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.

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 phone photoshoot, and much more! 

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!

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 from Gretchen, Marji, and Terese! 

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 learn more from Robin!

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.

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 to facilitate organization in their classrooms. 

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 organization in their arts classrooms. Listen in to hear more from Enoch and Chay in this latest CAN episode! 

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! 

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!