Practice What You Teach | Michael Bell on K12ArtChat

In this special featured episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, nationally recognized arts educator Michael Bell joins Laura and Matt Grundler on K12ArtChat, the nationally distributed arts education podcast published by Davis Publications.

Together, they explore creativity, visual journaling, artistic identity, leadership, and the importance of remaining an active artist while serving others. From process over product and authentic storytelling to arts advocacy and lifelong learning, this conversation examines why creativity matters now more than ever—for educators, artists, and anyone seeking to reconnect with their creative voice.

Originally aired as Episode 255 of K12ArtChat and now featured on ArtScene | The Podcast.

#K12ArtChat #ArtScenePodcast #VisualJournaling #ArtsEducation #Creativity #ArtsLeadership #ArtistLife #DavisPublications #PracticeWhatYouTeach

In one of the most emotional and inspiring episodes of ArtScene | The Podcast to date, Michael Bell welcomes Queen Anne’s County Public Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year Alice Tickler into Bell's Cannon Street ArtStudio for a deeply personal conversation about literacy, humanity, grief, and the transformative power of helping children believe in themselves.

A National Board Certified Teacher, LETRS facilitator, and state-level literacy leader, Tickler shares how her journey as both a mother and educator reshaped the way she approaches reading instruction, advocacy, and connection. What began with watching her own son Jake struggle with literacy became a lifelong mission to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and capable of success.

Together, Bell and Tickler explore the idea that literacy may be one of the very first artforms children ever experience — rooted in storytelling, imagination, identity, and voice.

The conversation dives into:
• The Science of Reading and structured literacy• Creativity inside literacy instruction• Teaching multilingual learners through connection and empathy• The emotional realities children quietly carry• How grief and personal tragedy has transformed the way Tickler sees students, how her son Jake inspired her and how the children she teaches continue to inspire her every day• Why relationships matter just as much as curriculum• The power of helping children rewrite the stories they believe about themselves, and the power of communities

Filmed inside Bell’s Cannon Street Studio and joined by QACTV, this episode is a reminder that teaching is never just about academics.

In Jake's memory and honor, this episode is about inspiring all of us to do all the "Little" things.

Because at its best, teaching is art.

For more on Michael Bell and his art visit https://mbellart.com

To view a recent video from QAC-TV on Bell's new Cannon Street Studio visit: https://youtu.be/_h1Kf-q8E3M?si=pW86JZwmldPNOqdh

Step inside one of the Eastern Shore’s most powerful celebrations of student creativity.

In this special 45-minute episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, recorded LIVE at TPAC at the 4th Annual Eastern Shore Arts Festival at Chesapeake College, host Michael Bell captures the energy, emotion, and artistry that defined the day. From award-winning senior visual artists to dynamic performances and professional dancers and guest teaching artists from the Carole Cascio Fund, this episode brings you behind the scenes of a festival that continues to grow as a regional force in arts education.

Hear directly from student artists, dancers, and featured professionals as they reflect on their work, their process, and what it means to share their voice with a live audience. This episode highlights the impact of authentic artistic experiences—where risk-taking, collaboration, and expression come together in real time.

Featuring conversations connected to:

• The 3rd Annual Senior Show and student award winners
• Guest artist Yoav Kaddar (West Virginia University)
• The Carole Cascio Fund’s work connecting students with professional artists
• A growing partnership between Dr. Robert Thompson, Director of TPAC at Chesapeake College and Queen Anne’s County Public Schools

This isn’t just a recap—it’s a window into what happens when students are given the space, support, and stage to create something meaningful.

🎙️ "Because the most important job of any artist… is to draw a line from their life to their art". - Michael Bell