Presenter: Katie McBeath Audience: General “The Art of Containment” is a hands-on workshop introducing art therapy as a practice for self-care and a strategy for educators to foster inclusion and identity in increasingly challenging classrooms. All materials will be provided.

Presenter: Holly McWilliamsAudience: 7–12This hands-on acrylic painting workshop uses classic still life subject matter to teach foundational painting skills in an engaging and accessible way. Participants will learn how to create the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface by developing an understanding of light, shadow, colour, and structure using acrylic paint. Through guided demonstrations and step-by-step instruction, attendees will explore a variety of painting techniques including dry brushing, expressive mark-making, layering, and sculptural paint application to create texture, depth, and realism. The session also encourages moments of creative choice, allowing participants to decide whether they wish to pursue a more traditional realistic finish or a looser, contemporary interpretation. This balance of technical structure and creative exploration makes the workshop highly adaptable for high school classrooms and diverse learning styles.

Presenter: Tamera Olsen Audience: K–12 This interactive workshop blends short lecture segments and group discussion with hands‑on art making to support K–12 visual art teachers in exploring how design thinking, materials, constraints, and inclusive processes shape successful classroom and community art installations. Participants will learn accessible block‑printmaking techniques and contribute to a collaborative mural. Teachers are invited to bring their ideas, challenges, and in‑progress concepts for a group discussion focused on problem‑solving across districts, materials, and installation contexts. By the end, participants will leave with practical strategies, shared insights, and a firsthand experience of how collaborative making builds trust and community.

Presenter: Contemporary Calgary Audience: General Please note: This add-on session is an additional $25 to be paid during online registration. Step into the world of contemporary art with a guided tour at Contemporary Calgary, one of the city’s most dynamic cultural spaces. Join fellow arts educators for a tour and exploration of current exhibitions, artistic practices, and the ideas shaping today’s creative landscape. Led by Contemporary Calgary’s knowledgeable gallery educators, this tour offers insight into featured artists, curatorial themes, and the role of contemporary art in fostering dialogue and reflection. Participants will engage in discussion, examine artworks up close, and consider how contemporary practices can inspire and inform arts education. This Elevated Add‑On includes both your guided tour and general admission, allowing you to continue exploring the museum at your own pace after the tour concludes.