Explore creative community transformation with teaching artist Jeff Mather as he shares stories of art, collaboration, and social change in education.

Jeff Mather's work as a teaching artist and public art digital storytelling alchemist underscores the vital role of art in fostering community resilience and engagement. The conversation with Bill Cleveland reveals how, despite the challenges posed by recent global events, Mather remains optimistic about the transformative potential of creative collaborations. By reflecting on his experiences in various educational and community settings, he illustrates how art can bridge divides, empower youth, and reinvigorate spaces that have been overlooked or abandoned. His dedication to involving students in the artistic process not only cultivates their creativity but also instills a sense of agency and responsibility for their environment.

The episode captures the essence of Mather's philosophy: art is not merely an aesthetic endeavor but a powerful tool for social change. Mather recounts the impactful project in West Baltimore, where he worked with local youth to design and install an environmental sculpture in a park that had long been neglected. This initiative not only beautified the area but also engaged the community in a dialogue about safety, ownership, and the importance of reclaiming shared spaces. Mather's insights into the dynamics of teaching and collaboration highlight the necessity of recognizing and valuing each participant's unique contributions, which ultimately enriches the artistic outcome.

Furthermore, the discussion delves into the challenges and rewards of community-based art practices, particularly in relation to trust-building and navigating complex social landscapes. Mather emphasizes the importance of entering communities with humility and a willingness to learn, rather than imposing external solutions. His experiences with Alternate Roots showcase the power of grassroots movements in advocating for social and economic justice through art. As the episode unfolds, it becomes evident that Mather's work embodies a vision of art as a communal endeavor—one that celebrates diversity, fosters connection, and cultivates a shared sense of purpose in navigating the challenges of our times.

Key Moments

00:18 The Turning Point: Reflections on Change and Future Challenges

00:35 Reflections on Creative Change Agents

13:59 Alternate ROOTS and Community Engagement

22:55 The Impact of Community Engagement in Public Art

31:14 Engaging with Community Through Art

40:03 The Impact of Art and Community

BIO

Jeff is a community-based public artist and teaching artist in Georgia, (and South Carolina and Massachusetts and Utah), for over 30 years. He is the STEAM artist-in-residence at Drew Charter School 45 days each semester/90 days each year and has presented on his partnership work there at national and international conferences. He was a delegate and presenter at the 1st International Teaching Artist Conference in Olso in 2012 and at the ITAC3 in Edinburgh and at ITAC6 in Oslo. He is an ITAC Innovator, leading Think Tank webinars. He has been on the Georgia Council for the Arts registry of visiting artists since 1992. He has a BA degree in Proxemics from Hobart College. He served as president of the Atlanta Partnership for Arts in Learning, an arts infusion non-profit that he helped to co-found in 2001. He toured a program for nine years with a choreographer - and also a storytelling program with a master storyteller. Jeff has facilitated Learning Exchanges for teaching artists for Alternate ROOTS and for the Community Built Association. Jeff is also the lead artist for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Access Program in northern Utah and runs interdisciplinary residencies there twice a year. He directed several experimental theater productions at the Center for Puppetry Arts and served as artist-in-residence for the Atlanta Symphony and the High Museum. He is best known for coaching large scale environmental sculpture projects. As a STEAM Artist-in-Residence he’s co-taught robotics, geometry, math, science, engineering, music, dance, and digital media.

Notable Mentions

Individuals

1. Bill Cleveland – Host of the podcast episode.
2. Jeff Mather – Teaching artist and public artist, guest of the episode.
3. Eric Booth – Mentioned by Jeff as an influence in teaching artistry. (See CSCW EP 67)
4. Ed Mack – Sculpture teacher at Jeff's high school in Wilton, Connecticut.
5. Anne and Patrick Poirier – French conceptual artists Jeff worked with in New York City.
6. Alice Lovelace – Key figure in Alternate ROOTS and seminal figure in the US community arts movement. (See CS/CW Episode 76)
7. Bob Leonard – Key figure in Alternate ROOTS. (See CS/CW Episode 22)
8. Normando Ismay  Key figure in Alternate ROOTS.  (See CS/CW Episode 89)
9. Elise Witt – Key figure in Alternate ROOTS.  (See CS/CW Episode 46)
10. Liz Lerman – Key figure in Alternate ROOTS.  (See CS/CW Episode 63)
11. Ashley Milburn – From Culture Works in West Baltimore.
12. Denise Johnson – From Culture Works in West Baltimore.
13. Kenny Clemens – Young artist mentored by Jeff in Baltimore.
14. Carlton Turner – Former Executive director of Alternate ROOTS worked with Jeff Mather with the Hidden Stream project.
15. Lily Yeh – Artist known for her work in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood.
16. Tom Dunn – Former public defender and teacher who partnered with Jeff on a digital storytelling project.
17. Joe Lambert –Is the founder of the Story Center. He and his colleagues have trained thousands of story makers and teaching artists in digital storytelling.
18. Paula Lark (Mama Paula) – Drummer, bass player, and storyteller who worked with Jeff on a classroom project.
19. Marquetta Johnson – Textile artist and frequent collaborator with Jeff in Utah.
20. Renee Fleming – Singer and author of Music and Mind.

Organizations

1. Center for the Study of Art and Community – Producer of the podcast "Change the Story, Change the World."
2. Alternate ROOTS – A cultural organization based in the Southern USA focused on social and economic justice.
3. Drew Charter School – A public school in Atlanta with a maker school model where Jeff worked.
4. Georgia Council for the Arts – Supported Jeff’s teaching artist residency.
5. NAEA (National Art Education Association) – Organization where Jeff presented.
6. Culture Works – Organization in West Baltimore, led by Ashley Milburn and Denise Johnson.
7. Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) – Known for its community arts program.
8. International Teaching Artist Collaborative (ITAC) – Provided a grant to Jeff for a project on Tybee Island.
9. High Museum in Atlanta – Produced a documentary on Marquetta Johnson.

Events and Projects</