IU Northwest’s Summer Art Residency for high school teachers enters its second year

After several years of COVID-19 protocols and restrictions, the Indiana University Northwest School of the Arts is opening its doors, looking to (re)connect with Chicagoland high school art teachers, through its Educator In-Studio Residency Summer Program.

Thanks to a successful first-year in 2021, the school is bringing back the residency for round two. This year, the program is open to Northwest Indiana and Chicago-area educators in performing arts, fine arts, and communication studies.

Over the course of four to six weeks, participants have the chance to connect with other local teachers, as well as gain valuable feedback from the School of the Arts faculty. During their residency, each teacher will have the opportunity to concentrate on their own artistic or research practices and focus their time thinking and creating independently. Beyond access to university facilities, the program also offers group outings, technical training, critiques, and of course, mentorship.

David Klamen, dean of the School of the Arts and Chancellor’s Professor, said that the summer residency is a chance to connect and inspire art educators in the post-COVID-19 era. "As part of our mission, we have a commitment to engaging and working with the surrounding community," he said. "We can connect people who already have expertise in the arts and expand access to our facilities."

Leaving a lasting impact

While 2022 may be only the second year this program is available, IU Northwest faculty aim to create a residency that leaves a lasting impact on participants. Between teaching art classes and taking care of professional and personal obligations, it’s no wonder that many educators just don’t have time to focus on their own artwork. But the summer residency intends to give those teachers license to reignite their creativity.

"Artists are not always afforded the opportunity to explore their own work and dive into their own ideas," Klamen said. "The camaraderie that was built among them [last year] created an environment where people felt encouraged and safe to test new ideas."

Last year’s residents were excited to share their takeaways from the program. Some of these professionals enjoyed the chance for creative freedom, while others greatly valued the opportunity to interact with their fellow educators.

Ane Talevski, an art teacher at Robert A. Taft Middle School (Crown Point School Corporation), said that the residency made her feel like part of the School of the Arts. "Being an artist with a studio space again allowed me to get back my perspective as a student, which in turn, has been beneficial for my students," she said. "I am happier with myself because of this experience."

Like Talevski, art educator Edwin Shelton said that the residency helped him personally and professionally. "I felt like I was back in graduate school without all the pressures; I took advantage of making my artwork for as many hours as I could manage per day. I was refreshed having dedicated time and space to focus on my artworks without the background obligations," the Marquette Catholic High School (Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary) teacher said.

While the summer residency is meant as a platform for high school teachers, IU Northwest faculty also reap the benefits. "It’s a learning experience for all the faculty who participate, to learn about the challenges teachers face," Klamen said. 

As the program enters its second year, Klamen is excited at the prospect of even more growth. He said he hopes the residents’ positive spirits will continue into the coming years, eventually leading to an expanded and more influential program.

"There’s the potential to grow into exhibitions and expanded opportunities as we build up momentum," he said. "I’m really looking forward to connecting with more art professionals in the region." 

How to apply

Proposals for the Educator In-Studio Summer Residency should be submitted by May 9 for consideration. Participants will be notified of their acceptance by May 15.