CALL FOR ART: Connections Exhibition 2026

Art educators—this one is for YOU!

 

This is your chance to:

Share your artwork

Be recognized alongside fellow educators

Represent the creativity happening in your classroom

 

Don’t miss the submission deadline!

Deadline is April 20th. Make sure your work is submitted on time and be part of this inspiring statewide exhibition.

 

Learn more + submit here:

https://www.tnarteducation.org/2026-connections-exhibition

As a teacher, your professional growth is key to enriching your students' lives, and the TAA Summer Institute (July 12-17, 2026) is an incredible opportunity for that growth! We all know that getting the green light for professional development (and the financial backing to go with it) can be a bit tricky sometimes. Whether you are looking to get professional development approved or financial support to attend, it’s important to approach yourprincipal, arts supervisor, or superintendent in a way that is clear, positive, and proactive.

Here are a few simple, effective steps to help you make the case for why attending the TAA Summer Institute will be worth both THEIR investment and YOUR time during the summer: 

1. Do Your Research! Is Your School or System Already a TAA Arts Partner?

Your school may already have support in place, and you simply need to let your administration know you want to attend this year! Especially if you are a new arts educator, you could start by asking your colleagues, department head, etc., if they are aware of any TAA funding that is available!

2. Express Gratitude (Before You Ask for Anything)

It is always a good idea to express appreciation for their time and consideration. This helps you start the conversation on a positive note, and it reinforces the value of the professional relationship.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to consider this opportunity for me."

"I truly appreciate your support in helping me grow as an educator."

"I’m excited about the positive impact this experience will have on our students and school community."

3. Start with a Personal Connection: Why TAA Matters to You

Begin by sharing why this specific opportunity is meaningful to you. When you connect your passion for the arts and professional development to the goals of your school or district, it creates an immediate connection. A personal touch sets the tone for a collaborative conversation rather than a one-sided request.

"I’ve been exploring new ways to inspire my students through the arts, and the TAA Summer Institute is a perfect opportunity to deepen my practice."

"It will equip me with fresh, innovative strategies to bring back to our classroom."

"I want to ramp up engagement in my classroom because I think it can make a difference in our school's culture!" 

4. Emphasize the Impact on Your Students and School Community

School stakeholders are invested in student outcomes. Frame the conversation around ways in which the TAA Summer Institute will help you create positive change for your students. By emphasizing how this investment will ripple through your classroom and potentially into the school or district at large, you highlight the long-term return on their support.

"The strategies I will gain at the TAA Summer Institute will directly benefit my students, making their learning more engaging, meaningful, and aligned with current best practices in arts education."

"My participation will also support our school’s goal to foster creativity and innovation within the classroom, which will positively affect student achievement."

4. Propose a Plan & Budget for Attending the TAA Summer Institute

Don't forget to review our daily times & schedule to determine what you'll need. Examples include: any extra meals not provided by TAA, housing, and even mileage to get you here! Share our website to make your case!

5. Make It Easy for Them to Say "Yes!"

Make the process of approval simple for your administration. Offer to provide a formal proposal or share detailed information about the TAA Summer Institute, including dates, costs, and benefits. Be ready to answer any questions about your goals for your teaching or how improvement in your classroom aligns with your school's goals!

Talking to your principal, arts supervisor, or superintendent about attending the TAA Summer Institute in July 2026 does not have to be stressful. Remember, this opportunity isn’t just for you—it is an investment in your students, yourschool, and your entire educational community.

Need help to get started? Call (615-988-6250) or email (taa@tnartsacademy.org) the TAA Office for assistance!

We hope to see you this summer!

TAA is aware that some school systems are still not back in session from the winter weather, and some areas are still without power, affecting internet access. As a result, we are offering a grace period for a final chance to apply for free for the TAA Virtual Winter Retreat through Tuesday, February 10, 2026!

Shake things up in your classroom and join us for fresh ideas and collaboration that will fuel your teaching this semester! This one-day Tennessee Arts Academy virtual session will be held on Saturday, February 28th, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST.

TAA Virtual Winter Retreat Online Registration Information:

Regular Registration Information

February 11-February 24

Regular registration begins on February 11th and is available to everyone who wishes to apply. Registration fees starting February 11, 2026 are as follows:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!!!!!!!

The Tennessee Arts Academy is proud to announce the tenth year of its TAA Guitar Design Contest. This is an exciting opportunity to customize an acoustic guitar with your own original artwork! This contest is open to all present and past Tennessee Arts Academy participants and/or their students. Winning designs will be selected prior to the 2026 TAA Summer Institute.

Guitars will be displayed during the TAA Online Auction and on the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) campus throughout the week of the 2026 TAA Summer Institute. The winning artists will each receive a special gift from TAA and be acknowledged during the week of the Summer Institute. Plus, the guitar that sells for the highest amount during the TAA Online Auction this summer will net the lucky artist an additional $100 cash award!

The TAA Guitar Design Contest is a win-win proposition for all TAA participants and alumni. The primary goals of the contest are to raise awareness of the synergy between visual art and music; to raise excitement, energy, and enthusiasm during the TAA Summer Institute; and to raise much-needed funds for TAA. Please see the details below and consider entering!!

PHASE 1: Contest and Template Submission

DEADLINE: March 7, 2026

1. Create your own unique guitar art on the guitar template!

2. Complete the 2026 Guitar Design Entry Form by March 7, 2026.

PHASE 2: Guitar Design Implementation

March 9, 2026 - June 5, 2026

1. Winning guitars are available the week of March 9th by contacting the TAA office and making arrangements for pickup. In some cases, the guitar may be mailed to the winning TAA visual art participant.

2. Digital images of finished designed guitars are due to David Reynolds at david.reynolds@tnartsacademy.org by June 5th.

3. The finished designed guitars are due to the TAA office no later than registration Sunday, July 12th. Alternate arrangements for guitar delivery can be made in consultation with the TAA office staff.

4. Guitars will be auctioned online (July 6 - July 16) and exhibited during the 2026 Summer Institute (July 12 - July 17). Note: Online auction bidding will be accessible to anyone with internet access who wishes to participate.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND ENTER!

ARE YOU CONNECTED TO TAA?  

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok!

Want the earliest scoop on all things TAA? Go to www.TnArtsAcademy.org to sign up for the weekly TAA E-Newsletter to stay in the loop! You'll receive a newsletter each Tuesday!

Here's the a PDF of This Week's Edition!

1.20.2026 Winter Retreat Registration Open.pdf

CLICK HERE FOR THE RSVP LINK!

GET EXCITED!!!!  TAA is celebrating 40 Years of Service to Arts Educators, and you DO NOT want to miss out! 

Apply today online www.TnArtsAcademy.org - it just takes a few minutes! 

Dear TAA Alumni,

Can you believe it’s already been a month since we wrapped up another unforgettable TAA Summer Institute? I hope you’ve carried that same creative energy back into your classrooms, studios, and rehearsal spaces, and that it’s fueling an inspiring start to your year!

As the Director of Educational Programs & Events at TAA, I’m reaching out with a personal invitation: if you haven’t yet renewed or joined the TAA Alumni Association, now is the perfect time!

Your membership isn’t just a show of support - it’s a statement. It tells grantors, sponsors, and future participants that TAA matters and that people who have experienced it believe in its continued growth and impact. Simply put, it helps us keep doing what we do, and it opens the door to new opportunities, resources, and connections for arts educators across Tennessee. 

I’ve renewed my membership—and I hope you will too! Whether you attended last month or ten years ago, your continued support is a powerful reminder that TAA makes a lasting impact. Now, more than ever, we need to show that arts education matters. With federal and state funding for the artsfacing significant cuts, every membership renewal fuels our ability to advocate for arts education, build new opportunities for teaching artists, and expand our reach to more communities across Tennessee.

Renew or join today, and be part of the movement that keeps

the spirit of TAA alive all year long!

CLICK HERE To Renew Online 

CLICK HERE To Download A Mail-In Renewal Form

And if you have already renewed your Alumni membership, a triple thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Here’s to a great year filled with creativity in the studio, on the stage, and beyond!

Kami Lunsford

Director of Educational Programs & Events

Tennessee Arts Academy

Check out our Lesson Plans Tab (^ at the top) to access lesson plans and other resources from TAA Summer Institutes!  

As we turn the corner into the second half of the school year, it’s the perfect time to recharge, refocus, and reignite your passion for teaching. The TAA Winter Retreat offers a unique opportunity for educators across the arts and education sectors to come together, rejuvenate, and connect with like-minded professionals.

REGISTER HERE: http:////taa.hanwi.com/winter/index25.htm

Whether you’re an art, music, theatre, or dance teacher, a librarian, classroom teacher, administrator, or arts leader, this retreat is designed to inspire and support you in your mission to make a lasting impact on students. Engage in personalized professional development sessions, meaningful conversations, and collaborative experiences that will provide fresh perspectives and energize your teaching approach.

The TAA Winter Retreat is not just about learning new strategies – it’s about rediscovering your love for teaching and connecting with a vibrant community of educators who share your passion. Together, we’ll explore creative ways to finish out the year strong, empowering both you and your students to thrive in your arts spaces! 

You'll leave you inspired, recharged, and ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the second semester with renewed enthusiasm!  We can’t wait to reconnect with you!

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Click here to see a new Music Makes Us promotional video.