The 2026 National Art Education Association Convention was a wonderful reminder of the strength and energy of the art education community. There is something special about seeing so many art educators gathered in one place, all focused on helping students explore creativity and visual expression.
For the Wacom team, NAEA is always a highlight of the year. It gives us the chance to connect with educators we often communicate with through email, meet new teachers discovering digital art tools for the first time, and reconnect with friends we see each year at NAEA or at state art education conferences. The conversations and shared enthusiasm for teaching art are always inspiring.
The Wacom Hero Lab
One of the most exciting parts of our booth this year was the Wacom Hero Lab, a hands-on make and take experience where educators created their own Art Hero trading cards using Wacom tools and CLIP STUDIO PAINT.
Teachers had the option to begin with ready-to-use templates or design their own character from scratch. We were so impressed by how many educators chose to create their own original Art Hero instead of simply coloring the templates. The creativity was flowing throughout the event. We saw capes, imaginative tools, creative superpowers, and unique backstories come to life right in the booth.
Participants also received the Hero Lab lesson plans and classroom templates, which give educators everything they need to recreate the activity with their students. Many teachers shared ideas for adapting the project to different grade levels, media arts classes, or storytelling projects. It was exciting to hear how quickly educators began imagining ways to bring the activity into their classrooms.
Digital Playground Sessions
Throughout the conference we also hosted sessions on the Digital Playground stage. These sessions focused on approachable ways educators can bring digital art into their classrooms.
Michele kicked things off with Chromebook Creativity: Quick and Free Digital Art Tools, showing how teachers can transform everyday Chromebooks into creative studios using free web-based art applications. The session highlighted tools students can use for drawing, painting, design, and mixed media projects without needing to install any software. Many educators appreciated leaving with ideas they could implement immediately in their classrooms.
Sarajean led Creating Comics with CLIPSTUDIO, which introduced the comic creation workflow using CLIPSTUDIO PAINT. The session walked through pencils, inks, color, layout, and text while also exploring how teachers can structure their classroom like a comic studio.
Christopher presented Digital Illustration 101, a welcoming introduction to the fundamentals of digital illustration. Educators explored the basics of sketching, rendering, coloring, and shading while learning techniques that help student work look intentional and polished. The session emphasized that these principles apply regardless of which drawing software teachers are using in their classrooms.
Sarajean Chung also hosted a thoughtful session titled Why Make Art When AI Exists? This session explored one of the most common questions facing creative classrooms today. The discussion focused on helping students develop a strong artistic foundation, encouraging persistence through challenges, and building a healthy mindset around creativity and problem solving in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Hands-On Creativity at the Wacom Booth
The Wacom booth stayed busy throughout the conference as educators explored Wacom products.
Many visitors were interested in how digital tools can support traditional art practices, while others wanted to explore which devices work best for illustration, animation, and design. Some stopped by for a quick demo while others stayed longer to draw, sketch, and ask questions about bringing digital creativity into their programs.
What stood out most was curiosity. Educators were eager to learn how these tools can help students express their ideas, build new skills, and explore creative career pathways.
A Community That Inspires Us
One of the most meaningful parts of NAEA each year is the opportunity to spend time with such a passionate group of educators. The dedication art teachers show in helping students discover their creative voice is inspiring.
At Wacom, we are proud to support this work by providing tools, classroom resources, lesson ideas, and professional learning opportunities for educators.
Until Next Year
Thank you to everyone who visited the booth, joined a session, created an Art Hero, or simply stopped by to say hello. These conversations and connections are what make NAEA such an important event for our team each year.
We are already looking forward to gathering again with this incredible community. See you in New York for NAEA 2027!
