The Community You’ve Been Waiting For
Curated by arts educator and professional artist, Alicia L. McDaniel, this one-day, in person experience is designed to uplift and center Black arts educators across disciplines—visual, performing, literary, and beyond—while also welcoming a wider community of culturally responsive educators who believe in the power of art to ignite change.
Meet Your Founder & Host, Alicia L. McDaniel
Hello Beautiful Arts Educators!
Welcome to the inaugural Radiant Arts Educators Conference 2025 — a space intentionally created to uplift, empower, and celebrate arts educators like you. As a passionate advocate for arts education, I take joy in curating supportive environments where we can learn, connect, create, and honor each other’s brilliance.
Throughout my journey as a Black arts educator, there have been moments when I felt unseen and underrepresented within the broader arts education community. I longed for a space that truly understood and centered my experiences. If you’ve ever felt this way in your own career, know that you are not alone — and you are exactly where you belong. This conference was designed with you in mind.
I invite you to join us for a transformative day filled with inspiration, practical resources, and meaningful connections that honor your unique journey as an arts educator. Whether you teach in schools, lead community programs, or create from your own studio, this conference is your space to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Register today, and bring a fellow arts educator with you — together, we’ll build the community we’ve been waiting for.
My Accomplishments Include:
- Over 27 years of experience teaching Visual Arts across Pre-K through 12th grade in public school settings.
- Accomplished Teaching Artist partnering with community-based nonprofits and cultural arts organizations to deliver impactful arts education.
- Award-winning curriculum developer and presenter, known for creating dynamic and culturally relevant arts education resources.
- Professional visual artist and founder of Art For The Creative Soul, a virtual art studio and education platform dedicated to inspiring and equipping artists and educators.
- Former professional background vocalist for renowned Gospel music artists, with additional expertise as a vocal instructor and creative mentor.
Meet Our Radiant Arts Educators Conference 2025 Presenters
Dr. Taylor Dee Spencer
Dr. Taylor Dee empowers educators, entrepreneurs, professionals, and nonprofits to turn their skills into youth-centered brands, programs, training, products, and content that teach, inspire, and create real impact—Right Now.
A former elementary teacher turned song-singing children’s author, educator, and entrepreneur, she holds a Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Instruction along with a Master’s in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University.
Taylor brings her mission to life through the organizations she founded: Wonder Academy Creative Arts Preschool and School Age center which serves over 100 students daily with high-quality early learning and academic support; Right Now Works Education Agency, where she helps organizations and educators launch and grow youth-serving businesses with clear, step-by-step strategies; and Taylor Dee Kids TV Media, a creative platform producing music, books, and interactive content that makes learning engaging and fun for children everywhere.
Mary Sutton, MSW, LCSWA
Mary is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and Clinical Therapist committed to your journey towards holistic wellness. With a profound belief that everyone deserves to thrive, Mary is passionate about empowering individuals, couples, and families to overcome life's challenges and find inner peace.
As a therapist, Mary provides a safe and nurturing space where your voice is heard, fears are confronted, and strengths are celebrated. With a focus on empowerment, Mary utilizes evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trauma Therapy to support you in achieving lasting change.
Mary's holistic approach to healing recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. She is also an Advanced Certified Holistic Consultant and Christian Life Coach, integrating spiritual and holistic principles into her therapeutic work.
Meet Our Radiant Arts Educators Conference 2025 Panelists
Carole Drummond-Johnson, Visual Arts Educator
Carole Drummond-Johnson, Visual Arts Educator
Carole Drummond-Johnson, Visual Arts Educator
CMS 2024-25 K-5 Arts Educator of the Year, Carole Drummond-Johnson is a prolific visual artist, graphic designer and dedicated visual arts teacher who inspires young scholars to embrace their unique creative ability. Also a Kenan Fellow, she presented at the NAEA National Convention in Louisville, KY in March of this year and will present again at the NAEA National Convention in 2026.in Chicago, IL.
Camisha McDaniel, Visual Artist
Carole Drummond-Johnson, Visual Arts Educator
Carole Drummond-Johnson, Visual Arts Educator
Camisha McDaniel’s transformative art captivates the spirit, inviting viewers to explore a realm where healing, unity, and love intertwine. Each piece in her portfolio serves as a beacon of hope, fostering emotional well-being and inspiring a profound connection to the beauty around us. Through her creativity, McDaniel nurtures the soul, guiding us on a journey of self-discovery and reflection....
Tashonda Wright, Art Educator
Carole Drummond-Johnson, Visual Arts Educator
Tashonda Wright, Art Educator
Tashonda is a Charlotte native who enjoys freelance and nonprofit work. She graduated with an AA from Central Piedmont Community College, a BFA from Appalachian State University, and briefly studied at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China with a focus in traditional painting...She uses her experiences to teach art to students of all ages and skill levels. She enjoys watching her students explore their interests and share their processes with their peers.
Hosted in The Beautiful Queen City, Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, North Carolina is a dynamic city where Southern charm meets bold creativity. From the rich cultural heritage celebrated at diverse organizations to the vibrant art districts filled with murals, galleries, and community-led spaces, Charlotte is a hub for inspiration and innovation.
Want To Help Support THe Radiant Arts Educators Conference 2025?
Your donation helps bring educators, artists, and community leaders together for a transformative day of learning, inspiration, and celebration. Every gift directly supports the success of the conference and the educators it empowers.
We Appreciate our Radiant Sponsors!
Inclusive Art Supplies
Stapledon Arts champions representation and transforms creativity in homes, schools, and beyond — making art accessible and fun for all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels!
Art Materials
We support artists at all stages of their artistic journey. As a leading art supply company, we provide artists, educators, students, and our associates with the tools, assistance, and training needed to grow, innovate, and reach their creative potential. BLICK Art Materials is family-owned and serving artists since 1911.