Workshops

Arts Are Core offers year-round professional learning opportunities in arts integration for K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, arts educators, and USU students. Participants learn key skills, build networks with other educators, and develop techniques and strategies for successful arts integration in all subject areas.

Arts Are Core provides professional learning opportunities in arts education through a generous endowment from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation and a partnership with BTS Arts. Workshops are open to classroom teachers, arts educators, school administrators, university students, and community members. All workshops are available for relicensure points through MIDAS.

Fall 2026

Evenings for Educators Workshop

Pixels and Patterns: Exploring Math and Technology Through 3D Art

October 14, 2026 | 4:00-7:00pm

Registration Coming Soon!

Location: USU Logan Campus, Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art (NEHMA)
Presenter: Mike Whiting
Grades: K-12

How can math and technology become tools for creative expression? In this hands-on workshop, participants will tour the pixel-inspired sculptures of Utah artist Mike Whiting on the USU Logan campus to discover how simple geometric forms can be transformed from digital images into large-scale physical artworks, then design and build their own 3D sculpture.

Experimenting with geometry, measurement, proportion, pattern, and spatial thinking, participants will learn creative strategies that can be adapted for the classroom. Learn new ways to connect math, technology, and visual art with a hands-on project and walk away with ideas for engaging students through creative problem-solving.

If you do not have a Altitude account, you can email Elena Free, Efree@springville.org to register for the workshop.

Write It. Live It. Learn It.: Simple Strategies for Integrating ELA, Social Studies, and Drama

November 17, 2026 | 4:30-6:00pm

Register Here!

Location: USU Logan Campus, Edith Bowen Laboratory School
Presenter: Sarah Butterfield
Grades: K-6

In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will explore practical, classroom-ready strategies that bring history to life through writing and drama. Learn how tableau, journal writing, and close observation of historical documents and images can deepen historical understanding, build perspective, and strengthen inquiry. Leave with adaptable lessons, ready-to-use resources, and the confidence to integrate ELA, social studies, and drama in engaging, meaningful ways.

Spring 2027

Literacy Through Book Arts

January 13, 2027 | 4:30-6:00pm

Register Here!

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Location: Online Workshop
Presenter: Jazmin Gallegos
Grades: K-12

Unlock your students’ verbal and visual ideas and meet your classroom goals with bookmaking! This workshop series focuses on content generation and writing prompts using folded and sewn mini-books and zines to support literacy through creative expression. Exploration of these simple and accessible book structures enhance K-12 curriculum while strengthening collaborative efforts in language arts, math, science, social studies, and art. Leave the workshop with an array of samples, templates, and lesson plans that support core concepts and encourage writing and creativity in your students work! Relicensure points are available. Limited to 40 participants. Supplies for the workshop will be shipped to workshop participants prior to the workshop.

Music & Movement

April 13, 2027 | 4:30-6:00pm

Register Here!

Location: USU Logan Campus, Edith Bowen Laboratory School
Presenter: Susan Swidnicki & Tiya Karaus
Grades: K-6

Dive into an active, creative workshop inspired by the Great Salt Lake with classroom teacher Tiya Karaus and music and movement specialist Susan Swidnicki who will share engaging, student-tested projects that bring Utah ELA and Science standards to life through storytelling, poetry, drama, painting, singing, rhythm, movement, and music-making.

Experience playful strategies inspired by Orff Schulwerk, an active approach to music learning rooted in children’s natural inclination to play and explore. Participants will move, create rhythms, tell stories, make music, and explore interdisciplinary lessons designed for grades K-6. Leave with practical, adaptable ideas for integrating movement and the arts into ELA and science instruction—whether you teach in the classroom, lead arts education, or collaborate across disciplines.