Positive Space: Conversation in Art Foundations

A dynamic conversation with artist and educator Susan Altman. We discuss how she has seen education change in her over thirty years of experience in the classroom, projects she is excited about, and the benefits of working at a community college.

Awakening students to their passion, while bringing the fullness and honesty of his experiences into the studio classroom, Brian Hitselberger, Assistant Professor of Painting and Printmaking at Peidmeont College, reflects on his habits as an artist and his values as an educator. We discuss virtuosity, vulnerability, the value of guest critics and how having conversations with students about tattoos can act as a gateway to discussing symbolic representation. In addition, Brian presents thoughtful and sincere personal reflections on his role as a parent and the reality of being a gay man living in the South.

A dynamic conversation with artist & educator, Meredith Starr, Assistant Professor of Visual Arts, The State University of New York (SUNY) Suffolk County Community College. We discuss her recent FATE regional event, staying observant, as well as her upcoming paper presentation at CAA in February. She shares a recent informal experiment she conducted with her Fall 2017 Drawing I sections. One section focused on the quality of their drawings-producing fewer drawings while spending more time on each drawing. The other section focused on producing a large quantity of quicker drawings during the semester. It will be challenging to avoid being inspired by Meredith’s enthusiasm, while she offers many tips & posses thoughtful questions about how creativity informs our daily lives as artists & educators.

Jessica Mongeon, Visiting Assistant Professor of Studio Foundations at Arkansas Tech University, discusses student habits, using technology in the classroom & strategies for creating inclusive learning environments at a time when social & political issues often alienate many.

Unpacking trends in foundations pedagogy, Emily Ward Bivens, Professor of Time-Based Art at the University of Tennessee, discusses the benefit of introducing students to performative activites, mentorship approaches that avoid forced or cheesy obligation and the challenges and adventures involved of juggling the role of artist, educator and administrator.

Colby Jennings, Assistant Professor of Art at Missouri State University, discusses time based media, digital tools, the value of international/study abroad programs & practical strategies for encouraging students to move past fear when making art.

Exploring practical tips on how she uses humor as a tool for creative thinking in the classroom, Heather Szatmary, Professor of Foundation Studies at Savannah College of Art and Design, explains why being comfortable with yourself as an instructor can benefit your curriculum development. We discuss current trends in foundations, projects she is excited about and what she has learned from twenty years of teaching.

Chung-Fan Chang, Assistant Professor of Art at Stockton University, reflects on her art education in Taiwan, the impact of verbal and non verbal communication in critiques with international students/faculty and shares projects she has developed that are informed by mark making, calligraphy and Chinese characters to encourage students to explore the elements and principles of design.

An honest conversation about staying curious with Thomas Albrecht, Assistant Dean in the School of Fine and Performing Arts, and Associate Professor in the Art Department, at the State University of New York at New Paltz. We discuss teaching as a choice & the urgency for real conversations & truthful introspection both in an art foundations classroom & beyond.

A dynamic conversation about inclusion, diversity and otherness with Allison Yasukawa, faculty, School of Critical Studies, California Institute of the Arts. We discuss practical tips for approaching foundations pedagogy with an eye towards embracing risk taking & building a safe learning environment for all students.

Amy Reidel, faculty member at both St. Louis Community College and Saint Louis University & FATE Shout Out Award Winner, discusses happiness, community engagement, privilege & practical tips for projects that encourage critical thinking.

Victoria Hoyt, Instructor at Metropolitan Community College & FATE Shout Out Award Winner, discusses practical take aways from the FATE conference, strategies for encouraging the habit of observation, self reflection, the value of mid-term evaluations & responding to a wide range of diverse backgrounds in the community college classroom.

FATE Leadership Award Winner, Scott Betz discusses mentorship, creativity and how teaching informs his ability to lead people both inside and outside of the classroom.

Episode 11: FATE Educator Award Winner, Rae Goodwin discusses "Failing Forward" in her own work and how that influences her teaching and interactions with students in the classroom.

FATE Educator Award Winner, M. Michelle Illuminato & FATE Shout Out Award Winner, Ralph Pugay discuss rebuilding foundations at Portland State University, community engagement, creating welcoming learning environments & how to encourage students to be present in the creative process.