George Canfield, an art instructor at Steeplechase Elementary School in the Boone County School District, has been honored with the 2025 Art Education Leadership Award from Artsonia, an online gallery of student art portfolios.
The award honors “pioneers in the art education community who continuously inspire their peers and engage students,” according to a press release from Artsonia.
“It brings a deep sense of pride, knowing that my hard work, passion and commitment to inspiring young minds is being acknowledged,” Canfield said in the same release.
Canfield was one of 15 winners nationwide to receive the award. Winners are chosen by other teachers as well as Artsonia itself. This is the thirteenth year that Canfield has taught at the school, and he said that he uses Artsonia to showcase his students’ work to the world.
“I helped open the school I am at now, Steeplechase, building the art room and program from the ground up,” Canfield said. “It has been such a rewarding experience. I absolutely love the community and my school district, all of which fully support the arts.”
Click here to view a gallery of student work Canfield has posted to Artsonia.