Two Gilbert Public Schools elementary art teachers have been recognized by the Arizona Art Education Association for their contributions to arts education.

Kecia Sweeney of Islands Elementary received the Elementary Division Outstanding Art Educator Award, and Tina Rey of Settler’s Point Elementary earned the Outstanding New Professional Art Educator Award. Both were honored during the association’s annual state conference Nov. 14 at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Tempe.

The awards recognize educators who have demonstrated exceptional service to the field of art education.

Rey, in her second year teaching art at Settler’s Point, said being nominated by colleagues and recognized for her work was “amazing.”

She teaches more than 500 students in kindergarten through sixth grade and incorporates hands-on projects such as clay creations and mummy sculptures that connect to classroom lessons in other subjects.

Her approach emphasizes independence, creative thinking and problem-solving while aligning with state learning objectives and standards.

Sweeney, now in her 27th year of teaching, works with about 700 students annually at Islands Elementary and Highland Park Elementary.

Her projects range from plaster masks and clay dragon eyes to metalwork inspired by Native American symbols.

“I love seeing students think outside the box and express themselves freely,” Sweeney said. “Art gives every child an equal opportunity to explore their creativity.”

Gilbert Public Schools offers art instruction at all 26 elementary schools in Gilbert and Mesa. Students in kindergarten through sixth grade take art at least once a week.

The curriculum is designed to support growth in areas including math, reading, critical thinking and teamwork while promoting confidence and creativity.