Lincoln High School art teacher, Susan Kolenda, was named 2026 Rhode Island Art Educator of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding work within art education.
“Honestly, I was quite shocked to learn that I had won,” Kolenda said. “I am truly honored and deeply grateful to be named both the 2026 Rhode Island Secondary Art Educator and the overall 2026 Rhode Island Art Educator. This recognition is humbling, and it reminds me that teaching is never done alone. I wanted to thank my family, colleagues, and students—this support, encouragement, and creativity inspire me every day. This award reflects not only my journey as an educator but also the collaborative spirit and passion of our entire art community.”
Kolenda was nominated by Kristine Straus, an art educator at Smithfield High School, who she has worked with in various ways during the past decade.
The nomination process involved answering detailed questions about her education and role as an art educator. She also had to submit two letters of recommendation and complete her own educator candidate package. The package was reviewed by an art educator panel consisting of educators from other East Coast states. This panel selected winners at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, where the overall winner is then selected from those three.
“As long as I can remember, art and design have been part of my life,” Kolenda said. “My Dad was an architect, Mom a designer, and my siblings each have varying artistic interests and abilities. One might say art and design are in my blood.”
Kolenda advises those in creative courses to look towards the future and strive for their greatest potential.
“If you’re thinking about a career in art, start by exploring different mediums and discovering the skills or subjects you really love—those are the ones you can build a career around,” Kolenda said. “Keep a portfolio of your best work, practice your craft, and don’t be afraid to try new tools or techniques. Listen to feedback, stay curious, and get real-world experience whenever you can. Most importantly, be persistent, have fun, and remember that your passion can open doors you might not even imagine yet.”
Winning this award has also allowed Kolenda to reconnect with her former students.
“One very inspiring part of winning this award is that I have received messages from more than a few past students,” said Kolenda. “It was heartwarming to learn that so many have pursued careers in the arts! The messages were so nice to receive!”
