Investing in ODU Undergraduate Art Education Students: Supporting Their Attendance at VAEA 2025

By Dr. Natalia Pilato

Art Education Program Director​

Associate Professor

Old Dominion University

The Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA) Conference, titled SPARK, will take place November 20–22, 2025, at The Hilton Norfolk The Main. This is the premier professional gathering for art educators in our state. For preservice teachers in the Old Dominion University Art Education program, attending this conference provides access to a wide range of professional development experiences that extend well beyond what can be offered in the classroom.

The Melinda Vooss Artfully Yours Memorial Fund has generously agreed to lend support to send pre-service teachers to this important conference -- by matching dollar for dollar any donations received to send 15 more students to this conference.

- $50 will be matched to $100 = supporting conference registration for 2 students

- $125 will be matched to $250 = supporting 5 students

- $375 will be matched to $750 = supporting all 15 students who need funds to attend

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Why This Matters

Professional Growth & Networks

Students connect with veteran art educators, museum professionals, and national leaders in the field. These relationships often lead to mentorship opportunities, teaching resources, and future employment connections.

Direct Classroom Impact

Every workshop, panel, and session they attend translates directly back into their future classrooms. They return with new teaching strategies, culturally responsive lesson plans, and practical approaches to advocacy for the arts in schools.

Capstone Student Presentations & Peer Learning

Our senior capstone students received a mini service-learning grant to support their attendance and will be presenting their community engagement project, Threads of Memory, a collaborative intergenerational weaving project created with residents of Commonwealth Senior Living. This is a unique opportunity not only for the capstone students but also for the other 15 students, who will attend the presentation, learn from their peers, and participate in the community weaving installation during the conference.

Career Pathways

All students will also attend the district supervisors’ recruitment meeting, a pivotal networking event that regularly leads to job opportunities in Virginia public schools. This experience directly supports the transition from student to professional educator.

Commitment to the Profession

Students who attend conferences early in their careers are more likely to remain in the profession long-term. They see themselves as part of a broader community of art educators—an identity that sustains them during the challenges of teaching.

Honoring the Legacy of Public School Art Teachers

This sponsorship, through the Melinda Vooss Artfully Yours Memorial Fund, directly honors the life’s work of dedicated public school teachers like Scott Vooss’ late wife. By investing in the next generation of art educators, her passion for ensuring every child has access to meaningful art experiences lives on in their classrooms.

The Investment

We are seeking support to fund the conference registration fees for 15 preservice art education students from Old Dominion University. Students will cover their own $45 VAEA/NAEA membership, demonstrating their personal commitment to the profession. Your support ensures that no student is excluded due to financial barriers.

- $50 will be matched to $100 = supporting conference registration for 2 students

- $125 will be matched to $250 = supporting 5 students

- $375 will be matched to $750 = supporting all 15 students who need funds to attend

For just $50 per student, donors will ensure that future art educators are able to attend and participate fully in this professional community. Each contribution directly equips a preservice teacher with tools, inspiration, and networks that will ripple outward to hundreds of children in their future classrooms.

Closing Note

On behalf of the ODU Art Education program, we thank you for considering this investment in our students. Your generosity through the Melinda Vooss Memorial Fund ensures that undergraduate art education majors have the professional preparation, mentorship, and inspiration they need to become dedicated public school and community art educators. Your support not only sustains their growth as future teachers but also honors the legacy of passionate art educators whose commitment continues to shape generations of students across Virginia.