Matt and Laura are joined by returning guest Connie Jimenez Zammett! As a high school art educator, Connie teaches students at a pivotal time in their life when they’re not just learning inside of the art room, but also life skills outside of it. This episode’s discussion revolves around that – how can important art skills like big ideas and inquiries translate outside the art room? Listen in to hear Connie’s strategies and experiences. 

In this episode, Matt and Laura are joined by Matt Dombrowski – the Creative Director of Limbitless Solutions and a professor at the School of Art and Design at the University of Central Florida. They talk about the impact of visual storytelling in the art room and how to implement different strategies. Along with a background in Media Arts, Matt is the creative director for Limbitless solutions – an organization that provides bionic limbs for children in need. Listen in to hear Matt’s story! 

CAEA’s 2020 Elementary Art Teacher of the year and NAEA’s 2021 Pacific Region Elementary Art Teacher of the Year, Alyssa Navapanich joins the Creativity Department this episode! Hear their tips and tricks for a successful start of the school year as well as the difficulties they’ve faced in the past few years with online and hybrid learning. Listen in to find out if you can utilize these strategies! 

Enjoy this discussion with award-winning multidisciplinary artist and game designer Momo Pixel. From the popular interactive annual exhibition called Momoland, to the viral sensation that is Hair Nah, this engaging session dives into Momo’s pixel filled world. Discover the career path she followed to get to where she is today and come away with inspiring ideas and information to share with students.

The Creativity Department is joined by two members of the Alabama Art Education Association – Social Media Chair Shelbye Reese and President of AAEA Mary Jane Coker! In this episode, they share their experience of looking for and where they’ve found support for arts within their district.  They’ve tapped into so many corners including teachers of other subjects like math and history, school administration, PLNs, and even their own students! 

In this episode, the Creativity Department discusses the challenges of having a career as an art educator and personal life as an artist.  Joined by the newly formed Creativity Crew –Candido Crespo, Raine Valentine, and Joe Boatfield – who will regularly join Matt and Laura to talk about hot topics (like this one), they dive into everything from managing a social media presence and displaying personal art in the classroom to carving out time for creativity. Listen in to the Creativity Crew share their experiences and learn how you can benefit!

In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by returning guest James Rees! This year, James retired from the art room. During the conversation, he shares stories from the field including how his career has changed over the 30 years he taught.  Listen in to hear how he developed a plan for staying connected and continued growth in retirement.  Get some inspiration to use when planning your own next steps. 

In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by Davis Author Marilyn Stewart to talk about the importance of creating a culture of belonging in the art room. Marilyn shares her 50 years of experience writing curriculum and preparing educators for the art room. Learn how she develops curriculum and the strategies she employs when doing so. Listen in to this engaging episode to get the inside scoop from one of art education’s subject matter experts and hear about the NEW middle school title from Davis!

It’s no secret that art teachers can feel isolated in their school communities. It’s important to continuously consider what supports you need from your district and administrators! In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by Don Masse, Visual And Preforming Arts Resource Teacher for San Diego Unified School District.  During the conversation they dive into the importance of visibility and discuss how art teachers like yourself can advocate for their programs as well as strategies to get administration on board with the great ideas you have. Listen in for inspiration on how to nurture this important relationship! 

As school years across the country come to a close, The Creativity Department reflects on this year’s podcast guests and the biggest lessons taken away from them. The Grundlers have covered miles of ground this year, from artist interviews to discussions about equity and diversity, to careers in art and a plethora of resources to use in your art room. Check out all the inspiration and dive in.