What do you get when two groups of mission-driven creatives band together? A new podcast from The Creativity Department and Davis Publications! Listen to K12ArtChat the podcast and learn from experts in the field during in-depth conversations filled with education innovations, resources, tips, tools, and inspiration to keep you connected and moving forward!
Check out new episodes every Thursday!
Laura and Matt Grundler strive to help connect the dots for educators by building a professional learning network infused with art.
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The Creativity Department does more than the K12ArtChat podcast. Check out what else they are working on.
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Listen to past episodes of The Creativity Department podcast before it became the K12ArtChat podcast.
Find Historic Episodes
Jennifer Licko
Engaging with cultures from around the world is always a benefit. We as art educators know this, but how can we help make it cross-curricular? The Creativity Department talked with musician and artist Jennifer Licko about her journey from dance and music to bringing engaging cultural lessons to students. Jennifer shares her story and travels, as well as how educators can engage students with music, stories, and traditions from around the world. From cross-curricular projects to collaborative storytelling amongst students, Jennifer shares how her success can be brought to your classroom.
Listen Now | Episode 264
Carolyn Keogh
What goes on behind the scenes to make a museum experience meaningful, engaging, and relevant to its visitors? In this episode, The Creativity Department invites Carolyn Keogh, Director of Education and Public Programs at Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, New York, to explore the many facets of museum education. Carolyn shares her creative journey, the evolving role of museums, and how she develops programs and conversations that invite visitors of all ages to engage with art, history, and ideas. She also discusses the thoughtful work that goes into turning complex, challenging, and controversial works into opportunities for connection and dialogue. Listen to a fresh perspective on how museums can spark curiosity.
Listen Now | Episode 263
Dr. Stephen C. Newbold, Jr.
The beginning of a new school year is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Between new students, fresh routines, and the challenges educators face today, holding onto your joy isn't always easy. In this episode, The Creativity Department welcomes Dr. Stephen C. Newbold, Jr., to explore intentionally cultivating professional joy in the art room.
As the first art educator at his school, Dr. Newbold had the unique opportunity to build his classroom culture from the ground up. He shares the beginning-of-the-year rituals and routines that set a positive tone for students, along with the mindset shifts that help him stay grounded, energized, and joy-centered throughout the year. Stephen also discusses how he continually refines his curriculum to create meaningful experiences that foster creativity, connection, and joy.
Dan Ryder
We’ve all had to sit through professional development (PD) that didn't resonate with us as art educators, but that doesn't mean we have to walk away defeated and empty-handed. Returning guest Dan Ryder joins The Creativity Department to share his own experiences with PD that missed the mark for visual arts and the mindset that helps him get the most from every learning opportunity. From finding valuable takeaways in general education sessions to creating his own spaces for art educator collaboration, Dan offers practical strategies for turning less-than-perfect PD into meaningful professional growth.
Listen Now | Episode 261
Brice McCasland
Grit and resilience are often defined as persevering through challenges, but they take on a unique meaning in the visual arts. In this episode, the Creativity Department welcomes back artist and art educator Brice McCasland to explore how resilience is built through the creative process. From the vulnerability of sharing your work with others to the perseverance required to keep creating when inspiration fades, Brice reflects on the mindset fueling both his artistic practice and his teaching. Listen in and explore how to help students embrace creative risk-taking, develop confidence through vulnerability, and recognize that resilience isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it’s about continuing to create through them.
Listen Now | Episode 260
Frank Juárez
How can you connect with art educators across the country, bring new perspectives into your art room, and strengthen art education beyond your own classroom? In this episode, The Creativity Department talks with SchoolArts Editor-in-Chief Frank Juarez about the impact of being published. For decades, SchoolArts has shared articles and lessons written by art educators, for art educators. Frank discusses the natural fear that can come with sharing your ideas openly, what it takes to turn an idea into a published piece, and why sharing your experiences matters. Discover how your ideas can inspire other educators, influence art curricula, and make an impact far beyond your own art room.
Listen Now | Episode 259
Bob Sabol & Petronio Bendito
What makes a lesson truly last? The Creativity Department welcomes media arts educators Petronio Bendito and Bob Sabol for a conversation about designing learning experiences that go beyond checking off standards and instead spark lasting creative growth. They explore the deeper purpose behind the National Art Standards, the transformations they hope to ignite in students, and what it means to create a “forever lesson” in a rapidly changing digital world. From helping students think like creative problem-solvers to understanding how color, light, and visual communication shape meaning, this discussion examines the enduring concepts that matter most in media arts education.
Listen Now | Episode 258
Matt & Laura Grundler
Resilience isn’t built when everything goes right; it’s built when things don’t. In this episode, The Creativity Department explores how art education helps students and educators develop the confidence, adaptability, and perseverance needed to navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. From experimenting with unfamiliar materials to rethinking lessons that miss the mark, they share practical strategies for embracing creative risks, learning from setbacks, and growing through the unexpected. As the school year ends, join us for a timely conversation filled with ideas and inspiration to help you recharge this summer and return to the art room energized and inspired!
Listen Now | Episode 257
Michael Bell
Artist. Teacher. Both! Familiar with this duality? Maintaining your identity as an artist while simultaneously helping students develop theirs can be a challenge. In this episode, artist and educator Michael Bell joins The Creativity Department to explore ways of harmonizing the balancing act! Michael shares how his creative practice shapes his teaching, advocacy, and connection to the community. From blending artistic research into curriculum to navigating the transition from educator to artist, discover thoughtful insights and practical ideas for staying creatively engaged while teaching full-time. Tune in for an honest conversation about sustaining your artistic voice while inspiring the next generation of artists.
Listen Now | Episode 255
Julie Carmean
With the school year winding down, many art educators are searching for a meaningful project to end the year on a high note. Perfect timing, it just so happens that America’s 250th birthday is in July! Conveniently, there’s an opportunity for students across the country to submit their handmade artwork to the American Heroes Student Art Contest. In this episode, Julie Carmean of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) joins Matt and Laura to share how educators and students can get involved. Learn the thinking behind the contest’s handmade-only guidelines and discover how this is more than a simple nation-wide art show. It is a true humanities project connecting today’s youth with our country’s history!
Episode 254 | Listen Now
Daniel Bryant
What if the key to managing your art room isn’t reacting to the energy but setting it? Ramping up creative heat to spark your students’ artmaking or cooling the environment to let them focus. Especially toward the end of the year, when the “temperature” in the art room can feel out of control, teachers have the power to shift the climate. Matt and Laura invite art educator Daniel Bryant back to explore his “thermostat or thermometer” approach to teaching. Daniel shares how he adjusts the theoretical temperature in his classroom—and helps students recognize those shifts too—from high-energy creative brainstorming to calm, focused artmaking. Along the way, he offers practical strategies for becoming the thermostat in your own art room.
Listen Now | Episode 253
Matt & Laura Grundler (The Creativity Department)
What happens when foundational skills meet meaningful artistic exploration? Lessons go beyond isolated projects and start telling a bigger story. In this episode, The Creativity Department explores how a theme-based approach can bring the elements of art and principles of design to life through Big Ideas and thematic units. They share how this approach helps students connect technique, personal voice, and real-world context—leading to more authentic, engaging artwork. Along the way, they highlight practical strategies for scaffolding skills while encouraging inquiry, interpretation, and creative risk-taking. Discover how building lessons around Big Ideas (a.k.a. themes) can spark student engagement, strengthen connections, and support deeper creative thinking.
Listen Now | Episode 252
Dr. Elizabeth Stuart Whitehead
Advocacy isn’t just a buzzword in art education—it’s a tool that can transform an entire program. In this episode, Matt and Laura sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Stuart Whitehead, Visual Arts Supervisor for Prince George’s County, Maryland, to explore what effective advocacy really looks like in action. Dr. Stuart shares insights from her experience championing visual arts programs, along with practical strategies educators can use in their own schools. From building meaningful relationships with administrators and community partners to leading new initiatives and supporting fellow educators, you’ll discover a plethora of actionable ideas to help strengthen and grow your art program.
Listen Now | Episode 251
Andrew Dietz
Art can tell a story; there’s no doubt about that. But what happens when the artist becomes the story? In this episode, The Creativity Department sits down with author Andrew Dietz to discuss creativity from a variety of perspectives. Listen in to explore his new novel Ever U, where a visual artist takes center stage and the art world becomes the backdrop for a richly imagined narrative. Blending art, storytelling, and imagination, Andrew’s books redefine what it means to be a creator and ask readers to consider how imagination shapes the way we understand ourselves and the world. While disciplines like painting, drawing, and photography live in the art room, Andrew expands the conversation, revealing how writing can serve as a powerful extension of artistic expression and creative thinking.
Listen Now | Episode 250
Benjamin Hoffman
How can we turn students’ creativity and success in the art room into measurable data? Matt invites high school educator Ben Hoffman to talk about how data-driven techniques can transform the art room. Specifically, how it leads to strengthened curriculum design, improved student outcomes, and provides powerful advocacy for visual arts programs. Ben shares practical strategies for collecting and using meaningful data points to demonstrate student growth, justify program value to administrators and parents, as well as align creative goals with state or national standards.
Listen Now | Episode 249
David Modler & Sam Peck
From incredible architecture and amazing food to a seriously inspiring art scene, Chicago was an unforgettable backdrop for the NAEA 2026 Convention. And the convention itself? Packed with creative energy—think engaging sessions, hands-on workshops, and keynotes that really hit home for art educators. Still energized, Matt chats with Associate Professor of Art Education at Shepherd University, David Modler, and artist, teacher, and researcher Sam Peck to reflect on their experience. They share highlights from their session on communal visual journaling, what stood out from the educators they connected with, and the ideas they’re taking back into their own classrooms. As longtime attendees, the group also discusses why this conference continues to matter—offering connection, inspiration, and practical takeaways you can actually use. Give it a listen for a recap and a dose of fresh ideas for your own teaching practice.
Listen Now | Episode 248
Cheryl Maney & James Rees
It’s that time of year again, the NAEA convention is nearly here! What’s happening in Chicago this year? Matt and Laura chat with art educators and longtime NAEA members, Cheryl Maney and James Rees, about what makes the NAEA Convention a must-attend professional development experience for art educators. Cheryl and James share tips and tricks for successful conference attendance, information on the plethora of benefits attendees can find, as well as a preview of their upcoming visual journaling session. Explore how visual journaling supports creative growth and reflective practice, and collect practical tips for creating your own journals. From hands-on make-and-take workshops to innovative sessions led by leaders in art education, listen in for a taste of what NAEA offers this year!
Listen Now | Episode 247
Bobby Eppleman
Dive into the realities of managing classrooms that can be loud, messy, energetic, and highly social while maintaining purposeful learning environments. In this episode art educator Bobby Eppleman joins the creativity depart to explore building trust, engagement, and foundational skills in student-centered art rooms. Listen in as they unpack the philosophy of “giving students what they want before giving them what they need”. Discover how dialing in on student interests sparks deeper learning, helps guide them through resistance, and ultimately helps them unlock greater creative freedom and confidence.
Listen Now | Episode 256
Amy Appleton and Kendall Crabbe
What happens when a national Professional Learning Community (PLC) reshapes not just programs, but the people leading them? The Creativity Department sits down with former Connected Arts Networks (CAN) leaders Amy Appleton, now Director of Operations at Young Audiences for Learning, and Kendall Crabbe, National Content Manager for CAN at NAEA, to reflect on the transformative years with the PLC. Amy and Kendall share how CAN influenced K–12 art educators across the country, supporting teacher leadership, strengthening professional learning communities, and redefining collaboration in interdisciplinary arts education. Learn how their own thinking about art education, creative leadership, and sustainable teacher support evolved, and hear about what it truly takes to build meaningful professional communities that last beyond structured programs.
Listen Now | Episode 246
Sarah Ackermann and Gino Molfino
What does it mean to “Lead with Purpose” exactly? In this episode, the Creativity Department and NAEA’s Supervision & Administration Division leadership team aim to help educators navigate that question! Listen in as they reflect on the 2026 webinar series about purpose-driven leadership in art education. Sarah Ackermann and Gino Molfino share practical insights from their work across the complex art education ecosystem. From supporting teachers and students to working with district policymakers and school boards, they discuss the daily leadership practices that keep them grounded in purpose while driving change that nurtures art education advocacy and strengthens programs.
Listen Now | Episode 245
YES MAAM! (Justin Pierce, Lekia Thorpe, Kody Hall)
The conversation around creation over consumption is getting louder than ever. With constant access to phones and tablets, students are already creating digital art every day—through images, sound, and video. How can art educators channel that passion in the art room? In this episode, Matt and Laura talk with Yes Ma’am, a media arts collective of three high school art educators from Charlotte, North Carolina, to explore the growing role of media arts in today’s visual art curriculum. Together, they discuss how media arts connects to CTE pathways and state standards, and what they’re seeing when digital tools become part of the learning process. From increased student engagement and collaboration to greater creative risk-taking, the conversation highlights the power of linking instruction to students’ everyday media experiences, helping learners see themselves as artists in broader, more contemporary ways.
Listen Now | Episode 244
Leslie Gates
What if assessment in the art room became a tool for empowerment rather than a source of anxiety? In this episode The Creativity Department speaks with Dr. Leslie Gates, Professor in Art Education at Millersville University. Listen in as they explore how student-led assessment can transform how both students and educators view success in the art room. Dr. Gates shares her research informed approach to shifting assessment away from traditional grading and toward meaningful reflection, dialogue, and ownership of learning. She explains how inviting students to define their own markers of success increases engagement, encourages creative risk-taking, and fosters a stronger sense of agency in the art room. Discover practical strategies for reframing assessment as a process centered on artistic intent and growth rather than technical mastery alone.
Listen Now | Episode 243
Jeanne Bjork
Standing at the intersection of endings and new beginnings can feel daunting, but it can also be deeply inspiring! In this episode, the Creativity Department welcomes back returning guest and longtime art educator, Jeanne Bjork, to share insights into her upcoming retirement. Discover how embracing a new chapter can be as easy as staying creative, curious, and open to new opportunities that align with your passions. Listen in to this uplifting discussion about reclaiming time for artistic practice, experimenting with new mediums, and reframing retirement as a creative evolution instead of an ending. Jeanne offers encouragement and a practical perspective for educators at any crossroads!
Listen Now | Episode 242
Laura and Matt Grundler
What does it mean to move into a new year with intention—especially after a year that tested the resilience of art educators everywhere? To kick off 2026, we take a different approach to reflection. After a year filled with challenges, growth, and hard-earned perspective, a simple recap didn’t feel sufficient. For our New Year episode, Davis Publications Marketing Director, Toni Henneman, steps in as guest host to guide a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation. Listen in and reflect on goals that shaped the year, habits that sustained both creative and teaching practices, and moments that reaffirmed the pride in being art educators. This episode offers an honest and encouraging discussion about professional identity, creative resilience, and intentional goal setting for the year ahead. Tune in to celebrate the new year with reflection, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose with the Creativity Department!
Listen Now | Episode 241
Episodes 218–240
Season 6 has plenty of insights from more experts and art educators! Learn about multimodal learning from multiple viewpoints (eps. 221, 231, and 239), how visual art and literacy are interconnected (ep. 224), as well as how to advocate for your program (ep.240).
Listen Now | Season 6
Episodes 187–217
Season 5 covers applicable techniques and topics. From managing student success and balance (ep. 193), maintaining a creative practice as an art educator (ep. 198), the ever-present reality of AI (ep. 205), and just how powerful the act of play can be (ep. 216). Listen to experts, creatives, artists, and fellow educators share their stories.
Listen Now | Season 5
Episodes 156–186
In Season 4, we covered everything from mural making (ep. 156) and printmaking (ep. 161) to science in the art room (ep. 179) and ethical decision-making (183). Dive in and enjoy discussions with expert educators across the field and gather insight and ideas to apply to your own practice.
Listen Now | Season 4
Episodes 108–155
Enjoy episodes from Season 3 of K12ArtChat the podcast. Listen in on discussions with expert educators across the field. Hear about everything from Designing Hot Wheels (ep. 108) to how artificial intelligence is disrupting art education (ep. 129).
Listen Now | Season 3
Episodes 60–107
Check out Season 2 of K12ArtChat the podcast and listen in to conversations from experts across the field of education. Learn about everything from student curations (ep. 61) to Neurodivergent Thinking in the Art Room (ep. 94).
Listen Now | Season 2
Episodes 1–59
Dive into Season 1 of K12ArtChat the podcast and hear from experts across the field of education. Enjoy discussions on everything from AP & IB Art Topics (ep. 13) to Teaching Gender Inclusivity (ep. 37).
Listen Now | Season 1