Gogh Global: Travel and Art Education

02/06/2025

Check out this week's Wanderlust Wednesday below!

La Mezquita is more than architecture; it’s a powerful message about embracing our shared human story. Gogh Global: Travel and Art Education

La Mezquita in Córdoba, Spain, is a breathtaking example of cultural fusion. Originally a mosque built in 784 AD, it reflects the sophistication of Islamic architecture with its signature horseshoe…

02/05/2025

February is a month dedicated to important awareness and heritage celebrations that promote understanding and support for various causes. This month is a time to reflect on critical social issues, celebrate cultural diversity, honor the contributions of different communities, and engage in becoming a positive changemaker in the world. Since 2022, students from throughout the Greater Cincinnati Area have been invited to participate in the SOS ART Youth Exhibition and Event of Creative Expressions for Peace and Justice. This annual multidisciplinary showcase highlights youth-created works, writings, and performances exemplary of the remarkable talents, creativity, and innovation of Greater Cincinnati’s K-12 students who use art to explore and promote ideas of Peace and Justice.

This year, over 300 works of art and writing are on exhibition by students from: Butler Tech School of the Arts, Mount Notre Dame, Oak Hills High School, Princeton High School, Seton High School, The Garden, The Summit Country Day School, and young artists from ArtHaus, Nyakati Arts, and Wajukuu Kids in Kenya, Africa. The exhibition will open Saturday, February 8th, and close on February 15th, 2025 at the Oak Hills High School. Below, you can find details about the exhibition and events along with some highlights from the show!

02/01/2025

February is a month dedicated to important awareness and heritage celebrations that promote understanding and support for various causes. This month is a time to reflect on critical social issues, celebrate cultural diversity, honor the contributions of different communities, and engage in becoming a positive changemaker in the world. Since 2022, students from throughout the Greater Cincinnati Area have been invited to participate in the SOS ART Youth Exhibition and Event of Creative Expressions for Peace and Justice. This annual multidisciplinary showcase highlights youth-created works, writings, and performances exemplary of the remarkable talents, creativity, and innovation of Greater Cincinnati’s K-12 students who use art to explore and promote ideas of Peace and Justice.

This year, over 300 works will be exhibited by students from: Butler Tech School of the Arts, Mount Notre Dame, Oak Hills High School, Princeton High School, Seton High School, The Summit Country Day School, and young artists from ArtHaus in Kenya, Africa. The exhibition will open Saturday, February 8th, and close on February 15th, 2025 at the Oak Hills High School. Below, you can find details about the exhibition and events.

02/01/2025

Collaborating for Biodiversity is a K-12 youth art project celebrating species protected by the Endangered Species Act. You are invited to submit artwork created in collaboration with two or more youth artists. We’ve created Collaborating for Biodiversity in honor of the 20th Anniversary of Endangered Species Day, Friday, May 16th, 2025. Learn more about this important opportunity and submission requirements below!

https://goghglobalarteducation.wordpress.com/2025/02/01/collaborating-for-biodiversityyouth-art-opportunity-2024-2025/

Image Credit: Black Footed Ferret, Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants, 2023, by 7th-12th grade students at Artventure OC Inc.

02/01/2025

Sister Cities International is proud to present the 2025 Young Artists and Authors Showcase, inviting youth from around the world to express their creativity through the theme “Friendship: The Heartbeat of Global Peace.” This year’s theme highlights the power of friendship to foster understanding, collaboration, and peace across borders. The deadline to approach is April 1st, 2025. To learn more about the opportunity below!

Connecting Creativity Across Cultures

01/30/2025

It's time for this week's Wanderlust Wednesday! Where in the world would you like to explore? Comment below and follow Gogh Global: Travel and Art Education! 🌎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

In the Middle Ages, tapestries were far more than just beautiful wall hangings. These intricate woven works served as insulation against the chill of stone castle walls, adding both warmth and sple…

01/25/2025

🌍 Your Dream Trip Awaits – Help Gogh Global Plan It! ✈️

Are you ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? 🌟 We’re planning unforgettable trips, and we need YOUR input to create the ultimate experiences for adventurers like you.

Take our quick survey to tell us:
✔️ Where you’ve always wanted to go
✔️ What kind of adventures inspire you
✔️ When you’re ready to pack your bags

This is your chance to shape future travel opportunities and be one step closer to your next great escape. But hurry—our survey is closing soon, and we don’t want you to miss out!

🎯 Click here to share your travel dreams: https://forms.gle/GJLe2mVbMj9Dg2BH9

Let’s make your travel bucket list a reality. Adventure is calling—answer now!

Know someone who’d love this too? Forward this information on and spread the wanderlust! 🌍✨
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGYf40I1zfW-GMCWpuHLb-O2vAelbcDc5qy7oqukfbUaYS6Q/viewform

World Travel Interest Form Help us understand your travel dreams and preferences!

01/23/2025

Aren't these cold temperatures monstrous?! Dreaming of warmer weather and sunny skies? Did you know the 1998 Godzilla was inspired by Galapagos marine iguanas? These fascinating creatures are the only lizards that swim in the ocean and dive for their food.
They have adapted to an island lifestyle, and each island has its own subspecies. They face threats from climate change, as their preferred food source, red and green algae, is disappearing. 🌊🦎🔥 Galapagos Islands

01/20/2025

🕊️ Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 🕊️

His dream of equality, justice, and unity continues to inspire us to create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Let’s reflect on his words:
"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

💡 Whether it’s through volunteering, advocating for change, or fostering understanding, we all have a role in carrying his mission forward.

🌟 Together, we can keep the dream alive.

01/15/2025

🌍 Your Dream Trip Awaits – Help Global Plan It! ✈️

Are you ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? 🌟 We’re planning unforgettable trips, and we need YOUR input to create the ultimate experiences for adventurers like you.

Take our quick survey to tell us:
✔️ Where you’ve always wanted to go
✔️ What kind of adventures inspire you
✔️ When you’re ready to pack your bags

This is your chance to shape future travel opportunities and be one step closer to your next great escape. But hurry—our survey is closing soon, and we don’t want you to miss out!

🎯 Click here to share your travel dreams: https://forms.gle/GJLe2mVbMj9Dg2BH9

Let’s make your travel bucket list a reality. Adventure is calling—answer now!

Know someone who’d love this too? Forward this information on and spread the wanderlust! 🌍✨

World Travel Interest Form Help us understand your travel dreams and preferences!

01/14/2025

Be the educator who empowers the next generation to see art as not just creative expression, but as a powerful voice for global transformation.

Join me on 1/20/2025 from 2:00-3:00pm and begin to discover how to transform your art curriculum into a launchpad for global impact.

Reserve Your Spot Now.
Complete this form to join a growing resource aimed at fostering global change through Art and Design! The link for the first in a series of virtual workshops will be emailed to you 24 hours before the event. https://forms.gle/M2Qk7vv5NUBe7Fq88

https://goghglobalarteducation.wordpress.com/2025/01/01/integrating-the-un-sdgs-into-your-classroom/

The world is changing rapidly, and today’s students need more than artistic skills—they need global competencies to navigate and shape an interconnected future. Join me on 1/20/2025 from 2:00-3:00p…

01/08/2025

❄️ Iceland in Winter: A Snowy Wonderland? ❄️

Did you know Iceland's snowfall isn't as heavy as you might think? While it varies by location, most coastal areas average 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) of snow during the winter months. The northern regions and highlands get significantly more, creating a true winter wonderland! 🌨️

Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights or exploring icy landscapes, Iceland’s snowy season is a magical time to visit. Just bundle up—it’s all about layers! 🧥✨

01/01/2025

Join me on 1/5/25, from 2:00-3:00 pm, for a free virtual presentation and explore how art can inspire change, foster empathy, and empower students to engage with global issues.

RSVP https://forms.gle/ioFE5FAVRzhz8Lgb8

A link to the virtual meeting will be sent 24 hours before the event.
https://goghglobalarteducation.wordpress.com/2025/01/01/be-inspired-to-transform-your-art-classroom-into-a-space-where-creativity-builds-a-brighter-future/

Join me on 1/5/25, from 2:00-3:00 pm, for a free virtual presentation and explore how art can inspire change, foster empathy, and empower students to engage with global issues. This interactive pre…

12/24/2024

December is a time of magic, love, and light, as people across the globe honor traditions that bring meaning and joy. From dazzling lights to heartfelt gatherings, there’s so much to celebrate!

🌏 Worldwide December Celebrations:
🎄 Christmas (Dec 25) – Celebrated by Christians around the world with traditions of love, giving, and the birth of Jesus.
🕎 Hanukkah (Dec 7-15, 2024) – The Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorating the miracle of light and resilience.
🕯️ Kwanzaa (Dec 26-Jan 1) – Honoring African heritage, unity, and culture with daily principles.
🌞 Winter Solstice (Dec 21) – Celebrated globally with festivals like Yule, honoring the return of longer days and new beginnings.
🕯️ Bodhi Day (Dec 8) – Buddhist observance of the day Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment.
🕌 Mawlid al-Nabi (Dec 14) – Islamic celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
🥟 Las Posadas (Dec 16-24) – Latin American reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
🦀 Dongzhi Festival (Dec 21) – East Asian celebration of the Winter Solstice, focusing on balance and harmony.
💃 Hogmanay (Dec 31) – Scotland’s New Year celebration filled with fire, music, and goodwill.
🎆 New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) – A universal celebration marking the end of the year and hopes for the next!

This month reminds us how beautifully diverse our world is, with each tradition lighting the way for peace, unity, and hope.

✨ Let’s honor and learn from one another. Share your favorite tradition or a holiday unique to your culture in the comments! Together, we make the season brighter. ❤️

✨

12/18/2024

Celebrate the diversity of our community at the Global Culture Fair! This vibrant event invites students, families, and educators to experience the traditions, art, music, and cuisine of cultures worldwide. Through interactive exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for global perspectives and the rich tapestry of our community. Join us for a day of learning, connection, and celebration as we honor the cultures that shape our shared world.
Call for Participants!
If you are interested in participating in the event, please contact Trudi Simpson at [email protected] or Jamie Schorsch at [email protected].
This is made possible through the support of the OHLSD Advisory Council of PTAs and partnering organizations.

12/18/2024

The Icelandic Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn, is a fearsome feline from Icelandic folklore, said to roam the snowy countryside during Christmas time. Unlike a typical holiday creature, this giant cat has a sinister agenda—it devours anyone who has not received new clothes by Christmas Eve. The legend serves as a cautionary tale to encourage hard work, as industrious individuals who finished their tasks would be rewarded with new garments to protect them from the Yule Cat's wrath. With its piercing eyes and chilling presence, the Yule Cat remains a unique and slightly eerie symbol of Icelandic holiday traditions.

12/16/2024

Are you an Art or Design teacher interested in learning how to apply the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for instruction? Complete this form to join a growing resource aimed at fostering global change through Art and Design! https://forms.gle/M2Qk7vv5NUBe7Fq88