Kutztown University to Host 87th Annual Art Education Conference Nov. 20 Featuring Acclaimed Artist Roberto Lugo

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The Department of Art Education will host the 87th Annual Kutztown University Art Education Conference, "Material Matters: Craft in Contemporary Art Education," Friday, Nov. 20, Schaeffer Auditorium.

This year's conference will feature internationally celebrated ceramic artist, educator, poet and community activist Roberto Lugo as keynote speaker. Lugo is widely recognized for reshaping contemporary ceramics through works that blend historical pottery traditions, portraiture, hip-hop culture and social justice themes. His artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has become a powerful voice for equity, cultural representation and public engagement through the arts.

Now in its 87th year, the Art Education Conference is one of the oldest continuously running art education conferences in the United States. The annual event brings together K-12 educators, university faculty, pre-service teachers, artists, scholars and community members for a day of professional learning, creative exploration and meaningful dialogue about contemporary issues in art and education. The 2026 conference is curated by Dra. Leslie C. Sotomayor II, assistant professor of Art Education, and Janna Gregonis, assistant professor of Art and Design, whose collaborative vision brings together contemporary artists, educators and makers to explore the evolving role of craft in art education.

The 2026 conference theme, Material Matters: Craft in Contemporary Art Education, invites participants to consider how material practices, craft traditions and contemporary artistic inquiry can deepen student learning, foster cultural understanding and support inclusive educational experiences. Attendees will engage in presentations, workshops, dialogue sessions, demonstrations and special programming centered on contemporary art education practice.

In addition to Lugo's keynote presentation, conference participants will have opportunities to engage with artist workshops, panel sessions, collaborative artmaking activities, opportunities to purchase artwork from local artists and artisans, and networking experiences designed to foster professional growth and community building among educators and artists.

"Each year, the Art Education Conference creates a space for educators, students and artists to come together around creativity, critical inquiry and community,” Sotomayor said. "We are especially excited to welcome Roberto Lugo, whose work demonstrates the transformative possibilities of craft, storytelling and cultural representation in contemporary art education."

Registration is available online. Contact sotomayor@kutztown.edu with questions.