How To Be Creative

Here is a short, thoughtful take on the creative process...

Words and Movement

This is a great video clip to illustrate how words and movement can go together. A very emotional piece where David Rakoff explains how getting cancer changed his willingness to try new (or old things) things.  Maybe wait till the end to tell them he died of his illness just about a year ago. Maybe more effective on High schoolers:

Sound and Science with Jad Abumrad of Radio Lab

Jad Abumrad, the host of my second favorite radio show, Radio Lab, talks about the sound of failure. Radio Lab uses a tapestry of sound and story to explain interesting science concepts. The hosts and producers are masters at the craft of editing and playing with sound. In this short talk, Abumrad discusses the sound of failure. Besides being another great example of masters reflecting on their process and craft, it does a nice job of demonstrating how sound could be used creatively in the service of illustrating scientific content.

Ira Glass on the Art and Craft of the Story

Ira Glass, host of NPR's This American Life radio program shares his insights on the art and craft of telling a good story. To me, there is nothing greater than hearing someone who has mastered their craft talk about their process. These kinds of deep insights into the creative process are what illuminate the way for ourselves and our students to walk through the unfolding process of creating in any medium or art form.

Arts Integration Pinterest Board

Here is a Pinterest board full of Arts Integration ideas and resources.

Google Art Project

Google Art Project is like Google Earth for Art! Select one of the great museums around the world, move through the museum, select an artwork, and then zoom in so close you can see every last brushstroke.

Each day when you go to the site, you will be presented with a new work of art on your screen. It's a great way to really get lost in a painting, and nice tool for regular, brief "looking" sessions in class.

Art Babble

Art Babble is a web-based video site dedicated to all things art. Search and view videos by artist, or go to the many channels hosted by museums and other arts institutions. There are many great, educational videos here.

Timeline of Art History from the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Helibrunn Timeline of Art History organizes the vast collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York into searchable thematic timelines. Search by time period, geographical region, medium, or thematic essay. View works as a slideshow, or select an individual piece for extensive background information and analysis. A great research tool for both student and teacher.

Art:21 - Art in the Twenty-first Century

Art:21 is a PBS TV program, now in its 6th season.  Each episode features segments on contemporary artists working around a particular theme.

The shows website has video clips from the program, artist bios, artwork galleries, and downloadable educators' guides to all the programs. A special section titled Using Art:21 Media in the Classroom has helpful tips for incorporating the material in your classes.

There is also an Art:21 Blog with up to date information on contemporary art and artists, as well as opportunities for educators to incorporate contemporary art into their curricula. The program also hosts professional development workshops for teachers. The ECA library has several of the Art:21season DVDs and companion books available.

School Transformation Through Arts Integration: Resources and information from Edutopia

By focusing on the shapes and sounds of Balinese musical instruments (above), Bates Middle School students learn about radius and diameter. Test scores show knowledge retention improving; students say they enjoy learning and feel connected socially. Credit: Zachary Fink

Edutopia is an educational resource network developed by the George Lucas Educational Foundation. In their School Transformation Through Arts Integration section, they have many resources, articles, videos, and lesson plans from Bates Middle School - an Arts Integration model school in Maryland. 

Science Resources from the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago has a website dedicated to the links between science and art. The site is a little dated, but there are lecture videos and lesson ideas here worth checking out.

ArtsEdge

ArtsEdge, from The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, is one of the leading Arts Integration resources. The online network is full of lessons, guides, and more.

Mural / Community Public Art Guide

The Community Public Art Guide, from the Chicago Public Art Group is a great resource for your large-scale group or community projects. It offers tips, lists, and guides for creating murals, mosaics, sculptures, and public spaces.

Art Lesson Ideas from Contemporary Artists

Hey, they stole my "Open Studio" trademark, but that's ok, because this looks like a cool resource from the Getty for thoughtful, truly contemporary perspectives on teaching art today.

Open Studio aims to make contemporary arts education accessible to teachers and classrooms across the nation and around the world. Mark Bradford explains his inspiration for the project: