In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by artist, art educator, and returning guest– Jorge Lucero to continue the conversation about maintaining creative practice while being an art educator. Listen in as Matt, Laura, and Jorge discuss the myths we’ve created for ourselves about what being an artist means. Hear about the importance of …

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by renowned artist and returning guest– Alice Mizrachi! This year at the national convention Alice facilitated a collaborative mural making workshop for attendees. The session focused on how to create collaboratively through mural making. Working together educators made a vibrant, inventive, and m…

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by Professor of Research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks – Laura Conner and her colleague Perrin Teal Sullivan to dive deep into the topic of how the Arts and Sciences intersect. How art and science educators can collaborate and create innovative projects for all students, how the elements o…

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by returning guest Jason Blair to close out another school year. Matt and Jason reflect on their school years as well as how they encourage their students to reflect on the work they’ve created throughout the year, “Three I’s” Jason follows, and purposeful meaning making. Listen in to hear more fr…

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by Adobe Senior Marketing Manager Martha Niño! She shares her emotional journey from migrating to the US, learning English as a second language at a young age, having to prioritize work over school, the teachers who helped her along the way, and much more! Listen in to hear all of Martha’s inspiri…

In this episode The Creativity Department speaks with art educators and artists James Rees, Frank Juárez, and Rama Hughes! As a follow up to their extremely popular NAEA conference presentation, Frank, James, and Rama join Matt and Laura to discuss ways of maintaining creative practice and the benefits it holds for art educators. Explore how nurtur…

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by returning guest Frank Juárez, who was recently named the new Editor and Chief of SchoolArts magazine! He joins Matt & Laura to talk about the importance of writing and publishing in the world of art education. Listen in to discover how it benefits the work we do, how to overcome challenges like…

In this continuation of NAEA’s Connected Arts Networks (CAN) episode about Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leadership, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler talk to arts educators Emily Ban and Luana Palimetakis. Hear about creating positive learning environments for adults and why participatin…

In this 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) about Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leadership. Arts educators Joy Wright and Hilary Morefield Colman join the conversation to talk about what leadership looks like in a PLC…

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by NAEA Supervision/Administration Division Director Trinity Villanueva and Director Elect Sarah Ackermann to talk about cultivating and supporting leadership in the art classroom! Discover what leadership looks like in art education and the many unique forms it takes. Explore ways art educators c…

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by returning guest and Davis Publications art historian, Karl Cole to talk about why it is important to consider the terminology used with students. From misrepresentation of cultures to using more inclusive terminology, Karl shares his experience working with terminology in art education. Using a…

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by New York Times bestselling children’s book author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka to talk about the role the art room and art teachers played in shaping his life and creative journey. Hear about the many amazing children’s books Jarrett has created including the Jedi Academy series and the Lun…

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 pr…

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 Parris…

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, h…

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 streng…

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 …

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…

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 classroo…

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 r…

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 …

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 J…

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by artist, activist, educator, and author Paula Liz to talk about her new book Be a Creative Changemaker A Kids' Art Activity Book! Hear how this new elementary resource highlights diverse artists’ stories from around the world and throughout history. Handpicked by Paula, young readers can learn …

In this episode, the Creativity Department catches up with Joe Boatfield and Raine Valentine of the Creativity Crew. Dive into the discussion about how the 23/24 school year is going. Hear about what’s been working well, and what’s been adapted as they share some of their favorite lessons, tools, and strategies. Discover tips for tempering students…

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Ben Forta, Adobe’s Senior Director of Education Initiatives, to talk about all things technology in the K-12 classroom! Specifically, hear how Adobe’s tools can be used for meaningful visual expression and the importance of CREATING content for consuming (vs. consuming other people’s content).…

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Alice Mizrachi – a New York City based muralist and art educator to talk about how large format murals can connect communities! Alice dives into her work as an artist, educator, and mentee has shaped who she is as a person as well how it translates into her classroom. Listen in to this episode…

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Christopher Strickland, Assistant Professor for Art Education University of Nebraska Kearney, to talk about what it means to embrace living a creative life. Drawing from a wealth of expertise as an educator and artist, Christopher provides practical tips and transformative ideas that will help…

In this episode, Davis Publications’ Fine Art Image Curator and Art Historian, Karl Cole, joins the Creativity Department to talk about craft. Dive into a debate that is old as time – is craft art? Often implying skill and skill level, does the term diminish the work that goes into making a piece? What if it isn’t created in a traditional artistic …

In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler continue the conversation on Cultural Responsiveness with NAEA’s Connected Arts Networks (CAN). New York City educators Lidia Menniti & Catherine Plichta join the conversation to discuss creating inclusive environments. Discover how Cultural Resp…

In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler talk to New York City educators from The Connected Arts Networks (CAN). Tina Barone and Edwin Brathwaite join the conversation to discuss Cultural Responsiveness and how they create such environments in the classroom. Discover how cultural respon…

In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by Emmy award winning radio and TV host Jeanne Sparrow to talk about being a creatively authentic teacher through communication, identity, connecting with others, and just being yourself! Jeanne shares her story and how she developed her life’s theme, Fearless Authenticity. Listen in to learn how…

In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by professional Potter, Author, and Art Educator, Steven Branfman. Steven lost his son to cancer more than 17 years ago. In the aftermath, as part of his grieving process, he made 365 Japanese style tea bowls, called chawan. Listen in to this moving conversation about making art through the griev…

In this episode, the Creativity Department discusses mindfulness and expressive arts with Jane Dalton, author of The Mindful Studio the newest title from Davis! Matt, Jane, and co-host Raine Valentine dive into the difference between mindfulness and mindfulness mediation, why mindfulness and mediation are helpful in the classroom, and how Jane and …

In this episode The Creativity Department dives into how to rethink curriculum with artist and Art Educator Richard Kim. Contemporizing curriculum is more than simply adding contemporary art. It’s about taking risks and developing content that taps into contemporary practices of how art is being made today. Listen in to hear strategies for developi…

In this episode, the accessibility and inclusion conversation from episode 146 continues. Matt Grundler (of The Creativity Department) and Amy Appleton, CAN Project Director for NAEA, are joined by Kirsti Lewis, Founder of People Like Us. An organization devoted to providing inclusive and meaningful instruction to students with disabilities, People…

In this episode, enjoy the continuing conversation on Accessibility & Inclusion from episode 145. Matt Grundler (of The Creativity Department) & Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz are joined by Rebecca Visintainer, Dance Educator at North Plainfield Middle & Highschools in New jersey, and Sean Turner, educator with the NYC department of education and an adjunct…

The next round of CAN episodes is here! To kick the first part, Matt & Mi’Jan are joined by Krissi Davis – the Orchestra Director for Midtown High School in Atlanta. The first 2-part episode will focus on Accessibility & Inclusion in the classroom. Krissi and Matt share how they make all students feel welcome, included, and heard in their respectiv…

In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by their friend Brice McCasland, the K12 Visual Art Coordinator for Lovejoy ISD in Texas to discuss building community in the art room. Recalling college days when art professors created a deep sense of community, the discussion dives into how they now emulate that in their own art rooms. Sharing…

In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by 2018 Ohio Teacher of the Year – Jonathan Juravich to talk about the importance of being intentional with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the art room. Jonathan shares his dissertation work on SEL, experience working as a national arts advocate, and expertise from years of teaching Elementar…

It’s National Arts in Education week! Established in 2010, this week-long celebration was created to recognize the impact arts have in education. Dive into this episode and learn the story of The Creativity Department and the impact arts have had on them! Hear how they became Art Educators and what their “who & why” is. Learn who inspired them to b…

Paul Kretchmer returns in this episode all about setting art room rules and guidelines in the art room! Paul follows a philosophy he coined as “Happy Art Teacher Rules” which are guidelines for fellow art educators and students to follow – helping create a positive environment, celebrating diversity, and amplifying student voice. Listen in to hear …

Art educators, Raine Valentine and Joe Boatfield join The Creativity Department in this episode to explore preparing for a new school year! Explore everything from setting the tone of the classroom and connecting with students in the first days of the year, to art room layout and organization and adjusting curriculum to align with standards. Hear w…

In this episode the Creativity Department is joined by fellow art educator Mike Mitchell to examine the networks, communities, and connections that can create an “Art Ecosystem” around us. Mike is the Art Education Coordinator at Tennessee State University (TSU) with years of experience teaching high school art. Listen in as he dives into what exac…

In this episode the Creativity Department is joined by fellow podcasters Jen Ferrari & Abi Paytoe Gbayee – hosts of the TAB Storytellers podcast. Dive into TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) during a discussion covering how Jen and Abi chose it as their pedagogy. Listen in as they share implementation advice, resources for using it in the art roo…

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by art educators Sharon Carr & Christine Colby to talk about ceramics in the art room! Discover how these experienced ceramic teachers introduce students to the medium. Gain helpful insight into managing student frustrations, tips on classroom and materials management, and discover contemporary c…

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Susan Martin and Melissaa Friedwald of the Bower Center in Bedford, Virginia to discuss how art educators can build relationships with local arts and cultural organizations. Melissa goes into how having a local arts center gives her students the opportunity to discover a community outside of t…

In the second part of the Teacher Leadership episode of the Connected Arts Networks (CAN) series, Dr. Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department are joined by arts educators Corazón Tierra and Charles Jabour. Dive into this informative conversation focusing on questions such as how do you want to lead? What ways do you want to change lives…

In this episode from the Connected Arts Networks (CAN) series, The Creativity Department is joined by arts educators Tim Needles and Nathan Rødahl for a conversation focusing on teacher leadership and adapting leadership structures in the classroom. Teacher leadership is not one size fits all, it impacts the mood, atmosphere, and environment of a s…

In this episode the Creativity Department discusses the concept of expanding permissions around art making, developing ideas, and process with Jorge Lucero. Jorge is an artist, art educator, and author of What Happens at the Intersection of Conceptual Art & Teaching. Explore what can happen if we get out of our heads long enough to think differentl…

In this episode, Davis Publications Curator of Images, Karl Cole joins the Creativity Department to answer common questions about choosing images to use in art lessons. Hear about Karl’s curatorial process and how he tackles questions such as, “How much information should you know about an artist before sharing their work?” Listen in as they discus…