We’re celebrating National Arts in Education week with James Rees, an accomplished visual artist and arts educator who has spent decades advocating for the importance of arts education. Rees talks about his early inspirations, his time at Brigham Young University, and his unexpected path to teaching. He emphasizes the need for student-centered learning in the arts and the importance of allowing students to find their own creative voices through critical thinking and exploration. Rees also shares how his own studio practice informs his teaching and how failure is an essential part of the creative process. And we touch upon his upcoming show at Wisconsin’s Trout Museum of Art.

Rees also discusses the significance of mentorship, providing young artists with opportunities to engage with professionals and showcase their work in public spaces. Rees reflects on his leadership roles, including his advocacy work for the arts at the local, state, and national levels; his times as panelist for the NEA; and how these efforts have impacted both arts education and the wider arts community. This conversation offers an exploration of the impact of art education on students’ lives and the transformative power of making and sharing art. 

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