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LAWRENCE — To inspire others you must be inspired yourself.

With that in mind, Lawrence art teachers and colleagues from nine other school districts North of Boston spent Nov. 5 immersed in a professional development conference entitled “Artistry Unleashed.”

The conference at Lawrence High School exposed 165 art teachers to a variety of visual and performing arts, including a visit from critically-acclaimed author Gabby Rivera.

Rivera, an American writer and storyteller, is the author of the 2016 young adult novel “Juliet Takes a Breath,” and wrote the 2017–2018 Marvel comic book America, about superhero America Chavez

“It was awesome. It exceeded our expectations and worked out perfectly,” said Heather Langlois, arts director for the Lawrence Public Schools.

The goal was to inspire the art teachers and create stronger art education, Langlois said.

Schools were closed Tuesday for the election. Teachers were expected to use the day for professional development.

Langlois said previously a similar program on a smaller level was held for just LPS art teachers. Art teachers from other districts were invited Tuesday.

“This year we made if bigger and better,” she said.

Attendees included 60 LPS art teachers and other art teachers from Andover, North Andover, Ipswich, Masconomet, Malden, Dracut, Billerica and Lowell.

Langlois, at a national art convention last year, attended a presentation by Rivera, who describes herself as a “Bronx-born queer Puerto Rcian babe on a mission to create the wildest most fun stories ever.”

Rivera is the first Latina ever to write for Marvel comics, penning the solo series AMERICA about America Chavez, a portal-punching queer Latina powerhouse, according to her website.

Langlois said she was so impressed with Rivera.

“She was so relatable to our community. I knew I wanted her to come to Lawrence,” she said.

After Rivera’s visit, the teachers were then immersed in 30 different rotating art workshops that included everything from Caribbean music and dancing, hip hop, make-up and body painting, camera obscuring instruction, choreography and theatre.

LHS Theatre students rehearsed “In the Heights,” a musical with concept, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes.

And a jazz band from the Merrrimack Valley Community Music School in Andover was their entertainment during the hour-lunch break.

“That was a really nice touch,” said Langlois, lauding her team who helped her organize the conference.

Langlois said she received great feedback on the day and looks forward to future events.

“It was a very uplifting day,” she said.

Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter @EagleTribJill.

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