez

Frank Juárez is an award-winning art educator, curator, and arts advocate based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Known for his commitment to elevating contemporary art and supporting Wisconsin artists, Juárez has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the Midwest Artist Studios Project and the 365 Artists 365 Days Project. In addition to his roles as publisher of Artdose magazine and editor-in-chief of SchoolArts magazine, Juárez has curated exhibitions and juried art shows throughout the Midwest. His dedication to art education and advocacy has earned him numerous accolades, making him a pivotal figure in Wisconsin’s art community.

About the Teacher Recharge Program

The Teacher Recharge Program is a full-day professional development program focused on reenergizing attendees’ personal, creative, and teaching practices. Educators explore the Arts Center’s galleries and permanent collection and participate in hands-on opportunities led by educators or teaching artists.

All photos taken by Frank Juárez.