ARTS Express Summer Conference 2025 is here! This conference provides instruction to integrate the arts across the curriculum to improve student learning. Join us for Joyful Learning, focusing on the student experience while providing educators with resources, knowledge, and ideas of effective fine arts instruction, arts-integrated instruction, and critical thinking routines. 

Register early for the best selection of our engaging and educational workshops in dance, drama, literary arts, music, media arts, visual arts, cultural arts, and arts integration in science, language arts, math, and social studies!

Select from more than 50 unique and engaging breakout sessions with national and local presenters including sessions by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums and local POPS Arts Organizations. All presenters have planned sessions based on Utah's core standards.

Cost

Registration is $95 before April 1st, then $125 until May 12th, or when we reach capacity. Contact your district arts representative or your principal to ask about financial support that may be available. No refunds after May 12th.

University students can register for only $55!

Credit

If you would like to receive Relicensure Hours or 1 USBE credit through MIDAS, simply indicate such and provide your Cactus ID on your attendance verification form while at the conference. We will take care of the rest for you!

USBE credit requires that you write a 1-2 page implementation plan of how you will use what you have learned in your classroom. Email your plan to artspartnership@byu.edu by July 15, 2025 to recieve credit.

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer BYU credit this year.

Presenters

Read about the national and local presenters coming to Arts Express!

Schedule

Read about this year's unique breakout sessions here.

Mata Ortiz Pottery by Ana Brooks

In our lobby this year, learn from the amazing Ana Brooks! Ana was born in  Mata Ortiz, Mexico.  At the young age of five, she started learning the art of making pottery from families in Mata Ortiz. She came to the U.S. 35 years ago. She feels very fortunate to have taught hundreds of students and teachers in Granite School District, the University of Southern Utah, and Living Traditions. She also has a short segment on Telemundo.  Ana and her family of potters have learned to make pottery from what Mother Earth provides. They go to St.George to the "red clay mountain" and to the Great Salt Lake to get dirt to make clay for their pottery. They very much enjoy putting their efforts in keeping this tradition alive.

Music by Micah Hirokawa

Micah Hirokawa, both presenter and performer this year, is currently serving as the Executive Director for Utah Fits All. Hirokawa is well-published and has been a featured presenter throughout the nation. As an ethnomusicologist, his undergraduate work was featured in a film produced by the American Studies Department, University of Hawaii titled "Mele - The Voices of Yesterday Singing The Songs of Tomorrow." As a young child, Micah was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Through his passion for music, he’s been able to redefine his disability as his now-found “Super Ability.” In light of this, Micah has developed through self-study and groundbreaking research (Wide River Academy), methods and strategies that have inspired a revolution. His mission as an educator is to crush labels and stereotypes when working with students of concern. Hirokawa hopes to create a paradigm shift that promotes in-depth learning for all students. He has been featured on such platforms as TEDxHonoluluEd, Schools of the Future, The MISO Conference, The SUMMIT Education and Innovation Conference, The Pacific Rim Conference, The LDAH Conference, and The UMC Conference, to name a few – and was the only educator in Hawaii to become a finalist for the 2014 GRAMMY Educator Award and the recipient of the Rock Your School GRAMMY Competition in 2015.

Performance by Karla Huntsman
 

We are thrilled to have Karla Huntsman not only presenting this year but also performing! She will be sharing with us an original, JOYFUL song that you can teach and sing with your own students! This song is based on the book, Fail-A-Bration by Brad Montague (last year’s hit keynote speaker!) Karla is a storyteller, songwriter, educator, and artist. Don't miss her breakout session: I See…I Wonder…Creating Powerful Story Experiences Through Project Zero’s Deeper Thinking Toolbox with Wendy Folsom.

Musical Performance by Sonic Duke

Sonic Duke – a Classic Rock • Blues Rock • Southern Rock • Modern Country cover band!

High-energy, family-friendly, and always a good time! With sing-along favorites and irresistible grooves, Sonic Duke brings the party to every stage.

Seen at the Utah State Fair, Spanish Fork Fiesta Days, city concerts, and countless private events.
Featuring principals by day, rockers by night – Tommy Freeman, Joel Miller, and therapist Royce Hull.

Get ready to sing, dance, and laugh along with one of Utah’s most fun and crowd-pleasing bands!

Harp Performance by Bethany Salisbury

Bethany has been studying harp for over 15 years. Bethany has performed with BYU Vocal Point, Piano Guys, Jenny Oaks Baker, and Dallyn Vail Bayles. Bethany has performed with many different groups and orchestras including the Utah Valley University Symphony, BYUI Symphony, BYUI Harp Ensemble, American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic, and many others. She studied harp performance at BYUI for 3 years where she traveled with the symphony to Eastern Canada and New York. She studied under Doctor Alicia McQuay who holds a Doctorate of Music in Harp Performance and Literature from the world-renowned Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, and also studied with the Principal Harpist of Ballet West, Janet Peterson. Bethany received her Bachelor's degree in Harp Performance from Utah Valley University. Bethany currently directs the Lyceum Harp Ensemble. In 2022 Bethany served as Secretary in the Utah Chapter of the American Harp Society. Bethany has been professionally trained in harp pedagogy and currently teaches private lessons in Lehi Utah.

Music by Scott Flox

“You’re born, you live a little, then you die.” Charlotte discusses mortality with Wilbur in EB White’s Charlotte’s Web. Birth-Death are the price we each pay for the opportunity to live. I chose to live by taking strengths I had and building upon those. I taught kids for 42 years, raised 7 kids, married, was invited to the Olympic trials, played guitar for over half a century, and dabbled in visual arts. I tied all of these strengths into my teaching. I have lived a blessed life and continue to enjoy my music and work with teachers to integrate the arts in their classrooms. 

Check out more of Scott’s music here: https://www.reverbnation.com/scottflox

Music by J Law & Warhorse

J Law & Warhorse is led by Jeff Lawrence. This show will feature a duo of him with James Peterson on keys. Jeff is from Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Utah to teach music in 2001. Jeff has 26 albums available in all platforms and an instructional book. He performs in a trio and a Credence Clearwater Revival tribute band. Jeff and his groups play over almost every weekend with 100 shows all over Utah every year. Jeff also does solo, duo, or trio shows. He has played for four presidents and taught guitar to former Governor John Huntsman. Find Jeff Lawrence on all social media platforms and all streaming sites under "JLawMusic" or "Jeff Lawrence".

Music by Melissa Chang

Melissa Chang holds a BA in Art History from Cornell, an MA in Art and Arts Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and an MPS in Design Management from Pratt Institute. Her background blends arts education with design thinking, shaped by roles at Bank Street School for Children, Village Community School, and Target's Product Design and Development team. Melissa champions curiosity, imagination, and experiential learning through a student-centered, process oriented approach. Her work integrates developmental theory, observation, and reflection, both in the classroom and in design, building empathy, creativity, and critical thinking across disciplines.