The Contemporary Austin
Carey Conner is an experienced educator and artist with a focus on art instruction and curriculum development. Currently serving as a Course Instructor at The Contemporary Austin since June 2021, as well as a Leadership Presenter and Mentor within the Austin Independent School District since August 2012, Carey Conner has been instrumental in supporting new art teachers and managing a large student body at Graham Elementary School. Additionally, Conner holds a National Board Art Teacher Certification and has been actively involved as an art judge for the Texas Art Education Association. With a commitment to professional development, Conner has facilitated workshops on teaching diversity and artistic expression, while also running an Etsy store, Pear Packages. Engagement with the Holocaust Museum Houston as a Seminar Leader further highlights a dedication to art education and community enrichment. Conner's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
The Contemporary Austin
Our Mission We invite you to discover contemporary art in settings that provoke thought and joy. Our programs join art with place in a pursuit of a deeper experience, a bigger conversation, and a closer community. Our Vision We believe in the capacity of art to transform lives. We dream of a future where more eyes, ears, hearts and minds are opened by contemporary art in all of its forms. Our Values Extending the Welcome – We want every person to feel like they belong here. Our invitation is completely open and inclusive. Always Caring - We know that details matter. We care deeply about the quality of our work and about the experiences of our guests, the artists we collaborate with, our staff, and all those we have yet to meet. Socially Mindful - We believe that contemporary art is a way for people to connect their personal experiences with the broader social and cultural dialogues of our place and time. Staying Curious - We observe closely, listen intently, and inquire sincerely because we have a boundless fascination with people, art and ideas. Making Progress - We always want to be better—to inspire more deeply, to engage more openly, and to serve more joyfully. We are mindful of feedback and committed to ongoing reflection and iteration. Being Here - A place can transform your experience of art, and art can transform your experience of a place. We activate our downtown exhibition space and our lakeside sculpture park in imaginative ways to serve Austin. Trying New Things - We believe in the importance of experimentation, play, and the surprise that often results from trying something new. We know that progress comes through both bravery and vulnerability.