After a year filled with challenges, growth, and hard-earned perspective, the Creativity Department’s annual New Year episode couldn’t just be about self-reflection.  To kick off 2026, we take a different approach. Davis Publications Marketing Director, Toni Henneman, steps in as guest host to guide a forward-looking conversation centered around professional identity, 2026 goals, and moments that made us proud to be art educators! Happy New Year!

In this episode, the Creativity Department talks to NAEA’s Higher Education Division Director, Yichien Cooper and the Preservice Division Director, Reilly Powers about the ever-important topic of advocacy! Dive in to hear how art educators can communicate the value of studio practice and creative research as well as the role non-arts educators and the community play in successful arts collaboration. Discover how graduate programs can work together with schools to present a unified and compelling picture of the importance of arts departments’ contributions - whether scholarly, creative, or pedagogical! 

In this episode, the Creativity Department talks to professors, educators, and artists Sean Justice, Marta Cabral, and Andrea Kantrowitz about how art educators can reimagine and reframe tools and materials using multi-modal learning techniques. For example, a simple change in terminology can be the catalyst to looking at a tool in a new light. Listen in and hear how utilizing a “material inquiry lens” can help students understand that materials can be used in a multitude of unique ways that aren’t necessarily conventional. 

In this episode the Creativity Department explores the intersection of art education and collaborative storytelling with Cameron McKinstry, K12Art Chat Producer, Game Master, and Marketing Associate for Davis Publications. Listen in and hear how tabletop role playing games (TTRPGs) can benefit students and open new ways of thinking in the art room. From character and world design to visual, oral, and collaborative storytelling, TTRPGs open a rich landscape of artistic expression that can help foster creativity, critical thinking, and social skills.

Join the Creativity Department as they talk with Dr. Jeff Broome, Professor of Art Education at Florida State University and artist-scholar Dr. Renee Sandell about their collaborative work - Real Lives Now: Narratives of Art Educators and 21st Century Learning. Together, they explore how authentic storytelling reveals the deeper meaning behind art education. Highlighting creativity, communication, and critical thinking in today’s classrooms.

In this episode, the Creativity Department talks with Sarah Delphus, NAEA’s Eastern Region Vice President-Elect, about ways to make hybrid learning spaces into environments where students can be their creative selves. Explore practical strategies for adapting lessons to meet specific student needs, challenges and successes of integrating technology into creative instruction, as well as reliable techniques to keep students engaged online. Listen in to learn more from Sarah!

In this episode, Matt and Laura chat with art educator on the topic of photography. Specifically, the role photography plays in art education, how she integrates both technical skills and creative expression when teaching, how photography helps students develop critical thinking and visual literacy skills, and practical tips for making photography accessible within any budget. Listen in to hear more from Susan!

In this episode, Matt and Laura welcome back award-winning art director, game designer, and artist Momo Pixel to talk about her work across the mediums of games, fashion, pixel art, and music! Momo is the creator of the viral game “Hair Nah” as well many other interactives for Hulu, Google, and much more. Momo shares her personal approach to creating art, keeping a positive attitude, and the impact games can have on our mindset. Listen in to hear more from Momo!

In this episode, Matt and Laura welcome back artist, educator, and author Jorge Lucero to share his practices of caring for fellow art educators. Listen in and hear specifically about how writing letters of recommendation turned into an opportunity to lift up the importance of the work art educators do! Jorge shares what goes into these letters, from acknowledging the “invisible” work his colleagues do to highlighting their unseen strengths. Discover how being a silent advocate for colleagues in art education can be a powerful act of caring!

In this episode, Matt & Laura chat with returning guest – Jason Blair about the essential role the arts play in young students’ development. Listen in to discover how artmaking supports the growth of critical skills, strengthens students’ ability to communicate complex ideas, and fosters a deeper sense of community. Through playful exploration, multi-modal activities, and imaginative projects that explore deeper emotions, art educators empower students to express themselves, build confidence, and strengthen problem-solving skills! Tune in to hear more from Jason!