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!

In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Matt Grundler, and Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Rachel Harrison & Lissen Ellington share the strategies they use to build lasting relationships with students. Listen in and explore everything from introductory projects and representative examples to classroom routines and rituals that help create a sense of belonging. Hear how these arts educators have impacted students’ lives throughout their careers and how you can incorporate their strategies in your own classroom. 

In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Matt Grundler, and Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Rachel Murray & Malissa Baker share how they incorporate their action research in their art classrooms to make it an inclusive space for students. By making adaptations to classroom environments and allowing students to develop a community within the art room. Listen in and discover how Rachel and Malissa make their arts classrooms engaging and inclusive spaces where students can be their creative selves. 

In this episode, Matt & Laura are back from winter break refreshed and ready to talk about the new year! With the successes of 2024 igniting what’s expected in 2025 they share their hopes, goals, and plans for the podcast in the New Year. Listen in to hear more from Laura & Matt and ring in the new year with an episode of #K12ArtChat the Podcast!

It’s our 200th episode! To celebrate, the Creativity Department invited Julian Wade, President of Davis Publications, on the podcast to talk about the deep history of Davis Publications.  Discover the impact the world of art education has had on the Davis family, why art education is so strong today, and the depth of passion behind their work. Join in celebrating with Laura, Matt, and Julian by listening to this special conversation that reflects on the past, celebrates the present, and looks toward the future of art education! 

In this episode, The Creativity Department chats with NAEA’s Southeastern Region Vice President, Joshua Drews about the evolution of Media Arts over the years. Throughout his career, Joshua’s students have used a variety of media but over the last handful of years much of that has been digital. In this episode, Joshua discusses how technology has evolved within the art classroom and changed it for the better. Learn how much technology has shifted since he started teaching and even from when he was in school himself. Listen in to hear more about media arts from Joshua!

In this episode, The Creativity Department chats with oil painter and host of the CANDYcolored podcast Katrina Berg to explore the art of balancing a thriving creative practice, a career in classroom teaching, and a fulfilling personal life. Katrina shares insights on staying inspired and how she nurtures creativity while managing multiple roles. Listen in to hear how Katrina’s experience can help you find harmony in your own chaos.

In this episode, The Creativity Department discusses art and design careers with renowned designer and former design dierctor of Air Jordan, Dr. D’Wayne Edwards. Discover how Dr. Edwards embraced his creative passion to forge a career where he created over 50 patents, designed more than 500 footwear styles for premier entertainers, MLB, NFL, and NBA athletes, and earned numerous honors and awards. Listen in for advice and resources on how to guide students through choosing career paths in creative fields.

In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Matt Grundler, and Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Kimberly Olson and Kyla Davis share how they integrate storytelling in their arts classrooms. Hear how sharing their personal stories impacts their teaching. Learn how allowing students to express themselves openly and how observing students in the artmaking process can inform what they’d like to see more of in the classroom. Listen in and discover how Kimberly and Kyla make their arts classrooms a healthy environment for students to tell their own stories. 

In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Matt Grundler, and Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Meghan Wlodarczyk and Martin Rodriguez share how they foster student feedback in their arts programs. By making adaptations to classroom environments and encouraging open conversation with students, these educators have created environments where everyone’s voice is heard. Listen in and discover how Meghan and Martin make their arts classrooms trusting, engaging, and effective learning environments where students feel supported and valued. 

Raine Valentine, the Past Chair for NAEA’s Caucus on the Spiritual in Art Education, joins The Creativity Department to explore spirituality as the expression of self and discuss how that manifests in the art we make. Listen in to hear what that can look like in the art room as she shares her personal experiences and methods. From personal beliefs and how they translate to art making, to how approaching art making from a different perspective can be beneficial, learn how entwined art and spirituality are when you approach it as passion for self-expression.