Art Educator for The Northwest Art Project
Welcome
The Junior League of Seattle is thrilled to welcome Julie Trout as Art Educator for The Northwest Art Project. This page serves as a central resource for participating schools, educators, volunteers, and community partners to better understand the role of the Art Educator and how this position supports our program’s goal of bringing arts education to King County Students.
Julie’s role will build upon and further develop The Northwest Art Project’s school curriculum, strengthen our focus on providing high-quality arts education instruction, and cultivate meaningful art experiences for Seattle-area students. Our Art Educator works closely with schools, volunteers, and Junior League of Seattle leadership to ensure the program continues to grow in culturally responsive content, outreach, and impact.
To learn more about the program, click here.
Message from Julie Trout, Art Educator“It is with great excitement that I have joined The Northwest Art Project in the role of Art Educator. My longtime experience being an arts educator in both private and public settings has provided me with a strong ability to support students and communities in discovering the different ways art supports a sense of belonging. As an arts education advocate, I find joy in sharing the way art binds people to place and to each other.
The legacy and artwork of The Northwest Art Project provide a rich and diverse reflection of all that our region has to offer. I look forward to finding ways for our youth and communities to see themselves as part of the shared stories the artists tell through their work and inspire new ways to shape and reimagine our vibrant Northwest creative traditions.”
Role of Art Educator & Resources for Educators
The Northwest Art Project Art Educator leads the development of engaging, age-appropriate visual arts education for elementary students across King County. This role centers on connecting students with original works of art through interactive lessons, hands-on learning, and guided discussions that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and creative expression.
With many years of experience as a visual arts educator with Seattle Public Schools in a culturally rich Title I school setting, Julie brings deep classroom expertise and an understanding of equitable arts access. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Highline College, where she teaches a course supporting arts-based experiences for adult learners and classroom teachers exploring arts integration. In recognition of her impact in education, she was named Washington State Regional Teacher of the Year in 2012.
Throughout her career, Julie has created, coordinated, and facilitated numerous arts showcases and professional development opportunities for educators. One of her most meaningful annual collaborations was with Franklin High School, where kindergarten students’ imaginative creature drawings were transformed into clay sculptures by advanced ceramics students and gifted back to the young artists—an experience that exemplified cross-age mentorship, community partnership, and the transformative power of the arts.
Working in tandem with participating schools, community partners, and Junior League volunteers, the Art Educator supports curriculum development, school-based art instruction, and overall program growth. She also provides guidance and resources to volunteers, educators, and instructors who advocate for bringing the program to their schools and communities.
This role is essential to advancing inclusive arts education and helping students understand how art connects to identity, community, language, and the broader cultural history of the Pacific Northwest. As an organization committed to developing the potential of women, strengthening community partnerships, and serving as a catalyst for lasting change, we believe this role—and the Northwest Art Project—are integral to achieving our mission.
How to Connect
We are grateful for the continued support and partnership of our schools and community, and look forward to advancing visual arts education across King County through The Northwest Art Project. Please reach out with any questions about our program or how to participate!