Close out the first semester with Kami as she chats with Chris Taylor, TAA Visual Art facilitator, about the real magic that happens in arts education classes every day in this episode - "Making Magic On Purpose: How the Arts Make a Lasting Impact." It's a great listen as you recharge and set intention for the second half of the school year!

Christopher Taylor was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and now lives in Nashville, where he teaches art at Fall-Hamilton Elementary School. Although he did not initially set out to become an art educator, his early work as a teaching assistant in special-education classrooms shaped his approach to teaching and affirmed his belief in art as a vehicle for change, growth, and self-expression. Taylor previously taught in Memphis-Shelby County Schools before joining Metro Nashville Public Schools, where he now works with elementary students, guiding them through a wide range of artistic mediums while encouraging them to tell their own stories through their work. An experimental artist, Taylor’s personal practice spans everything from cartooning to weaving on canvas. He describes his work as “conversation starters,” beginning with his own perspective and inviting others to contribute their thoughts. Drawing inspiration from everyday life and his experiences in the classroom, Taylor is passionate about sharing his love for artistic exploration and helping students see new possibilities through art.