In this continuation of NAEA’s Connected Arts Networks (CAN) episode about Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leadership, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler talk to arts educators Emily Ban and Luana Palimetakis. Hear about creating positive learning environments for adults and why participating in a PLC can develop highly effective arts educators. Discover what PLC leadership looks like and strategies that can be utilized to build PLC’s. Li...
May 16, 2024•55 min
In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler talk to arts educators from NAEA’s Connected Arts Networks (CAN) about Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leadership. Arts educators Joy Wright and Hilary Morefield Colman join the conversation to talk about what leadership looks like in a PLC, tools and strategies they utilize with their PLCs, as well as advice for other arts educators who want to build their own PLC’s. Listen in to hear m...
May 09, 2024•45 min
In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by NAEA Supervision/Administration Division Director Trinity Villanueva and Director Elect Sarah Ackermann to talk about cultivating and supporting leadership in the art classroom! Discover what leadership looks like in art education and the many unique forms it takes. Explore ways art educators can develop their “leadership chops”, how administrators can support the growth of up-and-coming leaders, as well as what the needs of these leaders ar...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 8 min
In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by returning guest and Davis Publications art historian, Karl Cole to talk about why it is important to consider the terminology used with students. From misrepresentation of cultures to using more inclusive terminology, Karl shares his experience working with terminology in art education. Using appropriate terms across the Davis lessons, programs, and blogs is paramount to helping students understand artists and their work. Listen in to hear h...
Apr 25, 2024•46 min
In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by New York Times bestselling children’s book author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka to talk about the role the art room and art teachers played in shaping his life and creative journey. Hear about the many amazing children’s books Jarrett has created including the Jedi Academy series and the Lunch Lady series as well as the two young adult graphic memoirs – Hey, Kiddo and Sunshine – based on his life experiences. Listen in to hear all about J...
Apr 18, 2024•42 min
Often seen as an exclusively scholarly realm, research feels completely removed from the intuitive, hands-on work we do with students. In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Ami Kantawala, Adjunct Associate Professor for Art Education at Teacher’s College. Listen in to learn how embracing research as an extension of the creative process allows us to be reflective practitioners using our lived experience, inquiry, and curiosity to deepen engagement with students.
Apr 11, 2024•44 min
NAEA’s 2024 National Convention is right around the corner! New to this year’s conference is the Digital Playground, an area where attendees can try out a variety of hands-on art related activities! In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by returning guest Tim Needles, as well as Illinois Art Educators Sherri Kushner, and Kerry Parrish who are running activities in the Digital Playground. Listen in to hear about activities such as laser cutting, Adobe Express demonstrations, a cell...
Mar 28, 2024•46 min
Youth Art Month is here! Throughout March, schools across the country celebrate student art with events that nurture and promote their student’s creativity! Not sure how to get involved? The former Vice President of Texas Youth Art Month, Tiffany Silverthorne joins the Creativity Department to talk about what kind of events she’s run in the past, how much her students were inspired by them, and how much advocacy it brought to her program! Listen in to hear more from Tiffany!
Mar 21, 2024•36 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by the authors of Fashion Fundamentals by Davis. Gretchen Kaine, Marji Wachowiak, and Terese Giobbia share their arts education experiences, what drew them to fashion and design, how they’ve incorporated fashion into their art rooms and how you can do the same! Learn about using fashion to strengthen problem-solving, introduce students to other cultures, and how to weave fashion design into your already existing lessons. Listen in to hear more...
Mar 14, 2024•46 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Kent State University’s Professor of Art Education, Robin Vande Zande! She shares her experience and strategies for implementing the Design Process in the Art Room. Design Education is not only teaching students about “design” in the aesthetic sense, more importantly it is about teaching them the process of fully realizing an idea through brainstorming, research, prototyping, presenting, reflecting, and revising their ideas. Listen in to le...
Mar 07, 2024•45 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by the Minnesota Higher Ed Art Educator of the year for 2022, Alicia Peters, and teaching artist Mary Bruno to discuss how allowing teaching artists into your art room can enhance and benefit your student’s experience. Alicia and Mary share the work they’ve done in the art room together, ways you can use the same lessons, and debunk some misconceptions about Teaching Artists! Listen in to hear more from Alicia and Mary.
Feb 29, 2024•44 min
In this continuation of the Equitable Protocols in Action episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler talk to arts educators from NAEA’s Connected Arts Networks (CAN). Jessica Lucas & Alexa Wynschenk join the conversation about creating structure and setting expectations for students with classroom protocols. Listen in and learn how they teach students to collaborate, respect each other and their cultures, and implement induvial protocols t...
Feb 22, 2024•36 min
In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler talk to arts educators from The Connected Arts Networks (CAN). Enoch Robbins & Chay Ross join the conversation on the challenges of managing an arts classroom and how they set expectations for their students. Learn how they teach their students respect for their materials and tools, how to help students understand class guidelines, induvial protocols, and the tools they use to facilitate o...
Feb 15, 2024•44 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by the author of Experience Printmaking, Donna Anderson! Donna has been teaching printmaking for over 40 years and shares practical ways to incorporate fun and exciting printmaking lessons into your art room, tips and tricks for success, and her art educator journey! Listen in to hear more about printmaking from Donna!
Feb 08, 2024•46 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by artist and educator Justin Burns to discuss how he stays versatile and curious! Listen in to learn where to find exciting experiences that will break the mold of your creativity. Hear how he pulls inspiration from multiple sources to create a new piece of art. Learn about artists who inspire Justin and his students and discover ways to challenge your students to think outside the box when creating. Listen in to hear more from Justin!
Feb 01, 2024•42 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by artist, activist, educator, and author Paula Liz to talk about her new book Be a Creative Changemaker A Kids' Art Activity Book ! Hear how this new elementary resource highlights diverse artists’ stories from around the world and throughout history. Handpicked by Paula, young readers can learn about new artists they might not recognize and new materials, techniques, and styles they may not know. Listen in to learn more about Paula Liz’s new...
Jan 25, 2024•30 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department catches up with Joe Boatfield and Raine Valentine of the Creativity Crew. Dive into the discussion about how the 23/24 school year is going. Hear about what’s been working well, and what’s been adapted as they share some of their favorite lessons, tools, and strategies. Discover tips for tempering students’ expectations of their art, working with different mediums when you don’t have the proper tools, and the benefits of working outside your comfort zon...
Jan 18, 2024•56 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Ben Forta, Adobe’s Senior Director of Education Initiatives, to talk about all things technology in the K-12 classroom! Specifically, hear how Adobe’s tools can be used for meaningful visual expression and the importance of CREATING content for consuming (vs. consuming other people’s content). Listen in to hear how technology is more than a device to display information, it’s a meaningful way to engage students in learning.
Jan 11, 2024•49 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Alice Mizrachi – a New York City based muralist and art educator to talk about how large format murals can connect communities! Alice dives into her work as an artist, educator, and mentee has shaped who she is as a person as well how it translates into her classroom. Listen in to this episode to hear Alice talk more about her mentor, the finality of her art, how she prepares spaces for murals, and the logistical challenges that comes with ...
Jan 04, 2024•43 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Christopher Strickland, Assistant Professor for Art Education University of Nebraska Kearney, to talk about what it means to embrace living a creative life. Drawing from a wealth of expertise as an educator and artist, Christopher provides practical tips and transformative ideas that will help unlock your creative potential and help you to inspire your students to do the same. Listen in to hear more from Chris!
Dec 21, 2023•47 min
In this episode, Davis Publications’ Fine Art Image Curator and Art Historian, Karl Cole, joins the Creativity Department to talk about craft. Dive into a debate that is old as time – is craft art? Often implying skill and skill level, does the term diminish the work that goes into making a piece? What if it isn’t created in a traditional artistic medium. It’s a question to ponder, and it wouldn’t be a Coffee with Karl episode if he didn’t tie the topic back to art history! Hear about examples o...
Dec 14, 2023•46 min
In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler continue the conversation on Cultural Responsiveness with NAEA’s Connected Arts Networks (CAN). New York City educators Lidia Menniti & Catherine Plichta join the conversation to discuss creating inclusive environments. Discover how Cultural Responsiveness celebrates differences, encourages students to find their passion, and fosters empathy. Listen in to learn more from the latest CAN epi...
Dec 07, 2023•52 min
In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler talk to New York City educators from The Connected Arts Networks (CAN). Tina Barone and Edwin Brathwaite join the conversation to discuss Cultural Responsiveness and how they create such environments in the classroom. Discover how cultural responsiveness encourages genuine engagement and creates inclusive spaces that celebrate differences and foster equitable opportunities for all. Listen in t...
Nov 30, 2023•55 min
In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by Emmy award winning radio and TV host Jeanne Sparrow to talk about being a creatively authentic teacher through communication, identity, connecting with others, and just being yourself! Jeanne shares her story and how she developed her life’s theme, Fearless Authenticity. Listen in to learn how you can follow her path to being your own authentic self!
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr 6 min
In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by professional Potter, Author, and Art Educator, Steven Branfman. Steven lost his son to cancer more than 17 years ago. In the aftermath, as part of his grieving process, he made 365 Japanese style tea bowls, called chawan. Listen in to this moving conversation about making art through the grieving process as a way to heal and learn about Steven’s thought-provoking journey and process.
Nov 09, 2023•48 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department discusses mindfulness and expressive arts with Jane Dalton, author of The Mindful Studio the newest title from Davis! Matt, Jane, and co-host Raine Valentine dive into the difference between mindfulness and mindfulness mediation, why mindfulness and mediation are helpful in the classroom, and how Jane and Raine integrate mindfulness into their own art rooms. Listen in to learn more and hear about the new book all about mindfulness!
Nov 02, 2023•39 min
In this episode The Creativity Department dives into how to rethink curriculum with artist and Art Educator Richard Kim. Contemporizing curriculum is more than simply adding contemporary art. It’s about taking risks and developing content that taps into contemporary practices of how art is being made today. Listen in to hear strategies for developing curriculum content as a reflective practice instead of just providing art assignments.
Oct 26, 2023•54 min
In this episode, the accessibility and inclusion conversation from episode 146 continues. Matt Grundler (of The Creativity Department) and Amy Appleton, CAN Project Director for NAEA, are joined by Kirsti Lewis, Founder of People Like Us. An organization devoted to providing inclusive and meaningful instruction to students with disabilities, People Like Us helps teachers implement curriculum that allows these students to partake equally in class and have fun doing it! Listen in to hear more from...
Oct 19, 2023•42 min
In this episode, enjoy the continuing conversation on Accessibility & Inclusion from episode 145. Matt Grundler (of The Creativity Department) & Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz are joined by Rebecca Visintainer, Dance Educator at North Plainfield Middle & Highschools in New jersey, and Sean Turner, educator with the NYC department of education and an adjunct professor at Hunter College. During the discussion, Rebecca and Sean share their insights about strategies used to create an inclusive an...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 6 min
The next round of CAN episodes is here! To kick the first part, Matt & Mi’Jan are joined by Krissi Davis – the Orchestra Director for Midtown High School in Atlanta. The first 2-part episode will focus on Accessibility & Inclusion in the classroom. Krissi and Matt share how they make all students feel welcome, included, and heard in their respective rooms. Listen in to hear more from them!
Oct 05, 2023•48 min
