Art Made Easy

Strategies for the First Day of Art Class: AME 063

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you are a brand new teacher preparing for your first art class or an experienced art teacher looking to change things up, knowing what to do o...

Clean Up Strategies & Routines for the Art Room: AME 132

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's 5 minutes before the end of art class, the room is a mess. Some kids are finishing up their projects, others are not. The clock is ticking and yo...

10 Tips to Make the Most out of Your Summer: AME 095

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Which statement rings true for you: summer is too short OR summer is long enough? If you're like most of us, you probably feel as though it is way ...

How to Cultivate Creative Thinkers at Home: AME 153

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Coronavirus is certainly shaking things up. It's early on in the cycle of school closures, social distancing and home-based learning and people ar...

Your Communication Plan (and Why it’s Never Too Late to Create One): AME 152

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you struggle to find the right response when parents complain about your cancellation policy, how you're grading children in art class, or why your...

The Secret Benefits of Make-Up Art Days: AME 151

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As art teachers we have BIG goals for our art programs. Extensive year-long themes and curriculums require many class sessions to complete. And the mo...

5 Unconventional Ways to Connect with your Students: AME 150

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you sometimes feel that there is a spark missing from your art room? Maybe your students are acting bored, apathetic or disruptive? Don't throw ...

How to Embrace Your Role as a Non-Credentialed Art Teacher: AME 149

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a credentialed art teacher? Or are you teaching art without an art related degree? I'm curious because this topic has been a HOT one in our Fa...

How to Prepare for a School Art Show: AME 148

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hosting an art show is undeniably the best way to celebrate your student's year long efforts in art education. But the logistics of an art show can be...

Nailing Your Art Demo: AME 147

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you demonstrate a project, your goal is to communicate the process in a way that connects to the students. A demo lays out the steps, so each stu...

The Art of Slowing Things Down: AME 146

29 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I read so many comments from teachers in our Facebook Groups expressing how their students behavior has changed. Some teachers feel like kids aren’t...

The 5 Stages of Art Teacher Growth: AME 145

22 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When I was getting started as an art teacher, I was excited. But, I didn't really know what I was doing. I had little to no experience - a few session...

How to Think Your Way to a Happy New Year: AME 144

15 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

My word of the year for 2020 is: clarity. For most of us, January is all about change: being a healthier, happier version of yourself. But that isn...

What Do We Mean When We Talk About Cookie-Cutter Art: AME 143

18 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In all of my years of teaching, there is one thing that has lead me to scratch my head literally every single time I hear this phrase... and that's "c...

The 3 Things that Hold Teachers Back from Loving Their Job: AME 142

11 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Being successful as an art teacher means more than teaching kids how to draw or paint. It means getting kids to listen and sit and follow directions s...

The Secret Benefits of Reading Aloud to your Children: AME 141

07 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Janey Strong is the photographer, writer, mother and early literacy advocate behind Darling Readers. Her passion is finding unique ways to encourage p...

How to Engage and Connect with Children with Emotional Disabilities: AME 140

31 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Patty chats with Gold Star Sparkler, Jennifer Ford Pace, who was recently named Teacher of the Year in her community of Henrico, Virginia. It’s...

How to Grow a Customer Base for Your Art Studio with Meri Cherry: AME 139

24 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a studio based art business? If so, my conversation with Meri Cherry will be a game-changer for you. She doesn’t just offer strategies o...

How to Approach Teaching Art with a Calm Mind: AME 138

17 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Kristin is a full-time public school art teacher who is passionate about living a balanced and mindful life. She’s been practicing yoga, mindfulness...

How One Art Teacher Copes with Anxiety & Depression: AME 137

10 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Felicia Merrick is a veteran classroom teacher of 22 years before becoming an art teacher. It’s a position she feels embodies all that she loves: c...

Finding Your Voice as an Art Teacher with Cassie Stephens: AME 136

03 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Cassie Stephens joins Patty for the second time on Art Made Easy. And this time, we’re pulling back the colorful curtain and diving into why she wan...

Ways to Make Art a Priority in Your Family with Jean Van’t Hul: AME 135

26 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever wonder how the art moms on social media actually get their kids to create art? The photos are beautiful, the kids are engaged, and the mat...

Adopting a Growth Mindset as an Art Teacher: AME 134

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Of the many daily challenges art teachers face, adopting a growth mindset may not be at the top of your list. Emily Gould, known as @sierramadres on I...

How to Engage Students with Limited English Through Community Connections: AME 133

12 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have students who speak limited English? Teaching art in a community with language barriers is a ripe opportunity for engagement and connection...

Becoming an Art Educator After Raising a Family: AME 131

17 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eva Marie Kirby from Tennessee dreamt of being an art educator since graduating college, but marriage and raising a family put her dreams on hold. ...

How the Enneagram Broke Me Wide Open: AME 130

10 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I love listening to podcasts and over the past few years, mentions of the Enneagram personality test has popped up over and over again. Last Fall, I d...

How to Rock Your First Year Teaching Art: AME 129

03 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The field of art education is often overlooked as a viable career in most school counseling offices. Many college students aren't even aware that the ...

How to Use Mantras to Create Connection & Consistency with Your Students: AME 128

27 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a mantra? Something you say out loud before every class? I sort of did. My mantra of every child is somebody's baby was something I ...

Budget Friendly Ways to Cover Art Tables: AME 127

20 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

One of the small details that often gets overlooked in the art room is whether or not to cover your art tables during art class. You might be wonderin...

4 Lessons I Learned About Classroom Management from Years of Subbing: AME 126

13 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are your students coming to class attentive, respectful and ready to learn? Or do you spend most of your time battling challenging students? No one...

What it Takes to Become Teacher of the Year: AME 125

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever wonder what it takes to become teacher of the year? According to today’s guest, Barbara Hua, it wasn’t about having amazing art skills...

The Creative Habit: Our First Book Club Pick! AME 124

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I’m diving deep into how to cultivate your creativity with daily practice and awareness by following the exercise in Twyla Tharp’s book The Creati...

Creating a Community Connection in your Art Class: AME 123

20 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How would you describe the vibe in your art room? What do you focus on? Art? Classroom management? Colorful decor? Today's guest, Rona Wilcox from New...

Tips on Running an After-School Program: AME 122

13 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wanted to start an after school program? Today's guest, Pamela Saunders from Washington, D.C. was motivated to teach art when her childr...

How One Art Teacher Overcame Debilitating Challenges to Achieve Her Dream: AME 121

06 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever considered what it must feel like to be overweight? Most of us can understand how it feels to be 20 pounds over-weight and even underwei...

My Mini Burnout and How I Plan to Recover: AME 120

30 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's the end of January and while many of you are well on your way to integrating new year's resolutions into your life, I feel like I'm lagging. Two ...

The Surprising Benefits of Asking for Help: AME 119

12 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you suffer from chronic overwhelm syndrome? Or as I like to say, do you know how to ask for help? If you’re like most women, the thought of pl...

Dealing with Disrespectful Students: AME 118

05 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you deal with disrespectful students and general low engagement in the art room? If you just raised your hand, you are not alone. There has been a ...

The Importance of Cultivating a Community: AME 117

28 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have an art degree? What about a teaching credential? I'm always surprised at how many of us have found our dream job of teaching art to kids b...

The 5 Step Framework That Will Transform Your Art Room: AME 116

21 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking for ways to cultivate creativity, choice and personal expression in your art room? Today's guest, Kat Clarke shares the five questions...

The Inside Scoop on Running a Full-Time Art Studio: AME 115

14 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Many art teachers dream of running their own art studio. The freedom, the creativity and the chance to impact children on a deeper level appeals to ma...

Behind The Sparkly Curtain: AME 114

07 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

While I've been asked a hundred times, I rarely go out of my way to talk about it. Mostly, I'm afraid of the unwanted attention it would create. Or th...

How One Art Teacher Raises Funds with Art Auctions: AME 113

31 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Krista Hilmen is a former high school English teacher turned art teacher at her children's charter school. Learn how Krista raises funds for her art p...

The 6 Stages of the Creative Path with Nicholas Wilton: AME 112

24 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you dream of the day when you can spend all your time sipping tea and working on your art? For most of us, it’s a long-term goal and one in which...

Turn Your Art Room into Your Dream Art Space: AME 111

17 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Need a little art room make-over? Yvette Ackerman is passionate about making her art room feel like home. By using warm, textural elements and a strat...

Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – Why I Don’t Use Pencils in the Art Room: AME 110

10 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today on AME, I’m continuing with my series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my new book and give you extra insight to ...

From Dance Instructor to Art Teacher: AME 109

03 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a relatively new art teacher who’s trying to figure it all out? Guest teacher, Tamara Evans shares her how she gets her students to help wit...

Do You Feel Like A Machine? AME 108

26 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have enough time to prep? Are you able to enjoy your job? When do you sit and breathe? I teach over 850 students at my school. There...

Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – How to Host Art Sessions in Your Home: AME 107

12 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today on AME, I'm continuing with my new series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my new book and give you extra insight t...

Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – All About Directed Drawing: AME 106

05 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today on AME, I starting a brand new series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my book and give you extra insight to how my...

How to Transition from an Unpaid Volunteer to a For-Profit Business: AME 105

29 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

You probably know someone just like today's guest. Someone who is passionate, dedicated, creative, and organized. She's the gale that takes on everyth...

Cultivating a Management Mindset: AME 104

15 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

If there is one thing I know for sure, it's that you can't teach art unless you have some sort of management plan in place. Art is really exciting for...

How to Get What You Really Want This School Year: AME 103

08 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What is the ONE thing you want most this school year? A healthier lifestyle? More money? A more organized classroom? While I can't claim to hold th...

Morning Routines, Inspiration & Wellness AME 102

25 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

While on vacation this month in Canada, I have had lots of time to reflect on what is working in my life and what needs adjusting. I identified a f...

How to Teach Art with Heart: AME 101

18 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Connecting with children through art is an essential ingredient in the success and longevity of artist, Jill Hatcher. Jill teaches children ages 4-12 ...

Drawing with Children with Mona Brookes: AME 100

11 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

DRAWING WITH CHILDREN WITH MONA BROOKES: AME 100 I wondered how to make this milestone episode special. When I thought back to all the episodes, th...

10 Rules for Art Teachers: AME 099

04 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a mantra that you live by each day? As creatives, we often gravitate towards specific sayings or guideposts. And in Mary’s case, she ...

Do You Want To Write A Book? AME: 098

27 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to write a book? Chances are, you do. It's a dream many of us share until you sit down and stare at an empty screen. Perhaps you wonder if...

Transitioning from Art Volunteer to Art Specialist: AME 097

20 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

After volunteering in her children's classrooms teaching art, June Wood decided to take a stab at pursuing a paid position. After approaching a few sc...

Why Did You Become an Art Teacher? AME: 096

13 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

As an artist and a teacher you have the unique ability to inspire kids...to help THEM become artists, critical thinkers, decision makers and creators....

How to Use Flow Learning™ to Engage Students in Art Making: AME 094

23 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever heard of Flow Learning™? It’s a technique that Joseph Cornell from the Sharing Nature Foundation developed to help children chann...

Charge What You’re Worth: AME 093

16 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today on AME, I'm talking all about money...specifically how it applies to art teachers who run classes or workshops or have a product to sell. I'm re...

How To Cultivate Craftsmanship in Your Art Room: AME 092

09 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm talking to an art teacher who confesses to being focused on the end result. Before you judge, listen to how Britt Curley, from the blog, ...

Best Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091

02 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm talking to acrylic artist Anna Bartlett about all things acrylic paints, art studios, paint parties and how to make the easiest sketch books...

Head, Heart & Hand: The Waldorf Approach to Managing Young Artists: AME 090

25 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sally Haughey Fowler brings absolute wonder to her students through the Waldorf environment. She walks into an art room with intention, passion and en...

How a 20-Year Classroom Veteran Transitioned to Teaching Art: AME 089

18 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Wonder what it's like to step into the art room serving 500 kids a week after being in a classroom for 20 years? I was curious too, so I asked Crissy ...

Classroom Management Strategies That Work For You: AME 088

04 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES THAT WORK FOR YOU: AME 088 Wouldn't it be nice if we could step into our art rooms and spend the entire session cre...

How One Classroom Teacher Went from Art Breakdown to Art Star: AME 087

28 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Michelle Gifford, a second-grade teacher from Thousand Oaks California, confessed to failing miserably with her first attempt at teaching art. She had...

How to Know When It’s Time to Open Your Art Studio: AME 086

21 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered if opening your own art studio is the right path for you, today's guest, Arielle Goddard from Art Camp, will share what factor...

Manifesting Your Ultimate Goal: AME 085

14 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a dream that you've been working towards? The goal that when accomplished, will fill your bucket list and give you permission to say, I di...

3 Steps to a Successful Art Show: AME 084

10 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This is a special bonus episode in response to a beautiful outpouring from a Sparkler inside our private Facebook Group. Her anticipated art show gene...

Teaching Kids to Paint: AME 083

07 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm answering the most asked questions I receive about teaching kids to paint. This is the second episode in our series, Questions You Were Afra...

Teaching Kids How To Draw: AME 082

21 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We're going back to basics today to answer 5 questions that you may have been afraid to ask about teaching kids to draw. I've been sharing how to t...

How to Demonstrate an Art Lesson: AME 081

14 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The fine art of art demonstrations is not something we learn at school. Often, teachers are plunked in front of a class without knowing exactly what t...

Supporting & Appreciating Others (plus a few folks who are amazing): AME 080

07 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I share why I feel so strongly about supporting and sharing with others. Why it's good for me and how sharing, collaborating and bein...

How to Protect Your Content: AME 079

31 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

AME 079: How to Protect Your Creative Content Do you offer tutorials, projects or handouts on social media, but get uneasy when someone swipes your...

Art Meets Storytime: AME 078

24 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Art Meets Storytime My favorite way to transition a classroom full of kids to an art class is to read a picture book. I've been a longtime fan of c...

Word of the Year: AME 077

17 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What’s Your Word of the Year? In today’s episode, I’ll share how I use mine and how you can incorporate a Word of the Year into your life.  The...

Classroom Teachers Guide for Teaching Art: AME 076

20 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

CLASSROOM TEACHERS GUIDE FOR TEACHING ART You may wonder how you can teach art to your students if you don’t consider yourself an artist.  Here...

How To Love Your Job: AME 075

13 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt frustrated or flustered at work? Perhaps a bit anxious or uncertain? Creating art lessons, prepping supplies, managing behaviors an...

5 Ways You Are Making A Difference: AME 074

06 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Occasionally, our efforts to make an impact show up in sweet love notes from a first-grader or a required essay to a favorite teacher. Sometimes it’...

The Life Journey of a Creative: AME 073

22 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bar Rucci grew up in a creative household. She was determined to go to art school despite her parent’s plea to become a computer programmer.  As a ...

The Power of Refraining your Life: AME 072

15 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m talking to Laurie Police Short, author of When Changing Nothing Changes Everything.  In this episode we’re talking about how changing p...

Art from India: AME 071

08 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Whenever I explore cultural art projects, I wonder if the lesson I plan will reflect on the values and traditions of the designated country. There hav...

5 Literacy Strategies for the Art Room: AME 070

25 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Are you using literacy strategies in your art room? If you are, you know how effective they can be for engaging students, connecting content areas wit...

Tips for Teaching Art in a Title One School: AME 069

17 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching art in a Title 1 school can be challenging. Often there is limited funding for art supplies, behavioral issues and lack of support. Although,...

Art at Home Toolkit & Guide: AME 068

03 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching art at home to a few children is quite different than teaching 30 children in a classroom. It means you have more flexibility and freedom to ...

How to Start an Art Rotation & Seek Funding: AME 067

27 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a classroom teacher who is required to teach art but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you want to collaborate with your grade level peers a...

Five Questions to Ask to Set Your Art Curriculum Intentions: AME 066

20 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered whether it is better to have a plethora of creative works at the end of a term so that students have a general working knowledg...

Behind Dot Day Projects – The Benefits of Expressive Art: AME 065

12 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

International Dot Day, based on Peter Reynold’s book, The Dot, is coming up on September 15th. The Dot is the story of Vashti who is overwhelmed at ...

4 Steps to Designing Your Perfect Art Program: AME 064

16 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching art to hundreds of children requires creativity, passion, and buckets of planning time. I spent years developing an art program that represen...

How One Classroom Teacher Transitioned to her Dream Job as an Art Teacher with Denise Lediaev: AME 062

26 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Former classroom teacher, Denise Lediaev, didn’t know how much she loved teaching art until she became a full-time art teacher in Adelaide, Australi...

Taking a Chance & Pursuing Passion with Kristy GoPaul from Trinidad: AME 061

19 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We all have a dream—something we long to do if only…the if only’s have a tendency to get in the way for most of us, but not Kristy. Growing u...

Drawing Tips & Teaching Art to All Ages: AME 060

07 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how Louise McKeon turned her career as an illustrator and graphic artist to a full time career as an art teacher for all ages. Using the st...

Teaching Art in a Remote Village in Northern India: AME 059

20 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

How do you introduce children to art in a remote region of the world where  children have little exposure to expressive art? Where do you start? Whe...

Art Stories From Around the World – Bahrain: AME 058

14 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sana Asad is the second art teacher featured in our summer art series, Art Stories from Around the World by sharing her experiences while teaching art...

Art Stories From Around the World – China: AME 057

07 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

I'm so excited to kick off our summer podcast series, Art Stories from Around the World! After starting Deep Space Sparkle's membership program last y...

Teaching Art to Children with Special Needs: AME 056

31 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

There is a huge effort to mainstream children with special needs but often teachers have no formal training in the special needs area. Debi London ex...

How to Deal with Negative Feedback: AME 055

24 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The absolute worst experience for any teacher is receiving a negative comment from a parent or peer. When the negative comment comes in the form of an...

A Conversation with a First Year Art Teacher: AME 054

17 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching art to kids in your home or at school for the very first time is exciting, but challenging. Developing your teaching style, understanding how...