2025 Fall GAEA Conference
at Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA
November 13 - 16, 2025
Welcome to the 2025 GAEA Fall Professional Learning Conference!
Get ready for a weekend of creativity, connection, and professional growth in the scenic North Georgia mountains! This year’s ArtVentures-themed conference offers a rich blend of hands-on workshops, engaging division meetings, inspiring tours and area activities, a dynamic Members’ Exhibit, and our ever-popular Artists’ Market.
Don’t miss special events including:
The NAHS and Helen Fleming Stone Auctions
The Awards Luncheon
Our Keynote Gala Lunch featuring acclaimed contemporary landscape artist John L. Cleaveland
Don’t Forget!
Here are a few helpful tips as you prepare for your ArtVentures weekend:
Book Your Stay: Hotel rooms at our special GAEA rate are limited—reserve early!
Support the Auctions: Bring a 9x12 ready-to-frame original artwork for the NAHS Auction and consider donating a piece for the Helen Fleming Stone Auction—two great ways to support young artists and scholarship opportunities!
Session Reminders: Some workshops will be ticketed while others remain open—be sure to arrive on time to guarantee your spot.
Artist Market Tip: Many vendors accept cards, but cash is always a good backup for those who don’t use digital payments.
Lodging Information
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Our conference hotel is The Ridges Resort at Lake Chatuge.
The Ridges Resort (Official Conference Hotel)
GAEA has secured a discounted room block at The Ridges Resort. To receive the group rate, be sure to book using the instructions below:Phone Reservations: Call 706-896-2262 ext. 1 and ask for the Georgia Art Education Association Block.
Online Reservations: Visit The Ridges Resort website and use Group Code: GEORGIAART25
Important: Do not book through third-party sites (Expedia, Booking.com, etc.)—these will not count toward our room block or guarantee the group rate.

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Overflow Lodging Option
Brasstown Valley Resort – Reservation Information for GAEA Attendees/A room block has been arranged at Brasstown Valley Resort for GAEA attendees.
Online Reservations
Use the following link to book your room online:
Click here: Brasstown Valley ResortPhone Reservations
Call the Reservations Department at 706-379-9900 and mention the Georgia Art Education Association to receive the group rate.Please note: After the cut-off date of Friday, October 17, 2025, reservations will be accepted based on availability and current rates. Early booking is strongly encouraged.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for commercial vendor tables, as well as tables for colleges and universities.
Vendor Information
Contact our Business Representative, Aimee Burgamy.
Artist Market
7:00-9:00 pm, November 14, 2025.
Artist Market Tip: Many vendors accept cards, but cash is always a good backup for those who don’t use digital payments.
Please contact Debi West, Artist Market Chair.
Thank you to our 2025 Fall Conference Sponsors.
Need Help?
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Kirby Meng – kmeng@bellsouth.net
Drew Brown – browndrew@fultonschools.org
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Debi West – dewestudio@gmail.com
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Aimee Burgamy – aburgamy1@gmail.com
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Noelle Petersen – petersenn@fultonschools.org
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Ivey Coleman – iveymcoleman@gmail.com
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Dr. Dan DeFoor – drdand4@gmail.com