What would it look like if business students regularly evaluated works of art to complement their critical analysis of business plans? Or if budding mathematicians and scientists learned about satellite design through the folds of origami? In this episode, Dan Baum interviews Laura Pasquini, program navigator for Visual Arts and Humanities at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), to explore the concept of arts integration. She shares her insights into how the fusion of art with other subjects, such as math and science, can unlock critical thinking, creativity and empathy in students. Learn about the transformative impact of art on students, the distinction between art and creativity, and how art fosters unique problem-solving skills.
Pasquini highlights her work with faculty members across the college to integrate arts into diverse fields like business, anthropology and STEM, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and creativity in education. Tune in as she sheds light on the growing movement to turn STEM into STEAM, creating a more holistic and engaging learning experience for students. Whether you're an educator, artist or just curious about the future of education, this episode will challenge your perspective on the game-changing role of creativity in learning.
Laura Pasquini is an artist, educator and visual arts success coach based near Annapolis. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in art history and theory from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and a Master of Arts in teaching along with a certificate in drawing and painting from the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at George Washington University. She has traveled extensively to her father’s homeland of Italy, immersing herself in the artistic heritage of Florence and Venice, where she interned at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
With over 25 years of experience in art and museum education, Pasquini has served in significant roles, including director of Community Outreach and Youth & Family programs at the former Corcoran Gallery of Art. She has also worked with the National Gallery of Art’s Art Around the Corner Program and currently holds the position of Visual Arts program navigator at Anne Arundel Community College. Dedicated to making high-quality art education accessible, Pasquini is passionate about the transformative power of art in people's lives. She enjoys coaching and teaching students, guiding them to discover their creativity and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.