Matt Johnson is the President of the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA) and he joins the Creativity Department in this episode to talk about how he balances his life as a teacher, leader, and maker! Matt shares his personal techniques for creating a healthy work, life, and creative practice balance. As well as the ever-growing role technology plays in the art classroom - from AI generated prompts to 3D printed shoes! Listen in for more from Matt!

In this episode of the Connected Arts Network (CAN) series, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Matt Grundler, and Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Amanda Standard and Melissa Hronkin talk about what it means to be resilient and what it looks like in the arts classroom. Amanda and Melissa share why resilience is important in their classrooms as well as personal experiences where they had to take a step back to “press pause”. They tackle other topics such as how they are devoting time and energy to taking care of their own mental health and physical spaces which include creative habits that help them form resilience. Listen in to hear more resilient strategies from Amanda and Melissa!

In this episode of the Connected Arts Network (CAN) series, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Matt Grundler, and Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Jocelyn Latki and Shelly Cole explore how coaching differs from teaching in an arts classroom and the power behind coaching. From sharing vs. imparting knowledge and wisdom, to guiding your fellow educators to help them be the best versions of themselves. Jocelyn and Shelly share their personal experiences with coaching their students and how coaching can benefit adults – being hyper specific to educator needs, practical, as well as creating a mutual trust. Listen in to hear more insights and actionable strategies from Jocelyn and Shelly!

In this episode, the Creativity Department talks with Joe Fusaro, artist, educator, and co-author of Davis Publications’ high school curriculum, The Visual Experience. Listen in and explore how contemporary art can foster dialogue and connection in the classroom. Through the use of thought-provoking artworks and dynamic discussions, Joe helps students embrace diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations. Tune in to learn strategies Joe uses as well as insights, inspiration, and practical ideas to bring contemporary art into your art room!

In this episode, The Creativity Department invites Karl Cole back to talk about how art educators can bridge the gap between art history and contemporary art. Specifically, which art styles, artists, and art movements are underrepresented in today’s art education landscape. As well as how we can represent our students in the artists, subject material, and themes we choose to highlight in our art rooms. Listen in to hear more from Karl!

In this episode, The Creativity Department chats with co-host turned guest – oral historian Dr. Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz about the impact of teaching artists! Dive into an engaging conversation about the importance of honoring artistic legacies, mentorship, and fostering spaces where emerging artists can find their voices. Discover how teaching artists affect communities and how educators can embrace and build upon traditions that have been shared. Listen in to hear more from Mi’Jan!

In this episode, The Creativity Department chats with the Association of Art Museum Director’s Chief Administrator, Alison Wade. Learn about her work supporting art museums across North America and how they help foster stronger community relationships. Hear how art museums engage with social issues in authentic ways and explore the bipartisan line they walk when it comes to advocacy. Listen in as Alison shares her story of finding a passion for art history while working in the Davis family business.  

In this episode, The Creativity Department chats with NAEA’s Western Region Vice President, Carrie Barnett, about mentoring. Carrie shares her experience guiding mentees while encouraging creative independence. Learn about the challenges that come with mentoring others. Hear stories from her life that helped shape her philosophy, including one of a former student becoming an art educator because of her. Listen in to hear more on mentoring from Carrie!

In this episode, The Creativity Department chats with former professor of computer Science at UT Dallas, Dr. Paul Fishwick about AI and critical thinking in the art room. Dr. Fishwick shares his experience with AI, how he uses AI to infuse deeper critical thinking in his work, and how art educators can use it in their own art rooms. He also talks about the stanch “for” and “against” AI and the ethics behind using it in an educational setting, the repercussions that can arise and strategies for implementing it safely. Listen in to hear more from Dr. Fishwick!

In this episode, The Creativity Department chats with Crayola’s Manager of Education Content, James Wells. Listen in to learn about Crayola’s upcoming Creativity Week! Explore the meaning of creativity and ways of balancing traditional art supplies with the technology of modern art rooms. James shares inspirational ideas for celebrating Creativity Week across your school and information about how Crayola is partnering with schools and organizations to amplify impact. Listen in to learn more about Crayola Creativity Week!