The award recognizes exceptional art educators who demonstrate a high level of professional accomplishment and service in the art education field.

Pistolesi said she was honored to receive the award.

"I have a sense of being part of a strong team of art educators here at CSUN and throughout the state," she said, "I am very excited to receive an award at the national level."

Pistolesi will be traveling to Minnesota next month to accept the award at NAEA¹s national convention.

NAEA members are involved in art education from elementary schools to universities in the United States and 66 foreign countries. Members also include representatives from art museums, state departments of education and art councils.

For more information visit the National Art Education Association website at http://www.naea-reston.org/ .