The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences celebrates Christopher Schulte, associate dean of academic affairs and endowed chair of Art Education in the School of Art, for being named a Distinguished Fellow of the National Art Education Association and for receiving the prestigious Lowenfeld Award - two of the highest honors in the field of art education.

A long-time member of the NAEA, Schulte has devoted his career to the study and advancement of children's artistic practices. In line with this passion, he founded and currently directs the Center for the Study of Childhood Art, a hub for research and innovation in the visual arts and education.

"Fulbright College is a better, stronger institution because Chris is here," said Brian E. Raines, dean of the college. "His devotion to art education and to creating the next generation of art educators has had a positive ripple effect that continues to grow well beyond campus. His impact is felt in art classrooms around the state, region and nation."

Each year, the NAEA names up to five Distinguished Fellows in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field. The selection process is rigorous and includes peer nominations, letters of support and thorough review by current NAEA Fellows.

"I am grateful to my colleagues for taking the time to nominate me for this important recognition," Schulte said. "Personally, I have benefited tremendously from the support and mentorship provided by the NAEA Distinguished Fellows throughout my career — as a Pre-K-12 art educator, graduate student and early career scholar.

"Now, to be part of this community and return to others a professional kindness that was extended to me is an opportunity that I cherish," he added.

In addition to his selection as a Distinguished Fellow, Schulte, a childhood studies scholar whose work centers on the artistic expression of young people, was also honored with the prestigious Lowenfeld Award.

The Lowenfeld Award is presented annually to a NAEA member who has made significant and lasting contributions to the field of art education.

"We are thrilled to celebrate Chris as the recipient of these distinguished awards," said Rachel Debuque, director of the School of Art. "He is a visionary educator and leader making a difference in the lives of students here at the U of A and in the Northwest Arkansas community, as well as in the lives of colleagues in the field of arts education.

"His research is changing and starting conversations about how we value children's creativity and expand their access to visual arts. Congratulations, Chris; these honors are befitting to your contributions," she added.

For Schulte, receiving this award has been especially meaningful because of his personal connection to its namesake, Viktor Lowenfeld.

Lowenfeld established the first art education program in the United States at Penn State University in 1946, transforming the university into an international leader in art education. 

"This award highlights a nearly 80-year period of research and teaching dedicated to honoring the visual arts in young people's lives," Schulte said. "I am proud to have played a small role in this important history and excited that the University of Arkansas will continue to serve as a destination for future students, scholars and leaders who aim to continue this work."

Schulte earned his Ph.D. at Penn State and served on its art education faculty, so has directly experienced the lasting impact of Lowenfeld's legacy.

"I was reminded daily of the historical significance of Lowenfeld's contributions to the field," Schulte said of his time at Penn State.

"Lowenfeld's focus on the visual arts in childhood set an important foundation for excellence in the field of art education, inspiring generations of art educators and innovating the relationship of art research to educational practice," he added.

Angela M. LaPorte, professor of art education at the U of A and Schulte's long-time colleague, said that these recent accolades not only recognize Schulte's years of research and advocacy for childhood creativity, but also spotlight the U of A as a center for innovation and leadership in art education.

"His extensive work at the local, national and international levels is impactful in bridging theory to practice and promotes a contemporary interdisciplinary vision of the study of childhood art that respects the multiple contexts of children's imagination and play," said LaPorte, who is also an NAEA Distinguished Fellow.

"He is admired and appreciated by colleagues and students. Both distinctions are well deserved!"

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Story by Isabella Sotlar, Fulbright College communications and creative services intern.

This story also appeared in the Fulbright REVIEW publication.