Allison Dorsey teaches art to PreK through 2nd grade students at Kent Island Elementary School—but her story starts in a D.C. cubicle, designing infographics for the federal government. In this joyful episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, Allison shares what pulled her into teaching, how she uses play, picture books, and positive affirmations to inspire her youngest learners, and why embracing imperfection has been a breakthrough in both her personal and professional life.

We talk about art as an act of encouragement, the power of movement and joy, and how creativity—much like her rec soccer games and passion for playing pickleball—is all about showing up, staying present, and having fun.

“Allison has this rare gift of making everyone—students, colleagues, even her own kids—feel encouraged and capable of creating something meaningful,” says host Michael Bell. “Her story is full of honesty, humor, and she’s all heart.”

Don’t miss this episode with one of the most grounded and passionate voices in elementary arts education.

Be sure to Subscribe, share this podcast widely, and give us a 5 star rating on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

In this 15-minute bonus episode, Michael Bell and David Modler take listeners behind the scenes of their most memorable national workshops—from the spontaneity and joy of TASK to the deep trust built through Collaboration Art Mixed-Media Abstract workshops and iconic “We Will Draw With Anyone About Anything” speed-date style sessions.

They also reflect on the life-changing energy of NAEA Conventions—how attending can light a creative fire for students and teachers alike. This is an honest, uplifting conversation about saying yes when opportunity knocks, and how your art, your story, and even your art education degree can become a passport—taking you to new cities, new countries, and into new creative communities that change you forever.

Don't miss this inspiring extension of their full episode.

Join host Michael Bell in a compelling conversation with David Modler, co-founder of the Journal Fodder Junkies, Professor of Art at Shepherd University, and a pivotal figure in championing the visual journaling movement with Bell. Explore David's artistic journey, the transformative role of play in creativity, and the profound connections formed through collaborative art-making. Delve into stories of mentorship, his connection to the legacy of Dan Eldon, and innovative educational initiatives he's helped cultivate in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.

BONUS: Rewind an inspiring video podcast recorded LIVE from the 2024 NAEA National Convention in Minneapolis, MN that goes behind the scenes on national workshops focused on visual journaling and collaboration art.

Plus, stay tuned for a bonus 15-minute segment releasing on April 15, 2025, where the conversation with David continues, offering deeper insights into the evolving world of visual journaling in art education.

In this inspiring episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, host Michael Bell sits down with Windy Broadwater, a dedicated music educator shaping young musicians in Queen Anne’s County for over 21 years. Windy shares her journey—from creating the first-ever 4th grade band program at Sudlersville Elementary School to leading students in performances at Orioles and Shorebirds games, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and beyond.

But her path hasn’t been without challenges. Windy opens up about her battle with bacterial meningitis, the loss of both parents at a young age, and how these experiences have fueled her passion for teaching. Through it all, she remains committed to supporting her students, ensuring they have the same encouragement she once received.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilience, mentorship, and the life-changing role of music in education.

ArtScene | The Podcast continues its spotlight on Supervisors during January with Episode 31, dropping on January 31st featuring Dr. Darren Guido, Supervisor of Instruction for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools.

Dr. Guido shares how he has shaped programs in social studies, world languages, service-learning, multilingual learners, and migrant education, drawing from over 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and supervisor. A nationally recognized leader, he was named the 2022 Mel Miller Outstanding Social Studies Leader and has been honored for his innovative work in education, including multiple Superstars in Education awards.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Guido opens up about the resilience instilled by his mother’s mantra, “It’s only temporary,” during challenging times in his youth. He also shares his passion for creativity, including his budding voice acting career and experiences in community theater.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode about leadership, equity, and the power of education to uplift students, teachers, and communities alike!

ArtScene | The Podcast continues its spotlight on Supervisors during January with Episode 30, featuring Adam Tolley, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools.

Tolley’s leadership has earned him two Governor’s Citations for his groundbreaking work, including the creation of career coaching positions and career centers at both high schools. These initiatives, coupled with his partnerships with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, QAC Economic & Tourism Development, Upper Shore Regional Council and the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, have revolutionized CTE in Queen Anne’s County, addressing the growing demand for skilled trades professionals.

A lifelong firefighter and community leader, Tolley also reflects on his family’s inspiring legacy of service—his wife and daughter as passionate educators, his son’s journey from firefighting to becoming a Marine, and his daughter’s dedication to Special Education sparked by her work with students on the Autism spectrum.

Don’t miss this heartfelt episode about visionary leadership, creative collaboration, and the power of education to change lives!

Ring in the New Year with a heartfelt January 1st episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, as we sit down with Bridget Passyn, Supervisor of Reading and English Language Arts (grades 3-12) in Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. Bridget shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a family of educators to becoming a passionate advocate for literacy and instructional coaching.

Hear how her love of books and teaching was shaped by her Irish heritage and the influence of her late father, a man whose storytelling and wit left a lasting legacy. Bridget also opens up about one of her proudest moments—helping a struggling student find his path to success, culminating in a law school graduation and a powerful message of gratitude.

Also announced is a collaboration between Bridget Passyn and Michael Bell on the Upper Shore Literacy Chapter Bookmark Art Contest, blending literacy and art to spark student creativity, and her commitment to making contemporary, diverse books accessible to all students.

Bridget’s story is a reminder of the incredible impact educators can have, one student, one story, and one collaboration at a time. Tune in for an episode filled with passion, perseverance, and inspiration!

In this special live Episode 28 of ArtScene | the Podcast, host Michael Bell interviews participating artists from the 3rd annual True Colors Mental Health Awareness Art Show at the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College. This live broadcast highlights outstanding community artists and student artists from Kent Island High School as they share their personal stories, creative processes, and the impact of their work, including a special interview with Holly Ireland, the Executive Director of Crossroads Community, Inc.

True Colors is a collaboration between Crossroads Community, Inc. and Corsica River Mental Health Services, Inc., held from October 8-12, 2024, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. Artists of all ages contributed works across various mediums, including paintings, photography, digital art, and poetry, all aimed at raising awareness about mental health.

BONUS CONTENT:
View a 6 minute video showcasing the awards presentation from the final minutes of the podcast.

Special thanks to Holly Ireland, Executive Director of Crossroads Community Behavioral Health Recovery and Corsica River; Deanna Lewis, Youth & Young Adult Community Recovery Program Coordinator; Kyle Willey, Executive Communications Specialist; Rob Thompson of Chesapeake College; Andrea Schulte, Art Department Chair at KIHS, the exceptional art teachers at KIHS, and their participating student artists!

This is their art, and these are their stories—LIVE from the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College in Maryland.

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