Art Class Curator

Art is the perfect subject to battle xenophobia. The fact that we even call it ‘Non-Western’ art points to how ingrained Western bias is in art education. An entire planet’s worth of cultures and artistic traditions are defined by what they aren’t instead of by what they are. The only way to change the paradigm is to do the hard thing, the right thing: Introduce our students to artworks by artists from across the world, even if we never learned about them, and have classroom discussions about how art historians have traditionally labelled and discriminated against art from other cultures. When I teach Non-Western art, I always start the unit with a lesson on cultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism. Students may call something "weird" or laugh at a work by someone from a different culture. When our students (and we do it too sometimes; I don’t think anyone is really immune from this) make judgements about the artworks of other cultures using their own Western perspective, they are deepening the divide betwee

In this episode, Cindy comes to the realization that exposing students to works of art is not for the end goal of "appreciation." It is much, much bigger than that.  Where is the passion, the delight, the wonder, the heart-pounding experience with art? Where is the feeling in your heart, that drop in your gut, that makes you a CHANGED PERSON? Let's keep talking about THAT.

In this episode of the Art Class Curator podcast, Cindy talks about why art matters and what makes art connection so very important for our students and for the world. From creating more connected and empathetic humans, to understanding and connecting with the past, to learning how to slow down and become comfortable with uncertainty, meaningful connection with works of art hands-down just creates better people.

In this episode, Cindy discusses how to engage students’ natural born curiosity as well as how to spark a curiosity mindset through modeling, exciting artworks, and more.

Whether you're a new teacher, an old pro, or you've just run into a particularly difficult set of students, it's vital to have a solid classroom management strategy in place. Cindy talks about the importance of experimenting, finding support, protecting your energy in the classroom, firm routines and procedures, and making sure you and your students are engaged. Visit the show notes at artclasscurator.com/31 for the links and resources mentioned in this episode.

How is perfectionism stopping you from being the best art teacher you can be? Cindy shares her thoughts on how to get over having to do everything little thing right and why perfection=failure. Visit the show notes at https://artclasscurator.com/30 for the links and resources mentioned in this episode.  

If you’ve ever found yourself on the edge of breaking down in the classroom, today’s show is especially for you. There is hope and there are so many resources to help you - today’s guest is one of those resources!   Anna Nichols had lots of experience outside of teaching before she became a teacher at age 31. Being an outsider to the public education system, since then she’s feels like she’s been trying to figure out what makes students tick!    Anna runs the blog - Managing the Art Classroom. She started the blog after finding out that the number one issue for teachers was classroom management. She talked to many teachers and they felt like it was a struggle to even get children to a space where they could actually learn.     Show Highlights:   Anna’s dream job teaching everybody is the job she has now! Once a month elementary art isn’t ideal for the kids or the teachers Anna’s biggest challenge for elementary art classes How Anna’s blog was created to help teachers. Ways that Anna’s consulting business is

Balancing education and artistic expression can be a difficult task in todays’ school system. Finding ways to incorporate art into students’ daily lives and help them find relevance in artistic structure in the world is important. Ilona Szekely is passionate about helping students understand the technicalities of art but also the dynamics of creativity. She has worked in various professional settings, including colleges and public schools, along with being a practicing artist herself. Tune into this episode of Art Class Curator to learn more about balancing your classroom education and helping students cultivate personal expression in art.  Show Highlights: Background and experiences  Finding your right place in the education system  Shifting focus and utilizing visual experiences  Incorporating art projects that students think are important  Art Ilona likes to make and materials to use  Translating every day issues to art  Balancing being an artist and an educator  Using art to spend time with your kids  Ho

I’m so excited to welcome Phyllis Brown on the show today! Phyllis has taught art for 36 years, and she’s here to share her experiences, her invaluable advice, and lessons she’s learned in her career. She’s passionate, realistic, and brings a fresh perspective to teaching art, i.e. pre-technology in the classroom.    Show Highlights Phyllis tells how she "accidentally” ended up teaching art  The benefits of running an art blog Cindy and Phyllis discuss how teaching has changed since she started The passionate feelings surrounding kids, technology, and art The quiet skills that art classes teach kids How seasoned art teachers can discourage new art teachers Why it’s important to consider what message you put out, to students and future teachers Phyllis shares her strong feelings on unions and why she encourages them Phyllis’ number one rule in her classroom Resources http://plbrown.blogspot.com/

School can be tough, but it can be even tougher on kids with special needs. Teachers are there to help their students, but what are the best ways to help those who need extra assistance? Today Heidi and Melissa join me to share their experiences as teachers and as parents of a child with special needs.  Show Highlights What Heidi considers to be key when it comes to teachers and parents of kids with special needs Melissa explains why she’s a “little extra” with her daughter’s teachers Heidi shares how having a kid with special needs has affected her teaching Why incidents sometimes happen and how they could have been prevented School performance and whether a kid is right-brained or left-brained Why art is the answer for allowing kids to communicate The power of noticing your students Ways teachers can model compassion to their class Resources http://talesfromthetravellingartteacher.blogspot.com/  hohanley@ios.org  @sweetlyvoiced Melissa Bayland Lee on Facebook

Not everyone is lucky enough to get to teach an intimate group of students who are passionate about art, but Marcia Beckett is one of those lucky few. Marcia teaches at a school for gifted students, so not only do her students have higher artistic abilities, but her class size is smaller as well. Join me in today’s podcast as we hear an experience outside of the public school setting.  Show Highlights Marcia shares how she started her own art blog What makes Marcia’s school different from most  How Marcia and her fellow teachers work together to reinforce lesson plans Marcia shares examples of how her school is “hands on” Tips for making art projects from other cultures relate to students Marcia shares a few collaborative projects her students have been a part of The importance of growth mindset in the classroom Why some students may not put in as much effort Resources https://www.artisbasic.com/  https://www.facebook.com/ArtisBasic 

When most of us think back to our previous art teachers, most likely we’re picturing a favorite art class in high school or an art camp of some sort. Fortunately, times are changing and art teachers have more possibilities now than we have in the past. Tim Bogatz joins me today to discuss the opportunities and possibilities the Internet makes possible. Tim is here to share his experiences and how he can now reach more people than when he was teaching in a classroom setting.   Show Highlights Tim discusses teaching in the classroom versus writing and podcasts The topic that Tim enjoys teaching and why people struggle with it Why it’s important to exchange ideas and perspectives with other art teachers What Tim doesn’t miss about teaching in the school system Tim shares why he’s not a fan of Picasso Tim and Cindy discuss the influence of an art teacher’s opinions on their students How Tim makes art history entertaining for his students Learning more about an artist’s life can change your relationship to the ar

Could anything be better than art and creative expression? Maybe if it involved a group of people traveling foreign countries appreciating that art together. Today, Alex Thorniley joins me to share her experience of attending this last art trip. It can be intimidating stepping out of your comfort zone to enjoy something you’re passionate about, especially when you don’t know anyone. So, join us in this podcast as Alex shares her worries, the highlights of her trip, and advice for those who need a little encouragement.   Show Highlights: Alex shares what appealed to her most about going on the Art Trip Learn what Alex’s biggest worry was Why Alex got annoyed when she heard people speaking English on the Trip The art that excited and reminded her of home most The most memorable museums and art pieces she experienced Alex shares some advice on those hesitant to sign up for an Art Trip The great thing about going on a trip and not knowing anyone Alex talks about how the trip changed her opinion on a certain art

It’s October, so we’re going to get a little spooky! Today’s guest runs his very own haunted house. He takes this unique experience into his classroom by creating a one-of-a-kind special effects class for his high school students. Listen in to today’s show to get inspired to take your unique skills into your classroom.   Show Highlights Chris shares details about his career and his current teaching position in Alabama. In addition to teaching general art classes, Chris shares about the special effects class he teaches where he incorporates prosthetics, prop-making, set design, make-up application, and costume-making. Chris tells about how he allows his students to create their own presentations to showcase in front of judges. Chris uses many project-based lessons in preparation for the students’ showcase. Learning new process ahead of the students is something Chris shares with us. Beginning in October, Chris’ students narrow their focus for the April showcase, including writing proposals and creating charac

When it comes to school, students are taught young to go for the A. Period. So when students get to Art Class they freak out when you tell them not to worry about the grade. Clara Lieu is here with me today to talk about that and other differences Studio Art offers.    Show Highlights Clara shares her passion about the art making process Why Clara felt it to be critical to put her art column into videos The effect of the physicality of art The part of the art process that you should learn to embrace How art can teach us how to fail and to be vulnerable  The misconception a lot of Clara’s students have made about her taste in art Clara talks about how a work of art makes you feel The component of art that her students think about least Ways to get students to think about art on a deeper level Advice for art teachers who lack confidence in their Studio Art Resources http://claralieu.com/  Art Prof Art Prof on Instagram

Most teachers know that when they leave school their work is not finished. Sometimes there are papers to grade, lessons to plan, and evaluations to give, etc. Devon and Tiffany are two examples of teachers sharing their passion for the arts. Outside of being art teachers in the classroom, they’re both actively involved in the Wisconsin Art Education Association. Listen to how they advocate art in any given situation and how you can too.    Show Highlights Devon and Tiffany share their roles in planning and graphic design How to get involved with the Wisconsin Art Education Association (WAEA) The election process to becoming a member of the board The importance of networking with other art teachers The opportunities the WAEA’s annual fundraiser provides How Devon and Tiffany’s art leadership carries over to the school level Ways to be an advocate for Art Education The art pieces that inspired Devon and Tiffany most Ways to get others to take art, and your artwork, seriously Resources: http://devoncalvert.wee

As teachers, as coworkers, and even as humans, we want people to know that we’ve got it together, that we don’t need any help. “No, thank you, I’m fine. “ One thing we don’t talk about enough is anxiety, especially in highly-sensitive introverts. Today, Monica Wright & Amber Jordan are here to share their experiences with anxiety and the classroom. Coping mechanisms can be anywhere from the way the lights are adjusted in the classroom to having marked personal space between you and student. Join us as we share and connect through being highly-sensitive introverts.    Show Highlights How to deal with a highly-sensitive introvert with anxiety Amber shares how she’s able to hide her introvert tendencies in public What exactly does “highly-sensitive person” mean? How to deal with constant noise in the classroom How to set the mood/tone of your classroom from the first day What you should do the first 3 weeks of school that will help in the long run The biggest thing that’s helped Amber the most Embrace chang

Today on the Art Class Curator Podcast, Cindy Ingram will share a personal story about a recent art encounter that called her to action and helped her cope with a profound tragedy. Please join her in considering how art can console and restores us. Find out what you can do to help our students utilize art to connect, heal and take action. If you want to see how art can change your life then you must listen to this episode. Cindy Ingram is a dedicated teacher that strongly believes that art can help people deal with the tragedies that we see in today’s society. She wants to help children use art as a way to feel less alone in this world. She feels that children need more exposure to art in order for them to make a personal connection to art.   More in this episode: The recent tragedies that schools are facing in today’s society. How has it affected schools, art teachers and students? How art can help people through these situations and how art provides solace. Her trip to see Hamilton in Houston after the tra

If taking art trips with your students seems like a daunting and unachievable dream, you won’t want to miss today’s episode. There are ways to get your students out into the world to experience art first hand by seeing it and touching it. You’ll want to learn some of the tips that have allowed Kristen Wilcox to consistently expose her students to art first-hand! Kristen Wilcox is an art teacher that teaches different levels of art classes at Samuel Clemens High School in Texas. Much of Kristen’s art centers around her love for photography, but she dabbles in as many mediums as it takes to get the creative process started. She loves to travel and she tries to inspire her students to travel in order to learn art through the experience of seeing it in person. She helps her students earn the money and helps them plan their trips in order to facilitate this amazing hands-on exposure to art. She believes that students need to travel in order to get the full experience of learning art.     More in this episode: Ste

Today’s guest is an elementary art teacher who writes a regular column for Arts and Activities Magazine, and his blog, Shine Brite Zamorano, where he shares his student’s projects. He masterly infuses contemporary art into his school and community in exciting and relevant ways. He contributes so much inspiration, motivation, and support to art teachers everywhere. Don Masse grew always interested in art. Teaching at a creative art camp 3 summers in a row called Buck Rock Creative Art Camp, is where he found passion in working with children. When Don met his wife and they moved out to San Diego where he then went back to school to become certified and got an education background. Masse began to work at Zamorano and has worked there since. Masse started his blog around 2010, after starting to use the internet more for researching. Taking a trip, studying abroad in Ravenna Rome, in his undergrad is one place he will never forget. He went to the mausoleum of Galla Placidia which was full of mosaics. One section i