This professional learning course will equip K-12 art educators with fresh, studio driven strategies that move beyond step-by-step projects and into more engaging, student-centered experiences. Teachers will design four flexible "Art Labs” that emphasize student voice, creative risk taking, and contemporary artmaking approaches.
Through experiences like "Constraint = Creativity,” where limitations spark inventive problem solving, and "Push the Medium,” which encourages experimental use of materials, participants will develop activities that feel dynamic and relevant to today's learners. The "Concept Lab” will guide students to prioritize idea development and personal meaning, while the "Critique Lab” introduces accessible, structured ways for students to reflect, discuss, and think critically about their work. By implementing these short, studio style investigations, teachers will create classrooms that feel more like active creative spaces where students are empowered to explore, take risks, and develop their artistic voice.
Assignment 1: Studio Starter Lab: "Constraint = Creativity”
Assignment 2: Material Investigation Lab: "Push the Medium”
Assignment 3: Concept Lab: "Idea First, Product Second”
Assignment 4: Critique & Reflection Lab "Talk Like an Artist”
Level: Planning for Continuous Improvement
FORMAT: Asynchronous online learning
DATES: 1/18/27 - 3/1/27
FACILITATOR: Kristine Monahan, City School District of Albany, Art teacher
GCRTC CONTACT: Denise Lutter, Ed.D., GCRTC Teacher Leadership Coach for Visual and Performing Arts
FEE: None. Registration is required.
CTLE HOURS: 15
REGISTRATION: https://tinyurl.com/3yrrvwfa