Kewaunee art teacher recognized with Wisconsin Visual Art Achievement Award

KEWAUNEE – Kewaunee Middle School and High School art teacher Erin LaBonte has been recognized with the Wisconsin Visual Art Achievement Award for K-12 Educators, an honor that celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on visual arts education across the state of Wisconsin.

Sponsored by the Museum of Wisconsin Art, Wisconsin Visual Artists, and the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters, the Wisconsin Visual Art Achievement Awards recognize excellence in arts education, advocacy, creativity and leadership.

Every two years, a nine-person nominations committee selects recipients in several distinguished categories, including Legacy Artist, Educator - K-12, Educator - College/University, Exhibition, Community Arts Advocate, Arts Writing and Emerging Artist.

“Receiving the Educator - K-12 award is a remarkable achievement and reflects Mrs. LaBonte’s dedication to inspiring students through the arts,” read a release from the Kewaunee School District. “Throughout her career at Kewaunee Middle School and Kewaunee High School, she has encouraged students to explore creativity, develop artistic skills, and express themselves through visual art. Her passion for teaching and commitment to student growth have made a lasting impact on countless students and families within the Kewaunee community.”

“Colleagues and students alike recognize Mrs. LaBonte for fostering a classroom environment that values creativity, innovation, and self-expression,” the release continued. “Her leadership and enthusiasm for the arts continue to strengthen the district’s art programs while inspiring young artists to pursue their talents with confidence. The Kewaunee School District congratulates Mrs. LaBonte on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the positive influence she continues to have on students and the community.”

The Wisconsin Visual Art Achievement Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 31, at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend from 1-3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.