What happens when the art of hospitality meets the art of storytelling?

In this episode of ArtScene | the Podcast, Michael Bell sits down with Hilari and Dave Rinehart, owners of Brampton 1860, a historic 35-acre estate just outside Chestertown, Maryland, to talk about entrepreneurship, memory, hospitality, and the kinds of experiences people carry with them long after they leave.

The conversation also introduces a new partnership between Brampton 1860 and Bell’s Cannon Street Art Studio, where Brampton guests can now book three private artist-led experiences:

Love Letters — an intimate couples experience using writing, visual journaling, and shared artmaking to reconnect with memory, conversation, and one another.

Drawing the Line — a deeply personal visual journaling experience exploring identity, memory, place, and the invisible lines connecting the chapters of a life.

Saints & Sinners — a playful collaborative art experience for small groups combining music, movement, blindfolds, and abstract artmaking inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins.

And in one of the episode’s most unexpected moments, Hilari and Dave agree to try the opening of Love Letters on the spot. Given two completely different prompts and writing privately without knowing what the other has been asked, they both independently return to the same early moment in their relationship.

As Bell reflects during the episode, these experiences aren’t really about learning to draw.

They’re about seeing.

Seeing another person again. Seeing your own story differently. And creating something meaningful enough to stay with you.

Because maybe your next masterpiece doesn’t hang on a wall.

Maybe it’s a conversation.

Learn more about Brampton 1860 and the new experiences at bramptoninn.com and MBELLART.com.

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

What does it take to go from the classroom… to a national stage? In this special live video episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, recorded on location at Kent Island High School in partnership with QAC-TV, host Michael Bell sits down with 2026 National Art Education Association Rising Star Award recipient Olivia Valenti—a senior, artist, and leader whose journey represents the very best of arts education.

Fresh off the national stage in Chicago, Olivia reflects on the moment she was recognized in front of art educators from across the country—and the years of dedication, discipline, and purpose that led her there.

Joining her is her teacher, Andrea Schulte, Visual Arts Department Chair at KIHS and a nationally recognized educator whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Together, they explore the power of mentorship, the importance of student voice, and what it really means to build a program rooted in connection, opportunity, and excellence.

The episode also features senior National Art Honor Society (NAHS) student leaders:
Grace Hartlove (Vice President), Madison Gorski (Treasurer), and Lindsey Smoot (Secretary), who share their perspectives on leadership, collaboration, and the culture that defines the KIHS art program.

This conversation goes beyond awards and accolades—it’s about the process behind the moment.

Because as always—the work is just the surface… it’s what’s underneath that people feel.

🎨 Experience it for yourself at ArtScene:📍 Queen Anne’s County High School – April 28 (5–8 PM)📍 Kent Island High School – April 30 (5–8 PM)
Free and open to the public

On Host Michael Bell:Outside of his work with QACPS, Michael will be opening a private working art studio in Chestertown, MD this spring—continuing his work as an artist through public workshops and studio intensives under MBELLART Productions, LLC.
🎥 Preview the space here: [YouTube Short]

By Appointment Only.

info@mbellart.com

Drawing Confidence Through Creativity — A Conversation with Amanda Idleman

In the March 1st episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, host Michael Bell sits down with Amanda Idleman, Library Media Specialist at Church Hill Elementary School, to explore how creativity, kindness, and connection shape today’s school library spaces.

From being inspired by her own kindergarten teacher to unexpectedly discovering her passion for Media Center education, Amanda shares how arts integration, storytelling, and safe creative environments help students build confidence and identity. The conversation dives into her work creating student murals, watercolor exploration spaces, and affirmation-based routines that help children feel seen and valued.

Amanda also reflects on her personal journey — navigating life after collegiate athletics, overcoming anxiety and perfectionism, pursuing her Master’s in Teaching Leadership, and dreaming of writing a children’s book that encourages resilience and kindness.

This episode is about more than libraries — it’s about belonging, creativity, and the educators quietly shaping the next generation, so tune in!

In this February 1st episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, host Michael Bell sits down with veteran art educator Garnette Hines to explore creativity, reinvention, and why “the journey is the destination.” With 25 years in art education—including 17 years in Interactive Media and a powerful shift into elementary art—Garnette reflects on process over product, building community partnerships, and the joy found in helping students discover their creative voice. This episode will resonate with art teachers, arts leaders, and educators across Maryland, NAEA, and beyond who believe that growth, reflection, and joy are at the heart of meaningful arts education.

Ring in the New Year with a special Best Of ArtScene | The Podcast episode—one year in rewind.

Hosted by NAEA National Supervisor of the Year Michael Bell, this highlights episode features standout moments from throughout the year, beginning with a statewide Maryland Art Education panel conversation with Bell and fellow National Supervisors of the Year, followed by inspiring segments with QACPS educators and statewide arts leaders across music, visual art, and dance.

Featured voices include Windy Broadwater, Allison Dorsey, Gabby Pfeifer, Erika Beyer, Bayrex Hernandez, Heather Efland, and Peter Pucci of the Carole Cascio Fund for Mind Movement Dance Connections.

Happy New Year—and thank you for being part of the ArtScene community. Enjoy this special one-year Best Of rewind.