Museum News

Local Teachers Honored with Art Award

The Morris Museum of Art and Wachovia Corporation have named Angelika Selman-Bondar, visual arts teacher at Stevens Creek Elementary and Euchee Creek Elementary, the 2008 Outstanding Art Teacher in Visual Art, and Silke Piper, fifth grade teacher at South Columbia Elementary, the 2008 Outstanding Classroom Teacher in Visual Art. The awardees were honored at a special ceremony held at the Morris Museum of Art on April 20, 2008. Their awards included cash prizes which may be used for professional learning, travel, conference expenses, art supplies, or resources for the classroom.

"We congratulate Ms. Selman-Bondar and Ms. Piper on their awards and commend both of these wonderful teachers for enriching their students' lives through art," said Kevin Grogan, director of the Morris Museum of Art. "The purpose of the awards is to recognize teachers who demonstrate a commitment to the idea that art is an essential part of learning and who demonstrate excellence in teaching art. These two individuals have more than fulfilled that purpose."

The competition was open to public and independent school teachers in the Central Savannah River Area, grades kindergarten through twelve. Nominees submitted questionnaires, lesson plans, letters of recommendation, and supporting portfolios. Judging was based on the following criteria: evidence of creativity and innovation in teaching methods and curriculum; development of a philosophy and theory of art teaching that is reflected in and outside the classroom; involvement in community arts activities, professional organizations, art councils, visual arts workshops or conferences, and/or arts integration workshops or conferences; and involving students in art activities such as exhibitions, field trips, and conferences in and beyond the classroom.