Agency in Layers: Collaborative Identity and Social Justice Through the Art of Njideka Akunyili Crosby

In March 2025, I was honored to present at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Conference in Chicago. My presentation explored how collaborative artmaking can support identity, creative agency, belonging, and social justice in high school art education.

Inspired by the layered visual language and cultural narratives of Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the project invited students to explore their own heritage, family histories, traditions, and identities through collaborative image-making.

Chicago, Illinois • March 2025 • Hyatt Regency Chicago