| THE DETAILS DATES Nov. 5-7th, 2026
LOCATION This year's conference will take place in Birmingham at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
THEME “Roll Call!” The theme is inspired by the BMA’s 75th anniversary exhibition, Roll Call: 200 Years of Black American Art, which will be open during the conference dates. For the conference, Roll Call serves as a call to action. There are various reasons why art matters to us and to others. The theme this year is Roll Call because we’re raising our hands and showing up from across the state to advocate, to encourage, to learn, and to strengthen our community.
KEYNOTE We are excited to announce that Birmingham artist Debra Riffe is this year's keynote speaker. Not only is Debra's woodcut print st. clair featured in the BMA’s Roll Call exhibition, but Debra is an award winning artist and source of inspiration in the community.
Riffe will speak about her journey and the creative process behind her practice. She will also be leading a block relief printmaking workshop.
GUEST ARTISTS & PRESENTERS There will be several Birmingham artists leading workshops and presentations at the conference this year. You can look forward to artists like John Lytle Wilson, Stacey Holloway, and Chad Moore. More names will be announced in the months leading up to the conference.
BMA staff will also be leading workshops and presentations. You can look forward to sessions from our behind-the-scenes team, as well as deep dives in the galleries on special topics.
ART EXHIBITION The BMA is excited to exhibit works by AAEA members. The AAEA exhibition will run from November 5, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Lydia Walker, BMA Manager of School and Community Programs will manage the exhibition. You must register for the conference in order for your submission to be considered. You can find the submission guidelines and submission form HERE!
AWARDS DINNER BMA Gala! Taking a queue from the famed Met Gala, attendees are invited to wear their favorite formal wear with flair! A gown, a tuxedo, something wild you found at a thrift store—whatever makes you feel your best and most powerful! The idea is to go glam or go home! We would love to see you dress up as—or give a little nod to—one of the artworks or artists in the BMA’s collection! For example, dress up as the famous Lady Helen Vincent by John Singer Sargent in our collection. BMA Clothing Policy: But be aware, in order to keep the art safe in the galleries, the BMA has a clothing/costume policy of no large props (swords, wands, etc.), no real flowers (fake flowers are ok!), and no food substances may be incorporated into to your outfit.
We will have a BMA photographer taking photos of people on the BMA’s curved grand staircase.
This dinner will be Friday night and the cost is included in the registration price. If you would like to bring a guest with you, their ticket price is $50.
SILENT AUCTION At the Awards Dinner there will be a silent auction to raise funds for the Louise B. Marsh Scholarship Fund. Bring cash or be ready to Venmo.
EARLY CHECK-IN Come to the BMA on Thursday evening for early check-in, gallery adventures, tours, drinks, music, and mingling!
HOTEL We have a special reservation code with the historic Tutwiler Hotel, located across the park from the BMA. Reserve your room HERE. Aside from the Tutwiler, the Sheraton and the Westin are also within walking distance of the BMA.
REGISTRATION Registration opens up Wednesday, April 15 and closes Monday, Oct. 8, 2026
- Early Bird (through Sep. 15): $195 member // $175 retired/students/1st time attendee
- After Sep. 15: $225 member // $195 retired/students/1st time attendee
- Non member: $300 (regardless of early bird)
ADD-ONS
- Limited Edition Cork Bottom Tote Bag: $25
- Proceeds of this purchase goes toward AAEA’s operating budget
- Extra Awards Dinner guest: $50
PAYMENT OPTIONS
- Pay at time of registration via card
- There is a 2.9% platform fee
- Pay via check
We understand that it is not always possible to pay registration fees at the time of registration due to different school policies. So there is an option for you or your school to pay via check at a different date. If you are paying via check, you will receive a separate email after registration on how to submit the check.
AAEA’s policy regarding delayed conference payment is as follows:
- If you cancel on or before Oct. 5, 2026 there is no cancellation fee
- If you cancel between Oct. 6-Nov. 4, 2026 there is a $50 cancellation fee
- If you are a no show, you are still required to pay the full registration fee
- To cancel, email aaeafallconference@gmail.com with “2026 Conference Cancellation” in the subject line
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