The award, which was presented to Smith at the NAEA national convention in Minneapolis April 4 - 8, recognizes an outstanding member in each state association whose service and contribution to art education merits recognition and acclaim.

"This award recognizes a high level of professional accomplishment and service by a dedicated art educator," said Mac Arthur Goodwin, NAEA president. "Dr. Smith exemplifies the high quality of individuals involved in the field of art education today: leaders, teachers, students, scholars and advocates who give their very best to the profession. We are proud to recognize Dr. Edwin Smith."

Smith also received the Art Educator of the Year Award from the state association, the Missouri Art Education Association, in 2002.

"Receiving the Art Educator of the Year Award at the Missouri Art Education Association Spring Conference last year was a real surprise," Smith said. "Now, receiving the national art educator award for Missouri is an even greater honor," he said.

Smith graduated from Green City High School in Milan, Mo., in 1958. He went on to earn his bachelor of science in education degree from Truman State University in 1962. Smith earned his master of arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado and his doctorate in education degree from the University of Kansas.

Smith has been a National Art Education annual presenter since 1991, and has also presented for the International Society for Education through Art (INSEA) and the United States Society for Education through Art (USSEA). He has served as editor of the Missouri Art Education Association newsletter, "Show Me Art," for four years and has given numerous keynote addresses and lectures. Smith also has traveled to 26 countries since 1991, conducting research in the visual symbols of 6, 8 and 10-year-old children to show the similarities and differences between cultures from five continents. He is currently developing a manuscript about his research and about carving in different cultures.

The membership of NAEA includes elementary, secondary, middle level and high school art teachers in 50 states, representatives from America's major art museums, state departments of education, arts councils and major colleges and universities throughout the United States and 66 foreign countries.