NKY Educator Named Recipient of National Art Education Leadership Award

George Canfield. Photo provided.

(Walton, Ky.) - Steeplechase Elementary School art instructor George Canfield has been named the recipient of Artsonia's 2025 Art Education Leadership Award. 

Canfield's peers and Artsonia selected him among thousands of instructors as one of 15 national winners of the award, which honors pioneers in the art education community who continuously inspire their peers and engage students. 

“It feels truly incredible to be recognized as a leader in arts education. It brings a deep sense of pride, knowing that my hard work, passion, and commitment to inspiring young minds is being acknowledged,” Canfield said.

Canfield is in his thirteenth year as an art instructor in Walton.

“I helped open the school I am at now, Steeplechase, building the art room and program from the ground up. It has been such a rewarding experience. I absolutely love the community and my school district, all of which fully support the arts. Art gives children a unique way to communicate, explore their emotions, and develop problem-solving skills in a hands-on environment. My hopes are that every student leaves my room just fully appreciating the arts and having a better understanding of the value and importance of it,” Canfield said.

Canfield is one of thousands of art teachers from over 100 countries around the world who use Artsonia to showcase their student art, crowdsource lesson plans, and help fund raise for their classrooms. 

“I have used Artsonia for so many years of my career and it is a true staple of my program. Its impact is so huge because it allows me to connect instantly with families and share the amazing work their children create,” Canfield said.