School of Art alumnae Erica Emerson, ’07 (left), Erin Kraly, '11 (center) and Carly Sherman, ’20 (right) have been recognized by the Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA) by receiving 2021 division-level awards for their outstanding accomplishments. OAEA will celebrate all honorees at their annual awards banquet and program at their state professional development conference in November in Covington, Kentucky.
Emerson, who serves as the Education Director at the Canton Museum of Art, was awarded the Museum Division Award.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Museum Division Award from the Ohio Art Education Association. I attribute much of my success to the phenomenal professors that mentored me as a student and that I still continue to work with today. Our art educators in Ohio are some of the most creative, hardworking and dedicated individuals in the education field. I feel fortunate to be able to utilize the resources of the Canton Museum of Art to help support these exceptional educators and their students," said Emerson.
Kraly, who teaches art and technology at St. Angela Merici Parish School, received the Middle Division Award this year. She was also awarded Northeast Regional Outstanding Art Teacher from OAEA in 2020.
"I am truly honored to receive the Middle Division Award through the Ohio Art Education Association. I am constantly inspired by my students, colleagues, administration and family with their dedication and engagement towards the visual arts. I feel grateful to be able to demonstrate my love and passion for art on a daily basis. I enjoy watching my students actively engage in an extensive visual arts program which brings out their creative personalities," said Kraly.
Sherman, a recent B.A. alumna and newly-appointed graduate teaching assistant for Art Education, was awarded the Pre-Service Division Award. She also received a $1000 pre-service scholarship in 2020 from the organization.
"I feel very honored to be the 2021 recipient of the Pre-Service Division Award," said Sherman. "I could not have achieved this recognition without the dedication and encouragement of the Art Education professors. Since the first day of class, I fell in love with this career and am elated to be working with the professors yet again in the Fall. I plan to advocate for Art Education and push the boundaries of what we can achieve in the field. Kent State has already helped me achieve so much, and I am eager to see what comes next!"