The Art of Everything Session #3
This morning, I attended session #3 of the “Leadership Conversations” series about “The Art of Everything” which is Dr. Gary Waddell's “innovative approach to leadership leans in on the habits of mind of the artist and doubles down on humility, empathy, and purpose in leadership that matters.” These events are hosted by Create CA, which organizes for arts education advocacy in California. Find notes from session #1 here and the notes from session #2 here.
This session was moderated by Dairrick 'Khalil Bleux' Hodges, an Artist, Activist, and Educator with The SOULcial Workers, in conversation with Cherie Hill, a Choreographer, Dance Educator, and Arts Administrator with Art in Community for Hope Mohr Dance/The Bridge Project, among other roles.
The theme today was all about how grace and humility are essential qualities for leaders who want to enact actual transformative change. The arts allow us to be authentic as leaders (including as teachers) and allow the people in our organization or classroom to fully express themselves.
This theme was modeled by incorporating breakout sessions into the event so everyone had a chance to discuss their ideas and then share back to the larger group in the chat. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with a statewide community of arts educators.
Show Up & Bring It All
marker and crayon on paper, 8” x 10”, 3/19/2021
Alt text: a colorful, scribbly drawing with faces and hand-written text. “Art of Everything Leadership Conversations Session #3” A scribbly sketch of Gary Waddell with words “the arts are about windows into other people’s mindsets” “Systems change from machines to responsive organisms” “Bring an art activity into a space that has ‘nothing to do’ with ART.” “Life gives us lesson in Humility” “Grace & Compassion” scribbly drawing of Khalil Bleux wearing a hoodie that says “Show Up & Bring It ALL” (quoting Cheri Hill, “if we aren’t ready to extend grace, we risk doing harm.” “Ground ourselves in our values.” A sketch of Cherie Hill with “Love” on her chest and the words, “Authentic Self. How do I keep bringing my self in leadership, in classroom, in performance?” “you can’t have equity without humility - know when to be silent and when to be ferocious.” “how can be an example of LOVE today?” “permission to take care of yourself, let your courage shine.”
Small sketches of breakout room buddies, Mina and Amanda, “to not feel afraid” “for students to feel freedom, any opportunity to show what they know” “Hollister - superintendent used testing money for arts education”. Sketch of Collette Alleyne of Inner City Arts - LA, with word “GRACE.”