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ARTS ELEVATED:
CONFERENCE 2026
Session Descriptions
Art SessionsDance SessionsDrama SessionsMusic SessionsFriday Add-On SessionsKeynote & Additional Conference Events
The Art of Containment – Art Therapy Techniques for Teachers (Katie McBeath, General)
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.
Foundations of Acrylic Painting: Still Life in Form & Colour (Holly McWilliams, 7–12)
Presenter: Holly McWilliams
Audience: 7–12
From Idea to Public Art: A Collaborative Design Thinking Mural Workshop (Tamera Olsen, K–12, 2.5 hours)
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.
Friday Add-On – Contemporary Calgary, Educator Guided Tour
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.
Have questions about any of the promos or the conference?
📧 Reach out to victoria.reid@fineartsata.ca
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