Teaching Artistry With Courtney J. Boddie

Because we're committed to #KeepMakingArt in isolating times like these, we're comin' at you again with a brand new episode! We know the power of engagement through the arts in times of uncertainty, and so we’re committed to publishing new episodes of this podcast and stick to our mission. Our newest episode, Episode 28, Act 2: “Art vs. Ageism: Rewiring Perceptions,” continues the discussion with Maura O'Malley and Ed Friedman of Lifetime Arts. In this conversation, Courtney and her guests discuss the mission of Lifetime Arts, a New Rochelle-based entity that aims to “connect the people, funding, ideas and strategies necessary to increase the number and quality of professional arts programs for older adults." The biggest challenge to the arts education field, we have learned, is the exclusion of the folks in our society who have the most life experience from which to draw and, through that experience, create art! In this enlightening conversation, Courtney, Maura and Ed discuss topics like: changing the narra

We hope you’re staying safe and healthy in this bizarre time of self-isolation. We also know the power of engagement through the arts in times of uncertainty, and so we’re reaching out to you (virtually) with a brand new episode of Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie! Our newest episode, Episode 28, “Art vs. Ageism: Rewiring Perceptions,” features a discussion with Maura O'Malley and Ed Friedman of Lifetime Arts. In this conversation, Courtney and her guests discuss the mission of Lifetime Arts, a New Rochelle-based entity that aims to “connect the people, funding, ideas and strategies necessary to increase the number and quality of professional arts programs for older adults." The biggest challenge to the arts education field, we learn, is the exclusion of the folks in our society who have the most life experience from which to draw and, through that experience, create art! In this enlightening conversation, Courtney, Maura and Ed discuss topics like: changing the narrative around aging from a negative

Our newest episode begins with a continued discussion with Courtney's friend and colleague from across the pond, Rhian Hutchings—Operasonic (Creative Director); ArtWorks Cymru (Partnership Manager). Courtney then speaks to artist, arts administrator, activist and author of "The Teaching Artist Sutras," Michael Wiggins. This conversation is a continuation of last week's episode, which digs deeper into why humanity needs art, compassion and drive in order to survive and thrive. If you remember from episode 24, Michael's driving statement is always that "art is the answer, no matter the question." That holds true here! In this episode, Michael and Courtney discuss art and speak more on the profundity of theater, the arts as a whole and how art is woven into the very fabric of our humanity, but our society refuses to acknowledge the true need for the arts. Courtney and Michael's conversations delve deep into philosophical topics like: the details of our individual pasts, how traumatic events shape our "now," and

Our newest episode, Episode 27, Act 1: “Shifting Systems with Rigor and Love,” which again features the inspiring Michael Wiggins, begins with a fascinating chat with Courtney’s friend and colleague from across the pond, Rhian Hutchings—OperaSonic (Creative Director); Artworks Cymru (Partnership Manager). Together, they discuss the important work that Participatory Artists (similar to Teaching Artists) are doing in South Wales. They also discuss how their chance meeting at ITAC3 (Edinburgh, 2016), where Courtney was presenting on the Teaching Artist Pathways (TAP) Tool, inspired Rhian to dig deeper and think more broadly about how to empower Participatory Artists to be leaders in the field of arts integration. When the episode shifts back to Courtney’s conversation with artist, arts administrator, activist and author, Michael Wiggins, the conversation shifts dramatically. Discussing and debating the word “enrichment,” Michael and Courtney explore how we, as Americans, don’t care nearly enough about the arts e

Oh, my. If you enjoyed the first part of our crossover series, "A Rosé by Any Other Name," you're in for a real treat—and a dramatic tonal shift! We're back with Episode 26, Act 2 "A Rosé by Any Other Name." In this crossover episode with the fabulously feminist minds behind the podcast, "Rosé All Day Anyways," Courtney continues to sit, sip and trade quips with Katie Rainey and Erika Atkins as they chat. But, this time around, they delve into some very poignant and relevant topics, such as the gender pay gap across the arts education field, a field dominated by women; racial inequities in this country, especially concerning positions of power; and choosing an intersectional feminist approach to dismantling the patriarchy and tearing down barriers that allow institutional racism to thrive. These three fierce feminists plan to do this through art, compassion, laughter and copious bottles of wine. So, grab a glass, pop those earbuds in and give our newest episode a listen.

What do mules, the Golden Girls and rosé all have in common? Our newest episode! That's right. We're back for Season 4 of Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie with Episode 26, "A Rosé by Any Other Name." In this crossover episode with the brilliant, bubbly minds behind the podcast, "Rosé All Day Anyways," Courtney sits and sips with Katie Rainey and Erika Atkins as they chat about the impetus behind the creation of their respective podcasts, both hoping to challenge the patriarchy through art, laughter and copious bottles of wine, and dissect the question: Is podcasting itself an art form? They also discuss the importance of podcasts and how they give voice to the traditionally marginalized or silenced, allow for human connection and address the complexities of the spectrum of humanity. You won't want to miss this entertaining episode.

In Episode 25, "Find Your Way", Courtney speaks to urban sketch artist, Jason Das. The continuation of this conversation discusses art, the ways in which we seek or find it and how process is so much more meaningful than product. Art is all around us, and it's more and more accessible through digital media. In Act 2 of this series, which was recorded on a park bench in New York City's bustling Washington Square Park, Jason speaks personally and profoundly about what it means to create and consume art. He also speaks passionately about meaning-making through visual art by considering: What kind of artist are you? Where, in the world, do you fit in as an artist? What is your personal approach to viewing or making art? Where does your art place within the arts continuum? Listen to hear more about Jason's artistic philosophies and how they fuel his artistic journey and the ways through which he views the world. As you listen, consider this: When you create art, are you saying something about the world around you?

In Episode 25, "Find Your Way", Courtney speaks to artist and educator, Jason Das. This conversation discusses art and the ways in which we seek or find it. Art is all around us, after all. In this thoughtful and sometimes delightfully meandering episode, which was recorded on a park bench in New York City's bustling Washington Square Park, Jason speaks personally and profoundly about what it means to be an artist. To feel like an artist. He also speaks passionately about meaning-making through visual art by considering: What kind of artist are you? Where, in the world, do you fit in as an artist? What is your personal approach to viewing or making art? Where does your art place within the arts continuum? Listen to hear more about Jason's artistic philosophies and how they fuel his artistic journey and the ways through which he views the world. As you listen, consider this: When you create art, are you saying something about the world around you? If so, what? Why? This enlightening and entertaining episode is

In Episode 24, Act 2: "Art is Always the Answer", Courtney speaks to artist, arts administrator, activist and author of "The Teaching Artist Sutras", Michael Wiggins. This conversation is a continuation of last week's episode, which posits, "art is the answer, no matter the question", discusses art (and artist) as instigator. In this thoughtful episode, Michael speaks more on the profundity of theater, the arts as a whole and how art is woven into the very fabric of our humanity. Courtney and Michael's conversation delves deep into philosophical topics like: the details of our individual pasts are subject to question, how the things we endure when we're young affect us differently, how we as individuals approach the world, how the world interacts with us varies from person to person and how the work that artists do truly does change lives. Listen to hear more about Michael's journey into Teaching Artistry and how it fueled his artistic trajectory. This enlightening and entertaining episode is one you won't wa

In this episode, Courtney speaks to artist, arts administrator, activist and author of The Teaching Artist Sutras, Michael Wiggins. This conversation, which posits early on that "art is the answer, no matter the question", discusses art (and artist) as instigator. In this podcast, Michael speaks about the profundity of theater, how its intrinsic presence is in all that we do and that art is woven into the very fabric of our humanity. Listen to hear about Michael's journey through life and into artistry, his feelings on social media platforms as unique access points for artistry and how kids today, whether folks think so or not, are creating art in ways that older generations can't begin to understand, but must start to do so.

In Episode 23, Act 2: "Queens of Empowerment", Courtney continues her conversation with a panel of extraordinary women who use art to create community, to heal and as activism. This inspiring community of women, led by Shirlene Cooper and Esther McGowan, are artist members at Visual AIDS, a non-profit organization established in 1988, which is committed to using art in AIDS activism and support HIV+ artists. In their conversation, this passionate, driven group of women discuss Visual AIDS's programs like Love Positive Women, which aims to create hundreds of paper Valentine's Day cards, made by hand, to be mailed to women around the world living with HIV; and Women's Empowerment Art Therapy Workshops, which employs art-making "to reduce stigma, build community, and empower women living with HIV." They also share their personal stories, how they, as women who are themselves living with HIV or AIDS, have used art to not only change their outlook on the value of life, but also the intrinsic positive impact they'v

In Episode 23, Act 1: "Queens of Empowerment", Courtney speaks to a panel of extraordinary women who use art to create community, to heal and as activism. This inspiring community of women, led by Shirlene Cooper and Esther McGowan, are artist members at Visual AIDS, a non-profit organization established in 1988, which is committed to using art in AIDS activism and support HIV+ artists. In their conversation, this passionate, driven group of women discuss Visual AIDS's programs like Love Positive Women, which aims to create hundreds of paper Valentine's Day cards, made by hand, to be mailed to women around the world living with HIV; and Women's Empowerment Art Therapy Workshops, which employs art-making "to reduce stigma, build community, and empower women living with HIV." They also share their personal stories, how they, as women who are themselves living with HIV or AIDS, have used art to not only change their outlook on the value of life, but also the intrinsic positive impact they've seen on other women

National Arts Education Week may be over, however we continue the celebration with a brand new episode for you! In this episode, Courtney sits down for a chat with theater artist, author, and educator Mindy A. Early (Mindy A. Early, Writer). In their conversation, they discuss some intriguing philosophical questions around arts education including: What is it like to bring arts education to a classroom of kids? and How does teaching kids differ from teaching adults, specifically in a professional development setting? These questions lead to other interesting topics and questions such as approaches to trauma-informed teaching and What are safe boundaries for teaching artists and their audience when teaching people who have experienced trauma? We're excited to announce that we've recently partnered with Blick Art Materials. To begin this episode, Teaching Artistry podsquad introduces local Outreach Manager representing the New York City Blick Art Materials sites, and three-dimensional multimedia artist, Pata L

It's National Arts Education Week (September 8-14)! And to celebrate, we've got a brand new episode for you! Courtney sits down for a chat with theater artist, author, and educator Mindy A. Early. In their conversation, they discuss some intriguing philosophical questions around arts education including: What is it like to bring arts education to a classroom of kids? and How does teaching kids differ from teaching adults, specifically in a professional development setting? These questions lead to other interesting topics and questions such as approaches to trauma-informed teaching and What are safe boundaries for teaching artists and their audience when teaching people who have experienced trauma? This one is worth a listen, folx! That's not all! We're excited to announce that we've recently partnered with the Association of Teaching Artists (ATA). At this year's ATA Awards Ceremony, the TA podsquad caught up with attendees, all of them NYC-based artists, arts practitioners and educators, to chat about their

In Episode 21, Act 2: “What It Means About", Courtney continues to channel her passion for politics and art, engaging Oliver Butler, director of Broadway's acclaimed, production of Heidi Schreck's What the Constitution Means to Me, in a conversation about the intersection of the performing arts and activism. It's clear: political complacency leads to political apathy, civic engagement is required to keep progress at the forefront of our democracy, art is activism. In this very politics-forward conversation, Courtney and Oliver discuss the importance of art as a mirror for our society, the overt and visible oppression built into our very patriarchal society and so much more. This poignant conversation digs into the roots of where our divided country stands and how our founding document is, at times, a hindrance to advancing our rights as ever-evolving human beings. Can we fully realize our humanity?

Hi, friends of Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie! We've got a brand new episode for you! "Episode 21: What It Means About, Act 1", which includes a brand new segment titled "Friends of the Podcast" featuring an entertaining conversation with AJ DUNK (spelled *all caps*), is a conversation with Oliver Butler, director of Broadway's acclaimed production of Heidi Schreck's What the Constitution Means to Me. It's clear: political complacency leads to political apathy, civic engagement is required to keep progress at the forefront of our democracy, art is activism. In this very politics-forward conversation, Courtney and Oliver discuss the importance of art as a mirror for our society, the overt and visible oppression built into our very patriarchal society and so much more. This poignant conversation digs into the roots of where our divided country stands and how our founding document is, at times, a hindrance to advancing our rights as ever-evolving human beings. Courtney asks the questions: How can we

We're back with a brand new episode of our podcast, which was recorded LIVE at the 2019 #LCEForum in front of an audience of dedicated artists and educators. In Episode 20, "Story Nurturer", following a delightful and enlightening introduction by LCE’s Alex Sarian, Courtney sits down with indigenous self-proclaimed “interdisciplinary shapeshifting” artist and storyteller, Ty Defoe, of the Ojibwe and Oneida Nations. In this woven tapestry of a conversation, Courtney and Ty navigate through a lot of incredibly fascinating topics including the presence of the arts in Ty’s childhood, indigeneity, colonialism, how we are all connected through and because of art. Courtney also poses the question to the audience, “Are Teaching Artists shapeshifters?” You don’t want to miss this one, folx!

In Episode 19, Act 1: "The Equity Up Rock", Courtney sits down for a fascinating phone chat with 2018 3Arts/RH Awardee, Leida “Lady Sol” Garcia. A Teaching Artist since 2003, Lady Sol decided to transition from the music and dance business nearly two decades ago to become a youth dance educator. In this thoughtful discussion, Courtney and Lady Sol discuss the importance of valuing artistry and those responsible for creating the art we consume, particularly as we live in a world in which reality television programming exploits artists’ talents and offers promises of unattainable, unsustainable dreams. Listen to this amazing chat, "The Equity Up Rock", now!!

In Episode 19, Act 1: "The Equity Up Rock", Courtney sits down for a fascinating phone chat with 2018 3Arts/RH Awardee, Leida “Lady Sol” Garcia. A Teaching Artist since 2003, Lady Sol decided to transition from the music and dance business nearly two decades ago to become a youth dance educator. In this thoughtful discussion, Courtney and Lady Sol discuss the importance of valuing artistry and those responsible for creating the art we consume, particularly as we live in a world in which reality television programming exploits artists’ talents and offers promises of unattainable, unsustainable dreams. Listen to this amazing chat, "The Equity Up Rock", now!!

In Act 2, Courtney continues her phone chat with illustrator/educator Elgin Bokari Smith. 3Arts/Denise & Gary Gardner Awardee (2018), Bokari Smith is the creator of Pocket Con, a free convention for Chicago youth that focuses on highlighting comics and illustration work by artists of color—particularly African American authors and artists—as well as comics with a primary character who is Black. Pocket Con also features work in the comic genre by other underrepresented groups, such as women, Latinx, LGBTQ artists, and artists with disabilities. In their conversation, Courtney and Elgin discuss how arts accessibility for young people of color and lack of opportunity for artists to create quality art and arts programming without proper funding. They also touch on the importance of representation of people of color in illustrated works like comic books.