2024 Community Luminary Award Winner
Sketchbook Circle is a year-long collaborative project established to encourage artist educators to make time for their own personal work.
Sketchbook Circle began in 2009 when Elinor Brass and fellow artist educator Tanya Paget brought together artist educator friends using sketchbooks as a vehicle for collaboration. They were looking for a way to commit time to their own making around their busy lives working in education and wanted to develop a community of practitioners. By 2013 TEA Sketchbook Circle was established with the support and encouragement of Susan Coles, who at the time was the President of NSEAD. This circle was set up in support of TEA (Thinking Expression Action) an initiative established by the NSEAD, Campaign for Drawing and NADFAS to develop the use of drawing in art education. Alongside talented artist educator Georgia Naish, Elinor has continued to run the circle and has seen it grow significantly with artist educators taking part across the United Kingdom and Europe.
This award recognises outstanding members who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to supporting and enriching the NSEAD art education community. It celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional generosity, leadership, and commitment, whether through mentoring peers, sharing knowledge and resources, championing inclusive practices, or contributing to the growth and visibility of art education.
Recipients of this award embody the spirit of collaboration and inspire others through their sustained efforts, creativity, and advocacy. Their contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the community, helping to strengthen connections and elevate the value of art education for all.