S.C. Art Education Association announces award recipients

Plethora of 2024 awardees

The South Carolina Art Education Association has announced the 2024 Award Recipients.

Mary Whyte Art Educator Award

The Mary Whyte Art Educator Award highlights a visual arts teacher working in a public-school setting who demonstrates superior commitment to their students and craft. The 2024 recipient of the Mary Whyte Art Educator Award is Carlon Steller Grey. Carlon is an accomplished art educator with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in art education from Converse College. She has been teaching art at various educational levels since 2010 and is also the owner of StellerART, where she creates and sells original artwork. Steller has received numerous awards for her contributions to art education, including the SCAEA Middle Level Teacher of the Year in 2017. Additionally, she has participated in various exhibitions, served as a community art instructor, and held leadership roles within the South Carolina Art Education Association.

SCAEA Art Educator of the Year Award

The SCAEA Art Educator of the Year Award is presented to an arts educator teaching at the K-12 level who has served as a member of the SCAEA board and demonstrates outstanding teaching and program development and is a strong advocate for our profession. The 2024 SCAEA Art Educator of the Year is Stephanie Shank of Fort Dorchester High School in Dorchester School District Two. Shank holds a Master of Fine Arts in photography and a Master of Arts in teaching from Savannah College of Art and Design, along with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Clemson University. She has extensive experience as a visual art educator and currently teaches photography at Fort Dorchester while facilitating art history courses as an adjunct professor at Denmark Technical College. Stephanie is actively involved in professional organizations, has received multiple accolades, and has contributed to numerous art exhibitions and projects, showcasing her commitment to art education and student engagement.

SCAEA Elementary Level Art Educator of the Year Award

The SCAEA Elementary Level Art Educator of the Year Award is presented to an active SCAEA member who demonstrates outstanding teaching and program development as well as a strong advocacy for our profession at the elementary level. The 2024 SCAEA Elementary Level Art Educator of the Year is April Cross of Dorchester School District Two. April D. Cross is a visual arts educator based in Summerville with a bachelor’s in art from Radford University. She has extensive experience teaching elementary students and has served as a visual arts teacher at Knightsville Elementary School since 2013. April is involved in various professional development initiatives and has successfully managed arts grants totaling $72,000 for her school’s arts program. Additionally, she engages in community service as a muralist and works with the Dorchester District Two Gateway program where she teaches gifted and talented visual arts.

SCAEA Middle Level Art Educator of the Year Award

The SCAEA Middle Level Art Educator of the Year Award is presented to an active SCAEA member who demonstrates outstanding teaching and program development as well as a strong advocacy for our profession at the middle level. The 2024 SCAEA Middle Level Art Educator of the Year is Aimee Price of R.P. Dawkins Middle School, Spartanburg School District 6. Price is a visual art educator with a strong emphasis on relationship building as the foundation of her teaching philosophy. She encourages her students, primarily in grades 6-8, to engage in creative thought and develop critical thinking skills through art. Aimee holds a bachelor’s degree in art education and a master’s degree in art education from Converse College, along with ongoing studies for a master’s in literacy education at USC-Upstate. Her professional accolades include being named Teacher of the Year for 2015-2016 and recognized as one of the “10 Educators Who Make a Difference” by Upstate Parents magazine in 2017.

SCAEA Secondary Level Art Educator of the Year Award

The SCAEA Secondary Level Art Educator of the Year Award is presented to an active SCAEA member who demonstrates outstanding teaching and program development as well as a strong advocacy for our profession at the secondary level. The 2024 SCAEA Secondary Level Art Educator of the Year is Sandra Queen of Rock Hill. Sandra R. Queen is an experienced art educator currently teaching at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill since 2007. She has held various leadership roles, including fine arts chairperson and AP art teacher, and has been involved in mentoring student interns from Winthrop University. Sandra has a master’s degree in art education and is national board certified. Her career includes numerous teaching positions and accolades, including Teacher of the Year awards in multiple districts and recognition as an outstanding mentor teacher.

SCAEA Higher Level Art Educator of the Year Award

The SCAEA Higher Level Art Educator of the Year Award is presented to an active SCAEA member who demonstrates outstanding teaching and program development as well as a strong advocacy for our profession at the college level. The 2024 SCAEA Higher Level Art Educator of the Year is Doug L. McAbee, an art professor of at Lander University with an MFA in sculpture and a bachelor’s in art from Winthrop University. His career includes numerous publications, awards, and exhibitions showcasing his sculptures and drawings. He has received recognition in various juried competitions and has completed public art commissions in South Carolina. McAbee’s work emphasizes creativity and engagement with the community, reflecting his commitment to the arts.

Thomas Hatfield Lifetime Achievement Award

The Thomas Hatfield Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to arts educators who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to the teaching and promotion of art education. This year SCAEA recognizes:

• Susanne Floyd Gunter with the 2024 SCAEA Thomas Hatfield Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Gunter is an accomplished educator with extensive qualifications, including a doctorate in education and multiple principal certifications. She has held various teaching and administrative roles, currently serving as the coordinator for the MEd Art Education and the Converse Alternative Certification – Art Education programs at Converse University. Dr. Gunter has received numerous awards for her contributions to art education and has actively participated in professional development and curriculum development initiatives. Her dedication to fostering art education is reflected in her mentorship of students and faculty, along with her involvement in numerous art exhibitions and community service projects.
• R. Scot Hockman with the 2024 SCAEA Thomas Hatfield Lifetime Achievement Award. Hockman is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in arts education, having served as a master teacher at Irmo Middle School for 26 years and the SCDE arts education associate from 2005-2015. His educational background includes a master’s degree in media arts and certifications in gifted education and art education. He has contributed significantly to various arts education initiatives and standards at state and national levels. He has received numerous awards for his leadership and excellence in the field, including NAEA Middle Level Art Educator of the Year. His professional affiliations include key roles in several arts education organizations, including the Kennedy Center National Leadership Network, underscoring his commitment to enhancing the arts and arts integration across the curriculum.

Dr. Deborah Smith Hoffman Mentor Award

The Dr. Deborah Smith Hoffman Mentor Award is presented to an active SCAEA member who demonstrates commitment to mentoring art educators by supporting their professional and personal growth as artists and educators. The 2024 recipient is Dr.Olga Ivashkevich, an associate professor of art education at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Ivashkevich coordinates the art education program and directs the Women’s Well-Being Initiative by the Women’s and Gender Studies at USC. She holds a Ph.D. in art education from the University of Illinois and has a diverse research focus, including girlhood studies, youth criminalization, and feminist pedagogies. Ivashkevich has received several professional awards and has been actively involved in community-based initiatives and grants aimed at supporting youth in the local juvenile arbitration program through art and media. Additionally, she has published numerous works, including books and peer-reviewed articles, and has presented at national and international conferences on topics related to art education and social justice.

Mac Goodwin Distinguished Art Advocate Award

The SCAEA Mac Goodwin Distinguished Art Advocate Award is presented to an active member of the SCAEA who demonstrates advocacy and leadership in advancing the cause of art education and works to support and improve art education. The 2024 recipient of this award is Roger Simpson. Simpson is currently the education associate for the visual and performing arts at the South Carolina Department of Education, serving over 560,000 arts students and nearly 3,400 educators. With more than 20 years of experience, he has held various leadership positions, including director of bands at multiple high schools and program director for ArtSummer. He holds a Master of Arts from Sam Houston State University and has numerous certifications and endorsements. Simpson is recognized for his mentorship, community involvement, and commitment to enhancing arts education across South Carolina.

Promising Young Professional Award

The SCAEA Promising Young Professional Award is presented to an active SCAEA member within their first 5 years of their career as an arts educator who demonstrates excellence in teaching art, advocacy for art education, and exhibits leadership potential within the profession. The 2024 recipient of the SCAEA Promising Young Professional Award is Meg Slappey of Dorchester School District Two. Slappey is an experienced art teacher and ceramicist based in Moncks Corner with a background in digital marketing as the co-founder and art director of Creative Consulting. She has run her own pottery business and has participated in artist residency programs at local high schools. Currently, she teaches art for PreK-5th grades at Newington Elementary School. Meg holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and is pursuing a master’s degree in art history.

SCAEA Art Administrator of the Year Award

The SCAEA Arts Administrator of the Year Award is presented to an arts administrator who demonstrates outstanding teaching and program development as well as a strong advocacy for the profession of arts education. The recipient of the SCAEA 2024 Arts Administrator of the Year Award is Dr. Kimberly Fontanez of Aiken. Fontanez is an experienced educator and current fine arts coordinator for Aiken County District. She holds a doctorate in education and has a strong background in arts education, having served in various leadership roles including chair of the SC Art Education Association middle level board. Kimberly has been recognized as Teacher of the Year multiple times and is actively involved in organizations like the National Art Education Association and the South Carolina Art Educators Association. Her objective is to secure a nomination as an Outstanding Administrator by showcasing her commitment to student and educator development in the arts.

SCAEA Museum Educator of the Year Award

The SCAEA Museum Educator of the Year Award is presented to a museum educator who demonstrates outstanding teaching and program development in a museum setting as well as strong advocacy for the profession of arts education. The SCAEA 2024 Museum Educator of the Year is Caroline Gwinn. Gwinn is the executive director of the Aiken Center for the Arts since 2019, where she has led strategic planning, operational management, and financial oversight, significantly increasing grant funding and community program engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and finance from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Fine Arts in dance from the University of California, Irvine. Her leadership has garnered multiple awards for the Aiken Center for the Arts, including the 2023 Governor’s Award for the Arts and the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Angel Award. Caroline is actively involved in community engagement, staff development, and fostering partnerships to promote the arts.

SCAEA Outstanding Administrator Award

The SCAEA Outstanding Administrator Award is presented to a school administrator who demonstrates consistent support and commitment both philosophically and financially to art programs at their school. The SCAEA Outstanding Administrator Award is presented to Sarah Deason. Deason is a school administrator with extensive experience in the Lancaster County School District, having served as principal at Indian Land Elementary from July 2019 to June 2024 and as assistant principal at various schools from July 2012 to July 2019. She holds a master’s degree in school leadership from Winthrop University and a Master’s in Education from the University of South Carolina, along with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with secondary education. Deason has received multiple awards, including the 2005 Middle School Teacher of the Year, and has certifications as a Google Certified Teacher and National Board Certified Teacher.

Business Supporter of Art Education

The Business Supporter of Art Education Award recognizes an individual or business that supports SCAEA through donations and/or volunteer work and provides assistance for the publicity and advocacy of art education. This year…

• Blick Art Materials is recognized because of their consistent support of the SCAEA. Blick has participated as a state conference vendor and sponsor, provided tote bags for attendees, and offered professional development workshops for art teachers across the state. Their hands-on workshops and extensive displays allow educators to sample materials and receive lesson plans, contributing significantly to art education in South Carolina. Blick deserves recognition for their generous support and commitment to quality art education.
• Greenville County Museum of Art is recognized for the Business Supporter of Art Education Award due to their consistent support of SCAEA. GCMA has hosted numerous SCAEA workshops and as a generous host for our annual state conference. GCMA deserves recognition for their ongoing support and commitment to quality art education.

SCAEA Youth Art Month Award

The SCAEA Youth Art Month Award is presented to an active SCAEA member who demonstrates outstanding involvement and promotion of Youth Art Month at the local, regional, state, or national levels. The 2024 recipient of this award is Kelli Brosnan of Dorchester District Two. Kelli Brosnan is an experienced art educator with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art education and a master’s in art administration. Currently, she teaches at Spann Elementary School in Summerville where she has been recognized as the 2023 Teacher of the Year and has secured over $50,000 in grants for fine arts programs. She currently serves as the DD2 Elementary Art lead teacher in Summerville, where she designs multicultural lessons, secures significant grants, and leads a team of teachers. Her dedication to promoting art education is further highlighted by her involvement in Youth Art Month events, showcasing over 500 student artworks and engaging the community. She is also an exhibiting artist, demonstrating her commitment to the arts both in and out of the classroom.

SCAEA National Art Honor Society Sponsor Award

The SCAEA National Art Honor Society Sponsor Award is presented to an active SCAEA member who demonstrates leadership at the secondary level through sponsorship of an active National Art Honor Society Chapter. The 2024 recipient is Katrina Hampton, a visual art educator based in Columbia with a strong academic background in printmaking and photography. She is the former chair of the fine arts department at Westwood High School and currently serves as the assistant director of the TRI District Arts Consortium. In addition to developing and managing various art programs, she has received notable awards, including the Columbia Museum of Art’s MacArthur Award for Excellence in Arts Education. Her educational qualifications include a Master of Education from Columbia College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Winthrop University.

Distinguished Service to SCAEA Award

The Distinguished Service to SCAEA Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates active leadership and commitment to art education through their services to the SCAEA Board. The 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Service to SCAEA Award is presented to Staci Purvis of Greenville. We celebrate Staci Purvis for her distinguished service to SCAEA, where she has been an invaluable secretary, ensuring our organization runs smoothly with her diligence and exceptional attention to detail. With over 22 years of experience as a K-12 visual arts teacher, Staci’s creativity and dedication extend beyond administrative tasks, exemplified by her successful role as a grant manager and the co-lead elementary and middle school art Teacher for Greenville County Schools. Her active participation in exhibitions and professional development, along with accolades like the South Carolina Art Educator of the Year in 2021, highlights her outstanding commitment to arts education. Staci’s unwavering dedication has made a lasting impact on both SCAEA and the broader arts education community.

SCAEA R. Scot Hockman Teacher Grant

The R. Scot Hockman Teacher Grant is awarded to an active SCAEA member teaching art in a K-12 educational setting to support instruction during the regular school day. This year this grant was awarded to Jen Hodges, the art teacher at Johnsonville High School in Johnsonville. Hodges is an experienced art educator with a bachelor’s degree in art studio and early childhood education from Coastal Carolina University and a master’s degree in instructional technology. She has held various teaching positions and has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities such as advising the yearbook and National Art Honor Society. Jen is also a certified educator with multiple specializations, including gifted/talented and AP Art History, and is actively engaged in professional development and community service.

SCAEA Liz Smith-Cox Art Education Scholarship

The LIz Smith-Cox Art Education Scholarship is awarded to an active SCAEA member who is working to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree in Art Education or working to obtain a certificate in Art Education through the PACE Program. This year this scholarship was awarded to Heather Carey of Charleston. Carey is an arts educator in Charleston County School District who is currently completing her certification through the PACE Program. With a background as a professional artist, Heather brings valuable insights to her work as an arts educator, contributing positively to arts education in South Carolina.

SCAEA Baccalaureate Program Scholarship

The SCAEA Baccalaureate Program Scholarship is awarded to an active SCAEA member who is pursuing a degree in Art or Arts Education. This year the scholarship was awarded to Lucy Beckham of Charleston. Lucy is a current student of Charleston County School District at Lucy Beckham High School, where she has taken multiple art classes. Lucy is deeply passionate about serving others, volunteering with a local art teacher and participating in international mission trips. As she prepares to graduate, she aims to major in art education or double major in education and visual art, recognizing the importance of education and the impact of teaching.

SCAEA ArtFields Jr. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship

The SCAEA ArtFields Jr. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship is designed to develop strategies in the arts classroom to promote equity, diversity and inclusion as well as remove barriers to better serve underserved and underrepresented individuals. Candidates who receive this scholarship demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in arts education as incorporated in daily practices. The scholarship funds the recipients’ annual membership to SCAEA/NAEA, their registration fee for the SCAEA fall conference as well as hotel and travel expenses associated with the annual SCAEA conference. This year the scholarship was awarded to:

• Detria Graham, arts educator at West View Elementary School in Spartanburg School District Six.
• Tia Drew, arts educator and Indian Land Elementary School in Lancaster County School District.
• Heather Whisnant, arts educator at Springdale Elementary School in Lexington School District Two.

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