Art teacher headed to the Windy City
Posted on 09/25/2018
Candice McClanahan with students during art class(SPS) - It’s a short week for students in the classroom, but it’s even shorter for one of our teachers.

Friday is a professional development day for staff at Sapulpa Public Schools, which means students have the day off while teachers attend classes and workshops to enhance their teachings in the classroom.

One person who won’t be attending the PD day in the district is High School art teacher Candice McClanahan. That’s because she’s leaving Wednesday and getting her professional development on the road. In Chicago.

Mrs. McClanahan has been offered the opportunity to attend The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art Expo Chicago as a sponsored VIP guest through Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Candice McClanahan works with students during art class

“I will have a tailored itinerary to visit Chicago's modern art scene including a visit to one of the city’s most famous and renowned private collections and two established artists’ studios,” said McClanahan. Those visits include the Gray Trust Collection, the studio of mixed media sculpture artist Richard Rezac, and the studio of installations, paintings, and works on paper artist Julia Fish.

She will also have access to professional forums and panels, curator-led tours, art openings, and special events.

“This opportunity will allow me to be more engaged and educated in the world of art and bring back new methods of exhibition from digital to larger scale suspended sculpture to temporary community art installs, possible ways to involve our community more in investing in individual artists, and bring back inspiration on what is happening with the newest art innovators, all of which will impact our students."

Candica McClanahan instructing her art students

“I am excited to learn more about the intern programs (for students) through Crystal Bridges,” said McClanahan. “And bring back the info from the forums on common missions for the arts among business, government, non-profit, the arts and academia.”

Expo Chicago is Sept. 27 - 30 and features 135 international galleries from 27 countries and 63 cities.