Member Spotlight: Kate
Date postedJanuary 31, 2024
Meet Kate Vinson!
Kate (she/her/hers) grew up in West Branch Michigan and now resides in Minneapolis Minnesota. Kate is a Visual Arts Instructor of Sculpture & Ceramics at Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley, Minnesota.Tell us a bit about what you do at your organization.
I teach 11th and 12th graders at a state arts high school in metro Minnesota. Our students focus their learning in one artistic genre for two years: visual arts, music, music theatre, dance, media, literature, and ensemble theatre. All students actively produce and perform their genre through regular, student run exhibitions shared with the general public. In my classes, I use Experiential Education to challenge students in expressing themselves artistically and creatively through sculptural processes. We can be seen using and creating with cardboard, metal, paper, wire, ceramics and more. I use much reflection, and social emotional learning to teach a holistic pedagogy. You will also find me teaching yoga and mindfulness as the P.E./Health teacher.
Tell us more about yourself!
I am an adventurer of learning and living. I have worked with people of all ages from 3 to 73 in settings across the United States-Alaska to Maryland. I have taught sea kayaking, skiing, weaving, and wire working. I have degrees that allow me to live outside, appreciate nature, work with youth and accessorize well while doing it. I have been fortunate to work with people in the winter of their lives hiking in the Catskills to discovering the joy of swimming as a reluctant toddler. I enjoy challenging students and myself to think, dream, and discover more in/outside of themselves while dismantling the "way" life should be. I have one plant named Spider, who proudly displays a sign that reads "Staying Alive".
What excites you when you think about the future of Experiential Education?
I am excited to expand and broaden Experiential Education pedagogy, mindset, and lifestyle. For me, Experiential Education happens everywhere: outdoors, indoors, person to person, on the job, in your social network, and more. Experiential Education is about elevating human potential and doesn't that support endless possibilities!
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by meaningful connections, New York Style Bagels, and a good road trip adventure.
In your free time, we can probably find you:
Experiencing a new art medium, taking a lake walk, restoring in yoga, reading on the couch, or catching up with friends.
How long have you been involved with AEE?
I have been involved with AEE since undergraduate at NMU's Outdoor Recreation Program. I have participated in a variety of ways from attending international and regional conferences, service crew member, and most recently as a workshop presenter.
What is the most rewarding part about being a Member of AEE?
Reward is in seeing the diversity and evolution driven by members that continue to grow AEE.
Favorite Moment at AEE?
One day in college I asked my professor for a suggestion of something different for summer work and he suggested I call Todd Miner at University of Alaska Anchorage as an internship possibility. I did and ended up interning for the Alaska Wilderness Studies program for over a year exploring, learning, and living in Alaska.
Find Kate here: https://www.katevinson.com/ @katevinsonartist
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