President's Message — Sandra Newton

Gratitude, Grace, and Growth

Hello friends and fellow art educators.

As your new president, I am filled with deep gratitude — for the trust you've placed in me, for the mentors and colleagues who have shaped my journey, and for the tireless work each of you does every day to nurture creativity and artistic intelligence across Texas. Together, we are part of something bigger than any single classroom or conference — we are a community that believes in the transformative power of visual art education.

As we move forward, I hope we work together with grace — grace for ourselves as we navigate challenges, grace for one another as we share ideas and perspectives, and grace for our students as they learn, experiment, and grow through art. Grace allows us to stay connected, compassionate, and resilient.

And finally, this is a season of growth — for our organization, for our programs, and for each of us as educators and artists. Growth happens when we listen deeply, take creative risks, and support one another's visions. My hope is that, together, we continue to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community where every member feels seen, valued, and inspired.

Thank you for the work you do every day — your passion shapes not only students, but the future of art education in Texas. I am honored to serve alongside you, and I can't wait to see how we grow . . . together gracefully and with gratitude for the work.

Thank you. I am honored to serve you.

Sandra Newton
TAEA President 2025-2027