About the Author

Matt Christenson

Hello! My name is Matt Christenson, and I’ve been teaching visual arts and mural design for over ten years at City Arts and Technology High School in San Francisco, California. The majority of the amazing students I work with are living in impoverished conditions and are overcoming traumatic circumstances. My classes promote engaging curriculum, independent learning, open-ended problem solving, communicating with an audience, as well as an inclusive culture of collaboration. I have led over thirty mural projects with students and adults on the walls of our school and at numerous other neighborhood locations.

Outside of school, I can often be found walking my dog along the Pacific Ocean, disc golfing, hiking, reading, painting, riding my bike, and running around Northern California.

I’m really excited to join AOE and hope to stimulate artist teacher ideas, interests, and discussions!

Posts by Matt

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Article

The Power of Art to Heal Trauma

Art is the academic subject that can best heal trauma. Whether students are suffering on an individual or collective level,...
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community working on mural
Article

What to Tell Parents Who Say Art Doesn’t Matter

Have you ever come across a parent who tries to belittle art? Perhaps it’s in the middle of a parent-teacher...
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Article

Essential Steps to Turn Art One Students Into Artists

What is the purpose of Art One? You’ve heard some arguments before: to learn elements and principles, encourage passion for...
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Article

Using Color Theory to Deconstruct Race: Part Two

This article is part two of a two-part series on using color theory to deconstruct race. Click here to read...
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Article

Using Color Theory to Deconstruct Race: Part One

This article is part one of a two-part series on using color theory to deconstruct race. Part two can be...
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Article

A Fantastic Finish: The Independent Final Project

As the end of the year, or even the semester approaches, thoughts often turn to final projects. But what is...
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Article

The 7 Key Components of Powerful Artist Statements

Coaching students to write artist statements is important for several reasons. No matter what the next steps in life may...
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Article

How to Stay Sane When You Organize Digital Files

Our computers house a ton of files. Sometimes we snag a stunning image online that we want to analyze later...
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Article

Why Artist Educators Should Be School Leaders

Artist educators are natural leaders. We thrive on creativity, work ethic, and making big things happen. It is essential that...
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gallery walk set up
Article

Why Your Next Critique Should Be a Gallery Walk

Have you ever held a critique and noticed some students receive no feedback? Are you looking for a way every...
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drawing of a broken bike titled "my day so far"
Article

How to Introduce Symbolism in the Form of a Game

The use of symbolism can transform student art. Understanding and being able to use symbolic imagery and visual metaphors empowers...
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question of the day
Article

How to Get Students Seated and Settled

As teachers, we’ve all had classes enter the art room totally out of whack. The bell has rung, but students...
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