Teaching Artist Podcast

I weighed skipping some time between episodes as we stand together for justice, freedom from oppression, and an end to police brutality. While I won't be and haven't been promoting podcast episodes nearly as much as usual, I decided to go ahead with this scheduled episode with Aaron Bos-Wahl, a talented artist and caring educator. I thought it might be helpful in some way to hear us (2 white artists) grapple with race and representation in the classroom. We talk about a lot of other things as well of course, but back in April when we recorded, representation was on our minds. I also added a longer than usual intro speaking about racism and teaching from an anti-racist platform.

It was great to reconnect with Aaron Bos-Wahl, who got his MFA at Washington University in St. Louis with me. He’s been teaching elementary art at a charter school in Philadelphia for the past 5 years while also maintaining his studio practice. I loved hearing about how his career has shifted since grad school and what he loves about teaching at the elementary level.

Aaron Bos-Wahl was born in 1982 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2007, he earned his BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Iowa and in 2010 his MFA from Washington University in St. Louis. He currently lives in Philadelphia where he teaches elementary art at Inquiry Charter School.

I love the idea Aaron brought up of looking with awe at the world, capturing the childlike vision of our students in our own art practice. It was also encouraging to hear how he continues to make art and keep a studio through the challenges of time, budgeting, and self doubt. Realizing that there’s a natural ebb and flow to creativity just as there is to most things in life is soooo helpful. I’ll try to remember his words about keeping faith in the process and having the courage to continue making next time I’m in the ebb stage. Thank you, Aaron!!

Blog post with links and images

@boswahl

Some of Aaron's students' artwork made at the beginning of distance learning

Some artists Aaron's been loving lately:

Hilary Pecis

Jordan Casteel

Giordanne Salley

Louis Fratino

. . .

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@pottsart

Support this podcast. Subscribe, leave a review, or see more ways to support here.

We also offer opportunities for artists!

In March, I spoke with Cassie Stephens! Yes, THE Cassie Stephens, art teacher extraordinaire. If you don’t know her, just google her name. I have to admit, I was suuuuper nervous during this interview. Cassie is such an incredible art teacher and has been so generous in how she shares her knowledge and experience with the world via youtube, her podcast, her books, and now her instagram live series.

I tried to ask her about things she hadn't shared elsewhere and loved hearing about her own creative process and practice, including hesitation to just dive into new materials and techniques, learning to be ok with shifting passions, and the benefits of being a hoarder. Haha. She talked about scratching your creative itch and working your passions into your teaching to bring enthusiasm to the classroom.

It was also so refreshing to hear that despite seeming to magically produce an insane amount of content and fashion while teaching full-time, she is as human as us all and just has lots of projects going all the time, many of which take months or even years to complete.

Thank you so much, Cassie!!

I loved hearing such encouragement from her, from art-making to teaching to just hitting record right now. The more I think about it, the more I feel that her superpower is encouragement. Every time I watch her videos, I feel it - whether intended for kids or other art teachers, she beams enthusiasm and getting things done. She talked about allowing her passions and interests to change over the course of her life - going from oil painting to fashion - and being open to continued change.

Blog post with more links and images

Cassie's Blog

Cassie's Youtube

@cassie_stephenz on Instagram

Cassie Stephens Art on Facebook

@cassiestephens on Twitter

Cassie's podcast (or search her name in your favorite podcast app)

Favorite Lessons for Home Based Art Ed

Chris Uphues Lesson we talked about as a way for kids to process and share emotions. This lesson focused on happiness, but as we mentioned in the podcast, allowing for any emotion to surface and come out can be cathartic.

Book: Clay Lab for Kids

Book: Stitch & String Lab for Kids

. . .

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@pottsart

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We also offer opportunities for artists!

Speaking with Chloe Alexander was such a joy. She brings such positivity while keeping things very real and honest. She shared great advice for continuing to create art and push yourself forward. I also loved hearing about her work - both the physical processes with layers of drawing, print, and collage and the content with layers of meaning. I’ve probably mentioned here before that my background is in printmaking, so I just love talking with other printmakers!

Chloe Alexander is a printmaker from Atlanta, Georgia. Her most recent work focuses on creating visual narratives by layering various printmaking techniques to create one-of-a-kind, mixed media drawings. Chloe obtained her BFA in Printmaking in 2010 and M.Ed in 2014, both from Georgia State University. In addition to her personal art practice, she works as a high school Drawing and Fashion Illustration & Design instructor. Chloe has exhibited work across Atlanta, the Southeast, and internationally, including Georgia State University, the Prism Art Fair during Miami Art Week, Print Austin, and Etch Ink Gallery at the Athens Printmaking Center in Athens, Greece. Most recently, Chloe was awarded a 2020-2022 residency with the Creative Project in Atlanta, Georgia.

Chloe’s drive and persistence really struck me. She kept at it, adjusted and re-applied when she got rejected, sought out resources and made career shifts to support her art practice. That bit of encouragement she shared towards the end was also wonderful. Artists and art educators out there, keep making if it helps keep you sane and helps you process emotions. Take a break if that helps. We’re nearing the end of the school year here (I teach until mid-June) and I know next fall is very uncertain, but hang in there.

Chloe’s work is also so beautiful and full of meaning. The idea of engaging in the same thing while being disengaged with each other - ugh. So apt. The imagery of the carrier pigeon sending a message out into the world really struck me as we all send our messages through the air right now. Go look at her work!

And speaking of sending messages, I would love to hear from you! Send me an email at [email protected], tag me or DM me on Instagram @teachingartistpodcast , or send a voice message to that same email that I can share on the podcast!

Blog Post with more links and images

thehaplessprintmaker.com

@thehaplessprintmaker

The Creatives Project

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@pottsart

Support this podcast. Subscribe, leave a review, or see more ways to support here.

We also offer opportunities for artists!

Rachel Petrucelli had some great wisdom to share around technology and fundraising. We recorded this episode in February, before we were even aware of the pandemic that has now made technology such a vital part of teaching and learning. Rachel recently finished her masters in Instructional technology and has been Incorporating augmented reality into her lessons as well as teaching students to photograph their own work for their online portfolios. Did you know class dojo now has a portfolio option? So cool! Rachel also shares her favorite fundraiser options for art teachers and what she loves about them.

Rachel Petrucelli is a teaching artist at an elementary school in Georgia and has been teaching grades PreK-5th for five years. Her passion is to teach art because it is a part of her whole being, and she wants to instill a love and appreciation for it in all people. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BFA in Art Education and recently graduated with her M.Ed. for Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University. Rachel likes to incorporate technology into her art lessons by having students use iPads to upload their artwork to their digital portfolios, create animations, and videos. In college her favorite mediums were ceramics and jewelry and metal work, but now she enjoys painting after work or on the weekends. Art has always been her inspiration and motivation in life, and she wants to continue to share this inspiration. She aspires to be a teacher who is exciting, inspirational, and expands opportunities for students.

It was great talking with Rachel! I found it so inspiring how she’s been making time for her own art practice little by little after realizing that not making that time really impacted her. I love the idea of the subscription that gives you a little outside push to make art - knowing you paid for this and the next one is coming! My version of that was to start a little local critique/support group with another teaching artist and it has been soooo helpful. Maybe your version of carving out that creative time is doing a challenge and sharing on social media like Austin Fabinski’s 31 day challenge or Deborah Reilly’s portrait project. Whatever it looks like for you, if you feel yourself longing for more personal art-making, find a way to make a little time for art!

Blog post with links and images

Instagram: @ArtwithMrs.P  and @rachpetrucelli

Rachel's Blog/Portfolio

Facebook: Mrs. Petrucelli's Art Class

Twitter: @EvansdaleArt

. . .

Follow: @teachingartistpodcast

@pottsart

Support this podcast. Subscribe, leave a review, or see more ways to support here.

We also offer opportunities for artists!

It was fun getting to know Austin Fabinski! He was so honest and open about the challenges he’s faced as an art teacher and an artist - never enough time or money, a learning disability that made school difficult, and lack of business knowledge. Austin faced those head-on and took a leap to pursue his dream of being an artist.

Austin Fabinski is an artist from the Detroit Metropolitan Area in Michigan. He earned his BA from Oakland University with a K-12 Art Education certification. He has been teaching art to all ages for the past 5 years.

In 2019 he quit full-time teaching to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a full-time artist. He currently teaches private and small group art lessons and spends most days in the studio painting.

His work is focused on animals. They are where he finds the most joy. Austin works primarily in acrylic and watercolor, as these media allow him to paint quickly. He offers his original work along with prints and commissions.

When Austin is not teaching or painting, he spends time at the gym, walking his dogs, on the lake, or just hanging with friends and family.

I love how open he was about working multiple jobs just to stay afloat and the frustration of earning more as a part time server than a full-time teacher. Ugh. I also keep hearing from artists I speak to and from other podcasts I listen to, how helpful mentors and coaches can be. I’m so glad Austin’s mentor in business has helped him with the shift to full-time artist and I hope he hangs in there through this pandemic. If you’re in the market for layered animal paintings, pet portraits, or fun color theory shirts, go support Austin!

Blog post with images

AustinFabinskiArt.com

@austinfabinskiart on Instagram

@austinfabinskiart on TikTok

AustinFabinksi_ART on Facebook

@artists.supportartists on Instagram

Artist Academy run by Andrea Ehrhardt

99% Invisible Podcast by Roman Mars

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Follow: @teachingartistpodcast

@pottsart

Support this podcast. Subscribe, leave a review, or see more ways to support here.

We also offer opportunities for artists!

I loved talking with Nikki! We discussed how and why she made the shift from teaching at the university level to teaching high school and the value allowing her career dream to change brought to her life. She talked about how she balances teaching and family and art-making and how her art practice is connected to every part of her life. She uses daily rituals to continue making throughout the busy times. She talked about embracing failure as an opportunity to learn. Nikki has such an incredible way with words and I found myself wanting to write down so many of her phrases! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

I especially liked the idea of teaching on a platform of failure, helping high-achieving students learn to embrace failure and learn from it, both in artwork and in life. I also love the lists she shared of her current inspiration. Check out the blog post to see photos and links to the books she’s reading, podcasts and music she’s listening to, and art she loves. Thank you, Nikki!!

Nikki Brugnoli received her BFA from Seton Hill University (2004) and her MFA from The Ohio State University (2007). She currently teaches studio art at Flint Hill School, in Oakton, VA and serves on the Artist Advisory Committee for the IA&A at Hillyer, Washington D.C. Previously, she served on the faculty at George Mason University and was the Assistant Graduate Programs Coordinator and Graduate Advisor in the School of Art. She also was the Coordinator of the Art Lab at the Lorton Workhouse, Lorton, VA and served as a Hamiltonian Mentor. Nikki has taught at The Ohio State University, the Northern Virginia Community Colleges, and The Renaissance School in Charlottesville, VA. Nikki’s work is included in many private collections across the United States, and is featured in national academic and public institutions.

Nikki is married to Artist/Maker, Josh Whipkey and they have one son, Finnegan, a crazy tabby kitty boy, Augustus Ravioli, and one-year old golden retriever, Joon. They started SILO PRESS, a small artist residency in their farm house in Warrenton, VA in 2017.

In her recent 2-person show with her husband, Josh Whipkey, at Riverviews Artspace, both artists aim to share their experiences of loss, transformation, re-evaluation and memory, after being displaced from their home in 2015. Check out her site for more images and poetic writing accompanying each body of work.

Blog post with images and some of Nikki's writing 

nikkibrugnoli.com

@nikki_brugnoli

Silo Press - the residency program Nikki and her husband run out of their home

. . .

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@pottsart

Support this podcast. Subscribe, leave a review, or see more ways to support here.

We also offer opportunities for artists!

I laughed so much talking with Christy Culp! It was a joy to hear her insights on teaching while building an art career. She talked about becoming a master questioner and learning to say yes to student ideas. She shared her road to gallery representation and how she seeks opportunities and creates community connections. We dig into how she balances all the things (hint: you have to say NO to some of them!).

Christy Culp is a studio potter and art educator making functional pottery. Her work is created to bring beauty and pleasure to objects of daily use-- coffee and tea cups, bowls, plates, platters and more.

Christy Culp teaches high school art, but started her teaching career in middle school art. She is also a lifelong student and often takes workshops to continue building skills and stretching outside her comfort zone.

I especially loved what she said about saying NO to things that are not serving you and reframing that as opening up an opportunity for someone else to step into that role. That requires prioritizing as well - deciding what you really want to say YES to - is it pulling off an amazing student art show? Perfecting lessons? Contributing to the school community? Or Studio time? Working on the business side of your art career? Or family time? Christy shared her weekly schedule with me after our interview, which includes about 2 hours of studio time every day and more on weekends. That is dedication! She also includes time with her husband, dogs, and friends, and time for pilates and exercise.

Christy also sent me a GORGEOUS mug, which she’ll be happy to hear I’ve been using for coffee each morning. The painted and carved details are beautiful! I love how the carving adds a bit of texture. The form of it is also perfect for warming my hands, which always seem to be freezing. Thank you, Christy!!

Blog post with links and images

@christylculp

Christy Culp Ceramics on Facebook

Christy Culp's Etsy Shop

Charlie Cummings Gallery

Arts Education Collaborative - the organization that has supported several of Christy's projects

Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh

. . .

Follow: @teachingartistpodcast

@pottsart

Support this podcast. Subscribe, leave a review, or see more ways to support here.

We also offer opportunities for artists!

Deborah Reilly’s home is full of her beautiful artwork, but also beautifully decorated with calming colors, textures, and light. It was so nice to talk with her there over delicious snacks and mimosas! We chatted in a meandering way about teaching and art-making, yet kept coming back to encouraging artists - both our students and ourselves.

Deborah and I met through the organization we both work for, P.S. Arts. I was leading an art activity booth at a fundraiser and she arrived to help, wearing almost the same army-green hoodie as me, over our matching event tee-shirts and jeans. We got to chatting and discovered that we both grew up in Montana, which feels rare here in Los Angeles. Our work reflected that background - we had both been drawing and painting lots of pine trees and thinking about the fires across the Western U.S. I loved getting to visit her space and talk more about art and teaching! Thank you Deborah!! 

Whether abstract paint on canvas, watercolor portraits of people or pets, marker work, kids books, or hand stitched forms with needle, burlap and thread, Deborah Reilly’s common thread is her love of line. In her work, line, shape, and color take form to represent that which is visual and that which is unseen.

Art has a unique ability to connect us to one another. Courage and compassion are required to tackle a blank canvas in whatever the context. Deborah’s role as teacher is to guide the collective and the individual to their goal. Having a sense of humor also helps..and word play...and rhyme.

Deborah takes her Montana roots with her wherever she goes and is continually drawn to the sunshine, warm tropical waters, and nature’s beauty. She travels the country with her dogs, taking the scenic route and hiking along the way.

Small Art Camps hosted in her home studio in Venice provide a great introduction to a variety of art practices in a fun and exploratory environment. Teaching is a give and take. You’ve got to listen with your ears, your eyes, and your heart to guide each individual to their own expressive and creative curiosity.

Deborah holds a BFA from Montana State University, Bozeman. She shows and sells work through local venues, including Mart Bar LA, and online. She has written and illustrated 4 children’s books. The latest one is The Collected Writings of A. Morkus Dog, inspired by her beloved dog, Mork.

She teaches elementary art and has taught workshops and private lessons for both kids and adults.

Her dogs, Mork and Cleo, make their appearance in the podcast - keep an ear out for their protective barks, squeaky toys, and adorable little footsteps.

We do also swear a little bit, so this one might not be for young ears.

Blog post with links and images

deborahreilly.com

amorkusdog.com

deborahreillyart on Facebook

@d.reilly.art - Art

@amorkusdog - Mork

@dr.art.101 - Teaching

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Mart Bar LA

June Edmonds

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Stephanie Barenz teaches early childhood art at an international school in Shanghai. She shifted from teaching at the university level a few years ago, so we dig into how that change impacted her art making and her teaching. Stephanie also shares great advice for moving forward with your art career during this time while giving yourself grace.  I went to grad school with Stephanie, but had lost touch a bit, so it was amazing to hear about her travels, how her career has shifted, and how her artwork is evolving.

As an art teacher slash artist based in China, Stephanie has some insight on our current COVID-19 situation. Her school began social distancing and online teaching back in January. She shares how that shift affected her and some tips and encouragement for art teachers still in the beginning stages of distance learning.

Shanghai-based artist Stephanie Barenz, creates mixed media works inspired by the layered experience of moving between point A and point B. Her work merges photography, printmaking, painting and collage.

Barenz received her MFA from Washington University in St. Louis. Before living in China, she taught at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and ran her own studio + gallery in Milwaukee, WI. She completed residencies at the Art Students League of New York, Chicago Printmakers’ Collaborative and the Pfister Hotel in Wisconsin. Selected exhibitions include the Art Canton Contemporary Art Fair in Guangzhou, Solonia Art Center in Suzhou, Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin Artist Biennial at the Museum of Wisconsin Art, John Michael Kohler Art Center, and the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts in Milwaukee. Barenz has taught art internationally and has presented on the topic of “Collaboration in Art Education” at conferences in Hong Kong and Taipei.

Her process is soooo interesting to me! She puts her work through an incredible push and pull between digital and physical processes involving layering painting, prints, photos, and collage. 

I know I will be getting organized to follow Stephanie’s lead in applying to the directories and art advisors she mentioned. Links to these are below. I also love her drawing prompts project with her students, using Seesaw’s built-in drawing option with the intention of printing the drawings for a collaborative mural later on.

Blog post with images and Stephanie's Generous List of Directories & Art Advisors

StephanieBarenz.com

@stephaniebarenz

Artwork Archive: https://www.artworkarchive.com/ and https://www.artworkarchive.com/call-for-entry

Art of Education (AOE)

The Year of Less - A book by Cait Flanders

. . .

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@pottsart

Support this podcast. Subscribe, leave a review, or see more ways to support here.

We also offer opportunities for artists!

I loved re-connecting with Pamella Allen! She has always been an artist. Her love for teaching came when she was managing a bush camp in Malawi and decided to volunteer at the local school. From there, she went on to teach in India after an artist residency there moved her to get involved in the community, and then in NYC where I met her. She has taught all ages and continues to teach as a teaching artist for several non-profit organizations working in schools and senior centers. We met when I helped manage art education programs for the Brooklyn Arts Council and got to visit her classrooms to see her in action. It was such a pleasure hearing more about her background and her artwork!

Pamella Allen is a Jamaica born, Brooklyn based artist who uses artifacts from her own life experiences pulled out of the chaos of memory and observation. Pamella’s work is layered in process. Mixed media paintings, printmaking, sculpture, paper making, installation, photography, video, essay, and prose combine to create her own archetype, a universal language of images found and remembered that speaks to the diversity of her Jamaican/African heritage and lived experiences traveling the world over land and sea. Pamella has been traveling the world and producing art for over 25 years. She has participated in traditional studio residencies, created commissions for corporate and private collectors, curated art exhibitions, and shared her arts process in underserved communities in Africa, India, and New York.

I loved what Pamella said about creating space - space for making art, for looking at art, for sharing ideas. Space for healing, for connecting with nature and with each other. That is soooo needed right now!

She also mentioned teaching art with no supplies - zero! Nothing! She drew in the dirt with her students. How apt is that? as art teachers everywhere try to figure out how to teach online to students who may have no supplies.

Go follow Pamella, send her a note, and buy her work if you can! Now is the time to support artists and small businesses!

Blog post with images

pamellaallen.com

@allen.pamella

Pamella's work on Saatchi

. . .

Follow: @teachingartistpodcast

@pottsart

Support this podcast. Subscribe, leave a review, or see more ways to support here.

We also offer opportunities for artists!