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Anna East Wisdom

Building Space for Joy: Artslift Conference 2024

To walk into a space and feel seen, accepted, uplifted into joy, and open-hearted towards creativity… that's what MoxieBox strives to create in its lesson experience. 


However, when our team attended the Artslift Conference for the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), we experienced these values tenfold. 



The Arts at RCOE presented an impactful day of arts speakers, presentations, and workshops for artists, teachers, and education professionals. The day strove to provide respite and an infusion of joy for participants. 


I caught up with event coordinator Louisa Higgins post-conference amidst the joyful afterglow of the day. I wanted to know how she came to revere art within education, and what she hopes the event will continue to provide for educators and their students. 


Louisa was still riding a post-event high and filled with “so much gratitude.” Gratitude for her team of eight, their sponsors, and their presenters. She described her excitement about doing it again. And it wasn’t just Louisa who was filled with joy. 


The attendee feedback acknowledged how thoughtful and organized it was, remarking how every aspect was chosen intentionally.

What created a community energy like this? Let’s explore why this arts event worked:


Anna East: What was your favorite memory of the day?


Louisa Higgins: I think what's really interesting, and you probably saw it in the video, is that everyone was smiling and happy. People kept saying, "Oh, I love this. I'm so happy." I think I was really trying to capture joy, and that's what I equate with the art. In education, we've gotten away from fun–you can learn and have a great day and still be smiling and laughing. I don't remember ever being in a conference and really feeling that way. And so that's really my takeaway; the expressions on people's faces and the laughing and smiling. And that's that's how I want school to be. 


"I was really trying to capture joy, and that's what I equate with the art." - Louisa Higgins

In Louisa’s point of view, learning, and fun are not mutually exclusive. 


After 30+ years in education, I can tell she knows this project is something special in her career. “This feels like one of the biggest and best things I've had the pleasure of doing.”


Watch a short and fun recap of the event.


Louisa described a moment between herself and a keynote speaker, where he said, “To me, you're the master of events.” The speaker is used to sitting down for long and monotonous meetings, as to where this event felt nothing like that. Louisa strives to create the event she wants to go to. Her response to him? “You know, after 30+ years in education, I hope I'm good at it.”


Looking at feedback data, there were a few points that really made a difference:


  1. A world-class poet, professor, and disabled person as a key speaker: Attendees really appreciated the inclusive mindset of the event and valued hearing the perspective from Chad Sweeney. 

  2. Hands-on or interactive presentation: Some presenters used PowerPoint, but most asked attendees to dance, act, or play music. 



Louisa focuses on bringing back crowd favorites for next year and incorporating new people and ideas. 


She has a deep reason for bringing joy to education professionals, too. “Going back to the element of fun–if you're an educator, or particularly if you're an administrator, like a principal, and we show you a really good time, then you're more likely to go back and make that happen for your kids.” She feels it is the duty of her team to make it so compelling that attendees say, “Oh, wow, I really have to take this back.” 


We wanted to feature Louisa’s work on the MoxieBlog because her intentions of creating true community, inspiration, and fun exemplifies what we hope to provide space for here, too. 


As far as Louisa’s why? I think it lies in this part of her answer…


LH: For me personally, and for what I try to give other people is that ability to express; to be creative with self-expression. And I actually think of myself as a creative. I think most artists are multiplatform; it's how you dress, it's how you cook, it's how you, you know, it's everything.


LH: My first career was in interior design, and… it bored me. And I remember thinking, is this all there is? 


LH: And so ‘meaning’ is really important to me. I also think about engagement a lot. We lost art and then connection with kids, where they don't want to be at school. Art bonds parents to school and bonds kids to school. We know that many, many high school students look forward to coming to school each day for their arts classes.

They come for band. They come for choir. The comfort, you know what I mean? It's a huge piece in school.

Sometimes I don't get it, but I think more than anything, it's joy.

LH: I know for me, you'll hear me keep saying ‘joy’ because that's what I'm after, always.



LH: And ultimately, you get engagement. Because the joy I know when I create a piece–like it's in my head until I get it out, it wants to be born and then when I do it, I'm like, “I feel so good.” You know what I mean? And so, yeah, I think it's what makes us human. That's why I'm here and it’s what I have to say.



Louisa plans to continue Artslift year after year, already booking the space for 2025. She’s excited to plan the next event while simultaneously laying the foundation for someone to take over when she retires. 



A true alchemist of experiences, Louisa Higgins is carving the way towards a more joyful, connected, and creative future for teachers, administrators, and especially students. 



Let this event inspire you to know that what you desire to create for yourself and others is possible. 


Thank you for all you do, Louisa! 


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