CWU Art and Design Chair named Washington Higher Ed Art Educator of the Year

Ever since Gregg Schlanger became involved with the Washington Art Education Association (WAEA) in 2018, he has thrown himself into the organization’s work.

Late last year, after helping WAEA recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and establish new partnerships across the state, Central Washington University’s Art and Design department chair  was named Higher Education Art Educator of the Year by the statewide organization at its annual conference, held on CWU’s Ellensburg campus.

In the award letter, WAEA Co-President Becky Boyles praised Schlanger’s commitment to the arts and his work to increase collaboration between teachers and teaching students alike.

“Gregg has helped push the focus of WAEA on pre-service teachers by connecting us with CWU and bringing in Eastern, Western and Tri-Cities to have accessible options for preservice art educators to come to the conference,” she said, adding that Schlanger regularly tours the state to support the ESD Regional Art Shows and the OSPI High School Superintendent's Art Show.

Schlanger also gives presentations at the art shows and has been a judge for many years. Boyles noted that his work with WAEA has contributed to hundreds of scholarship awards for student art show winners over the years.

“He has been essential to our WAEA organization,” she said.

Schlanger’s commitment to the arts, and art education, comes from his deep-seated knowledge that a healthy appreciation for self-expression benefits people from all walks of life.

“Art education is important, at all grade levels,” he said. “When kids are learning to express themselves through art, they’re learning critical thinking, fine motor skills, and creativity all at once. All of those things will help them in their other classes.”

The annual WAEA awards recognize dedication to service, teaching, and leadership within art education. Nominees are scored on a comprehensive rubric, and winners become eligible for national-level recognition through the National Art Education Association.

While he’s honored by the recognition, Schlanger sees his true goal in continued advocacy for the field, and for the teachers of tomorrow.

“I want to be an advocate for the arts, and for the teaching of the arts in our schools,” he said. “People need to recognize the value that the arts bring to our lives.”

At the ceremony, Schlanger was presented with a hand-painted trophy by his own former student, Mikey Mitchell, who delivered the evening’s keynote address. Throughout his career, Schlanger has kept in touch with many of his former students, and he finds joy in seeing them spread the love of art.