In art education, we talk a lot about these things called “artistic habits of mind,” which are the types of thinking and actions that educators aim for their students to learn, develop and hone while they are making art. There are many different lists and conceptualizations of these habits of mind, but the core tenets of all mentions of artistic habits of mind generally include: the ability to distinctly express ourselves, develop craft (learning and strengthening tangible skills), engage and persist in the creative process (being flexible, exploratory and innovative when things do not initially work out), astute observation and sensory processing, a thirst for inquiry and a more well rounded understanding of the culture at large.
The blueprint for art education has expanded to include what is referred to as “understanding art worlds,” which is a broad term, which basically means that students should be introduced to a variety of discipline specific discourses and professional opportunities. This includes areas of the visual arts such as arts administration, museology, art history, art consultancy and curation.
Joining me on the latest episode of the Artfully Learning Audio Series is Audra Lambert, who wears many hats within the contemporary art world. She has experience as an arts administrator, arts writer, independent curator, and artist’s coach. Audra has organized exhibitions at the Yeshiva University Museum, Radiator Gallery, Arsenale Gallery and Fountain House Gallery, among other notable arts and cultural venues. Most importantly she’s a facilitator of arts projects within diverse communities and provides compassionate care in her work supporting artists at all stages of their careers.
In this episode, Audra and I discuss her multifaceted interests, expertise, and experiences within the contemporary art scene. I hope that this episode will be informative and inspiring to anyone who wants to learn more about the intricacies of the visual arts field and get some valuable insight into the various types of extended art education and professional development outside of traditional art schools and institutions.
This episode is now available on the Artfully Learning YouTube channel (please be sure to subscribe so you get notified about future episodes!).
You can also listen to it below:
Artfully Learning 
Excellent presentation. While I am not an art educator, this podcast feels like a Master Class. It is worth watching more than once. Thanks for the depth and breadth of content both you and Audra shared.
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Thank you so much! Comments like yours are what makes this whole passion project worthwhile. I’m glad you’re finding the content informative and I really appreciate your taking the time to watch/listen and to engage with me in artful discussions!
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You’re welcome and thanks for generously sharing your insights. My father was well into an art history PhD when he had his ah-ha moment, or as he explained it “What am I going to do – open an Art History store?” He pivoted after completing his master’s. My mother was a life-long art educator at the college-level, though, and simply listening to your podcast episode added a lot of texture to my understanding of her career. Me? I couldn’t draw or paint my way out of a paper bag if my life depended on it. So thanks again.
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