September Krueger

September Krueger, curator of education and public programs at Cameron Art Museum, has been named the N.C. Art Education Association (NCAEA) Museum Division Art Educator of the Year for 2024-2025.

The statewide honor recognizes exemplary leadership, service and advocacy in museum-based arts education, according to a news release.

"Krueger was nominated for her sustained commitment to creating accessible, community-centered arts learning experiences for audiences of all ages – work that embodies CAM’s mission to connect people through creativity, culture and education," the release stated.

Krueger’s nomination highlighted her wide-ranging programs, workshops and educational initiatives that reach learners across the region, according to the release.

"Her leadership extends beyond the museum walls through robust outreach partnerships, including a recent collaborative project in which a local artist worked alongside kindergarten through sixth-grade students in a nearby Title I elementary school," the release stated. "Under Krueger’s guidance, the program culminated in student artwork exhibited at the school, the local arts council, and an area arts festival—an experience that strengthened community pride and gave young artists a platform to share their voices."

Allison Ellis of the NCAEA, who nominated Krueger for the award, stated in the release, “All students deserve opportunities to see their creativity valued, and September makes that possible.

"Her vision for engagement brings the community together through art. She inspired my students, many of whom had never visited a museum before, and empowered them to share their artistic voices with confidence. Her dedication is exceptional, and this award is so well deserved.”

In addition to her outreach work, Krueger has contributed to statewide professional development for art educators, presenting at the NCAEA Regional Professional Development Conference alongside CAM colleagues to share strategies for building community engagement through the arts, according to the release.

"September’s impact is deeply felt across our region,” stated Heather Wilson, CEO of Cameron Art Museum, in the release. “Her commitment to meaningful, inclusive arts education has transformed countless lives and reflects the very best of what museum education can be.”

The NCAEA was founded in 1965 as a professional, nonprofit educational association dedicated to promoting and improving the quality of art education in North Carolina, the release stated.