As an artist and Early Childhood Special Education professor, my creative journey has been driven by a profound passion for integrating art and technology to enrich the educational experience for young minds. My idea for filling gallery space with my paintings and linocut prints is entitled: “Harmonious Fusion: Where Colors and Codes Converge,” which represents the culmination of this journey—a vibrant exploration of the symbiotic relationship between traditional artistry and the boundless potential of modern technology. Moving to Iowa from Washington, D.C. in June 2023, I am nostalgic for the integration of technology and art, as I spent my free time and focused my PhD research around the National Gallery of Art, Planet Word, and Artechouse.  

Through the medium acrylic paint, canvas, and other tools like conductive paint and the integration of QR codes, my artwork serves as a canvas for this convergence. Conductive paint, with its ability to bridge the gap between the tangible and the digital, allows me to infuse energy and light into my creations. The QR codes seamlessly embedded within the artwork invite the audience to delve deeper into the story, accessing a world of multimedia resources and engaging in an interactive exploration of language and culture with the intention of creating conversation and play.

In essence, this artwork is an invitation—to both children and adults—to embrace the budding relationship of art and technology. It is a testament to the limitless possibilities that emerge when we open ourselves to innovative approaches in art education. As a professor, I believe in nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration from an early age. By intertwining the tactile pleasure of painting with the curiosity-driven world of digital exploration, we create an environment where young learners can flourish and grow, not only as artists but as well-rounded individuals. My intent is to promote developmentally appropriate technology use, invite parents of young children into the art space, and facilitate learning through my art.