Area of Specialization

• Instruction in art education theory and practices at the elementary and secondary levels including the theoretical areas of visual literacy, aesthetics, and art criticism and studio practice in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media and clay.
• Research on visual literacy as it relates to increasing visual awareness and understanding
• Research on inter-cultural understanding through the analysis of children's personal imagery
• Development of art education programs designed for the school, university and public sectors.
  

Research Interests

• Development of instructional resources for the analysis of cultural imagery
• Examination of the levels of visual awareness of elementary and secondary students
• Development of aesthetic programs for regional and international education initiatives
• Initiation of school-based action research to determine the specific instructional needs of classroom teachers in teaching art from a ethno-cultural perspective

Work in Progress

• Revision of the cultural resource for New Brunswick elementary teachers. The first version was distributed in 2000. The updated version is due to come out in May.
• Development of a questionnaire examining visual literacy in New Brunswick. The results will help to determine the nature of future programs in art.
• Professional development initiatives through the New Brunswick Visual Art Education Association. Initiatives include the formation of this association, creation of
  newsletters and teacher institutes and special events. The provincial government has provided funding for this initiative.
• Contribution to educational texts
  Title of chapters:
  -Putting It on Show: Responding to Art
  -Increasing Intercultural Understanding through the Analysis of Children's Cultural Images
  

Professional Activity

• Professor responsible for the design and instruction of theory and practicum courses offered as part of the education program at UNB, UNBSJ and St. Thomas University.
• President of the New Brunswick Visual Art Education Association. Responsibilities include the design of professional development programs for educators in the schools, art galleries and museums.
• President of Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Responsibilities include directing all aspects of running an Art and Nature facility and assisting with the development of the courses specifically designed as professional development for teachers.
• Vice-President of the Canadian Society of Education through Art. Responsibilities include assisting with membership, policy development and conference planning.
• Advisor on the Curriculum Development Committee for high school art programs in the Province of New Brunswick. Responsibilities include the development of curriculum documents and resources.

Recent Awards and Acknowledgements

1997 - Recipient of the New Brunswick Award of Excellence in Arts Education
1998 - Roehampton Institute, Scholarship in Art Education
2003 - Nominated for the Allan P. Stuart Excellence in Teaching Award at the University of New Brunswick