Kantawala, Ami (ak974)

Ami Kantawala

Adjunct Associate Professor
212-678-3419

Office Location:

525 West 120th Street

Educational Background

Ed.D. in Art & Art Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. Title of Dissertation: Re-Framing the Past: Re-Making Invisible Histories of Nineteenth Century Pedagogies of Drawing and Re-membering Art Educators in Colonial India (2007)   

Ed.M. in Art & Art Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York.
Title of Thesis: Colonial Connections Postcolonial Disconnections: Towards a Reconciliation of Indian Art Education (2003)

B.F.A (Metal Craft) Sir.J.J.School of Art, Bombay, India. (1997)

B.F.A (Painting) Sir.J.J.School of Art, Bombay, India. (1994)

Scholarly Interests

My scholarly interests are grounded in critical historical research and broad ranging methodologies. Content and methods investigated include histories of art education, women’s histories, biographical research in art education, post-colonial studies, international histories, traditional and emerging research methods, and the role of using theory in history, cultural studies, mentoring and leadership in art education.

Selected Publications

An important direction of my research and scholarship is the blending of historical content interests and the communities of inquiry these engage. As a result, my scholarship features many co-authored publications and conference presentations. In addition, I have taken on leadership and editorial roles to ensure the results of these inquiries reach diverse audiences. For the purpose of the CV and consistency my last name is listed first, and the listings are in chronological order.

BOOKS

Kantawala, A. & Bolin, P. (Eds.). (2017). Revitalizing history: Recognizing the struggles, lives and achievements of African American and women art educators. Wilmington, DE: Vernon Press ( https://vernonpress.com/title.php?id=130#.WdaM-EpSxZo). (Chapters in this text were a result of Brushes with History Conference held at TC in Fall 2015)

Book Reviews: Revitalizing History

Kitzmiller, E. (2018). Book Review: Revitalizing history: Recognizing the struggles, lives,and achievements of African American and women art educators. History of Education Quarterly, 58 (4), 595-596.

Staikidis, K.  (2018). Media review: Revitalizing history: Recognizing the struggles, lives,and achievements of African American and women art educators.  Studies in Art Education, 59(2), 159-163.

Book Manuscript in Progress

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P. & Stankiewicz, M.A. (Projected: 2019-20). Stepping stones: A history of art education. Publisher: Currently the proposal is under review with Teachers College Press, New York, NY.

JOURNAL EDITORSHIP

Associate Editor (2019-2020): Art Education

Senior Editor (2020-2023): Art Education

Past Editor (2023-24): Art Education

Art Education is the official journal of the National Art Education Association.Art Education covers a diverse range of topics of professional interest to art educators and anyone whose interest is quality visual arts education.It is published bi-monthly in full color, and each issue features an Instructional Resource article, making Art Education a significant addition to every teacher’s reference library.

https://www.arteducators.org/research/art-education-journal

GUEST EDITORSHIP: REFEREED JOURNAL SPECIAL ISSUES

Kantawala, A. & Hafeli, M. (Eds.). (2016). Special Issue: Mentorship to intellectual partnership: Co-authoring and dialogic production through co-construction of research. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 5 (3).

Kantawala, A. & Bolin, P. (Eds.). (2016). Special Issue: Brushes with history: Imagination and innovation in art education history. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 5(2).

Kantawala, A. & Rolling, J. (Eds.). (2014). Special Issue: Insightful and creative leadership within arts education: History, challenges, opportunities, and practices. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 3(3).

Kantawala, A., Daichendt, J., Funk, C. & Holt, A. (Eds.). (2013). Special Issue: Critical re-framing of art education histories. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 2(3).

ARTICLES IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Kantawala, A. (2019). Commentary: Your reading of Mabel D’Amico: A missed opportunity. Studies in Art Education, 60(1), 80-85.

Kantawala, A. (2017). Mabel D'amico (1909-1998): Reminiscences from the past. Studies in Art Education, 58(2), 141-154.

Kantawala, A. & Daichendt, J. (2016). George Wallis (1811–1891) and Ernest Beinfeld Havell (1861– 1934): Juxtaposing Historical Perspectives on Nineteenth-Century Drawing Books in England and India. International Journal of Education through Art, 36(1), 71-81.

Kantawala, A. (2012). Art education in colonial India: Implementation and imposition. Studies in Art Education, 53 (3), 208-223.

Kantawala, A., Hochtritt, L., Rolling, J., Serig, D., Staikidis, K. (2009). Establishing collaboration endeavors across generations: The mentor and the apprentice. Visual Arts Research Journal, 35 (2), 40-50.

EDITORIALS IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Kantawala, A. & Hafeli, M. (2016). Editorial: Mentorship to intellectual partnership: Co-authoring and dialogic production through co-construction of research. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 5 (3), 243-245.

Kantawala, A. & Bolin, P. (2016). Editorial: Brushes with history. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 5 (2), 129-132.

Kantawala, A. & Rolling, J. (2014). Editorial: A ‘gathering’ of sorts: Opening up space for a conversation on creative leadership for and in the arts. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 3 (3), 227-232.

Kantawala, A., Daichendt, J., Funk, C. & Holt, A. (2013). Editorial: Critical re-framing of art education histories. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 2 (3), 197-200.

CONFERENCE REVIEWS IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Kantawala, A. (2013). NAEA 2011 Conference review, Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 2 (2), 185-188.

Kantawala, A. (2012). NAEA 2011 Conference review, Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 1 (1), 81-83.

ARTICLES IN PROGRESS FOR PUBLICATION IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Kantawala, A. (TBD). Mabel D’Amico (1909-1998): Pedagogical practices. Will be submitted: Studies in Art Education (Research in progress).

Kantawala, A. (TBD). International histories of art and design education: A theoretical lens. In process of being submitted to: History of Education Quarterly.

Kantawala, A. (TBD). The Great Exhibition of 1851: A stepping stone for international art education history(s)? (Journal: TBD).

Kantawala, A., Black, R., Dranchak, J., Justice, S., Smith, T. (TBD). Mentoring in asynchronous online spaces: Conversations in a shifting paradigm. (Journal: TBD).

Kantawala, A. (TBD). Extraordinary in the ordinary: The storied lives of historical female art educators (Journal: TBD).


An important direction of my research and scholarship is the blending of historical content interests and the communities of inquiry these engage. As a result, my scholarship features many co-authored publications and conference presentations. In addition, I have taken on leadership and editorial roles to ensure the results of these inquiries reach diverse audiences. For the purpose of the CV and consistency my last name is listed first, and the listings are in chronological order.

BOOKS

Kantawala, A. & Bolin, P. (Eds.). (2017). Revitalizing history: Recognizing the struggles, lives and achievements of African American and women art educators. Wilmington, DE: Vernon Press ( https://vernonpress.com/title.php?id=130#.WdaM-EpSxZo). (Chapters in this text were a result of Brushes with History Conference held at TC in Fall 2015)

Book Reviews: Revitalizing History

Kitzmiller, E. (2018). Book Review: Revitalizing history: Recognizing the struggles, lives,

and achievements of African American and women art educators. History of Education Quarterly, 58 (4), 595-596.

Staikidis, K.  (2018). Media review: Revitalizing history: Recognizing the struggles, lives,

and achievements of African American and women art educators.  Studies in Art Education, 59(2), 159-163.

Book Manuscript in Progress

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P. & Stankiewicz, M.A. (Projected: 2019-20). Stepping stones: A history of art education. Publisher: Currently the proposal is under review with Teachers College Press, New York, NY.

JOURNAL EDITORSHIP

Associate Editor (2019-2020): Art Education

Senior Editor (2020-2023): Art Education

Past Editor (2023-24): Art Education

Art Education is the official journal of the National Art Education Association.

Art Education covers a diverse range of topics of professional interest to art educators and anyone whose interest is quality visual arts education.It is published bi-monthly in full color, and each issue features an Instructional Resource article, making Art Education a significant addition to every teacher’s reference library.

https://www.arteducators.org/research/art-education-journal

GUEST EDITORSHIP: REFEREED JOURNAL SPECIAL ISSUES

Kantawala, A. & Hafeli, M. (Eds.). (2016). Special Issue: Mentorship to intellectual partnership: Co-authoring and dialogic production through co-construction of research. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 5 (3).

Kantawala, A. & Bolin, P. (Eds.). (2016). Special Issue: Brushes with history: Imagination and innovation in art education history. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 5(2).

Kantawala, A. & Rolling, J. (Eds.). (2014). Special Issue: Insightful and creative leadership within arts education: History, challenges, opportunities, and practices. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 3(3).

Kantawala, A., Daichendt, J., Funk, C. & Holt, A. (Eds.). (2013). Special Issue: Critical re-framing of art education histories. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 2(3).

ARTICLES IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Kantawala, A. (2019). Commentary: Your reading of Mabel D’Amico: A missed opportunity. Studies in Art Education, 60(1), 80-85.

Kantawala, A. (2017). Mabel D'amico (1909-1998): Reminiscences from the past. Studies in Art Education, 58(2), 141-154.

Kantawala, A. & Daichendt, J. (2016). George Wallis (1811–1891) and Ernest Beinfeld Havell (1861– 1934): Juxtaposing Historical Perspectives on Nineteenth-Century Drawing Books in England and India. International Journal of Education through Art, 36(1), 71-81.

Kantawala, A. (2012). Art education in colonial India: Implementation and imposition. Studies in Art Education, 53 (3), 208-223.

Kantawala, A., Hochtritt, L., Rolling, J., Serig, D., Staikidis, K. (2009). Establishing collaboration endeavors across generations: The mentor and the apprentice. Visual Arts Research Journal, 35 (2), 40-50.

EDITORIALS IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Kantawala, A. & Hafeli, M. (2016). Editorial: Mentorship to intellectual partnership: Co-authoring and dialogic production through co-construction of research. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 5 (3), 243-245.

Kantawala, A. & Bolin, P. (2016). Editorial: Brushes with history. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 5 (2), 129-132.

Kantawala, A. & Rolling, J. (2014). Editorial: A ‘gathering’ of sorts: Opening up space for a conversation on creative leadership for and in the arts. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 3 (3), 227-232.

Kantawala, A., Daichendt, J., Funk, C. & Holt, A. (2013). Editorial: Critical re-framing of art education histories. Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 2 (3), 197-200.

CONFERENCE REVIEWS IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Kantawala, A. (2013). NAEA 2011 Conference review, Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 2 (2), 185-188.

Kantawala, A. (2012). NAEA 2011 Conference review, Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 1 (1), 81-83.

ARTICLES IN PROGRESS FOR PUBLICATION IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Kantawala, A. (TBD). Mabel D’Amico (1909-1998): Pedagogical practices. Will be submitted: Studies in Art Education (Research in progress).

Kantawala, A. (TBD). International histories of art and design education: A theoretical lens. In process of being submitted to: History of Education Quarterly.

Kantawala, A. (TBD). The Great Exhibition of 1851: A stepping stone for international art education history(s)? (Journal: TBD).

Kantawala, A., Black, R., Dranchak, J., Justice, S., Smith, T. (TBD). Mentoring in asynchronous online spaces: Conversations in a shifting paradigm. (Journal: TBD).

Kantawala, A. (TBD). Extraordinary in the ordinary: The storied lives of historical female art educators (Journal: TBD).


STUDIO PRACTICE (CURATED & GROUP SHOWS)

2018

Participated in faculty Show: Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

2016

Form+ Theme+ Context: Mapping History of Art Education: Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

2015

Brushes with History: Dow Collection: Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

2014

Participated in faculty Show: Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

Aesthetic Spaces: Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

2013

Brushes with History: Tales Left Untold: Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

2012

History as Art and Art as History: Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

2011

Imagination and Innovation: Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

1997

Participated in group show to display metal work: Oberoi Hotel Art Gallery, Bombay, India.

2017

Recipient of National Art Education Association Eastern Region Art Educator of the Year Award (Higher Education Division)

2006

Recipient of the Arthur Wesley Dow Scholarship, Art & Art Education Program, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

Kantawala, A. (November 2019). Revitalizing History. Northern Illinois University, IL. Invited Scholar.

Kantawala, A. (April 2019). History Matters. University of Georgia, GA. Guest speaker in Dr. Christina Hanawalt’s course on History of Art Education.

Kantawala, A. (2014). Insightful and creative leadership. The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ in Dr. Lisa Hochtritt’s graduate level course on Leadership in Art Education.

Kantawala, A. (2014). The Great Exhibition of 1851 and art education in colonial India: Intertwined histories? The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.

Kantawala, A. (2013). The Great Exhibition of 1851 and art education in colonial India: Intertwined histories? The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA in Dr. Mary Ann Stankiewicz’s graduate course on History of Art Education.

Kantawala, A. (2009). Historical inquiry in art education: A point of departure. Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Kantawala, A. & Staikidis, C. (2019). Higher education teaching art education history: embracing a need for diversity. National Art Education Association Conference, Boston, MA, March 2019.

Kantawala, A. & Bolin, P. (2018). Revitalizing history: Recognizing the struggles, lives, and achievements of African American and women art educators. National Art Education Association Conference, Seattle, WA, March 2018.

Kantawala, A., Hanawalt, C. & Uhlig, S. (2018). Extraordinary in the ordinary: The storied lives of historical female art educators. National Art Education Association Conference, Seattle, WA, March 2018.

Kantawala, A., Kibbey, J., Sandell, R. & Stankiewicz, M. A. (2018). Mapping the history of art education: Visualizing our professional roots. National Art Education Association Conference, Seattle, WA, March 2018.

Kantawala, A., Buffington, M., Keyes, O., Grant, A.W., Lawton, P., Wolfgang, C. (2018). The Past is Present: Ignored Histories of Art Education. American Education Research Association Conference, New York, NY, April 2018.

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P. & Stankiewicz, M. A. (2017). Super Session: Looking back, considering forward: A discussion about histories of art education, National Art Education Association Conference, New York, NY, March 2017.

Kantawala, A., Black, R., Dranchak, J., Justice, S., Smith, T. (2017). Mentoring in asynchronous online spaces: Conversations in a shifting paradigm. National Art Education Association Conference, New York, NY, March 2017.

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P. & Stankiewicz, M. A. (2016). Technologies and art education. History of Education Society Conference, Providence, RI, (Discussant: Andrew Martinez), November 2016.

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P. & Stankiewicz, M. A. (2016). Leading vision in art education history: Three world’s fairs. National Art Education Association Conference, Chicago, IL, March 2016.

Kantawala, A. & Rolling, J. (2016). Super Session: Insightful and creative leadership within arts education: History, challenges, opportunities, and practices. National Art Education Association Conference, Chicago, IL, March 2016.

Kantawala, A. & Stankiewicz, M. A. (2015). International histories of art and design education: A theoretical lens. National Art Education Association Conference, New Orleans, LA, March 2014.

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P. & Stankiewicz, M.A. (2015). Re-framing art and design education histories (1920-1942): Historical stepping stones. National Art Education Association Conference, New Orleans, LA, March 2014.

Kantawala, A., Garnet, D., & Sinner, A. (2014). Storying innovative practices: International perspectives on archives and schools. American Education Research Association Conference, Philadelphia, PA. April 2014.

Kantawala, A., Stankiewicz, M.A., Sullivan, G., & White, J. (2014). Capitalizing art education: Mapping international histories. American Education Research Association Conference, Philadelphia, PA. April 2014.

Kantawala, A. & Stankiewicz, M.A. (2014). Re-framing Hayden White to interpret art education histories. National Art Education Association Conference, San Diego, CA, March 2014.

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P. & Stankiewicz, M.A. (2014). Historical stepping stones across the currents of art education. National Art Education Association Conference, San Diego, CA, March 2014.

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P. & Stankiewicz, M.A. (2013). Stepping stones for a history of art education. History of Education Society Annual Conference: Nashville, TN. November 2013.

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P. & Stankiewicz, M. A. (2013). Stepping stones for a history of art education. National Art Education Association Conference, Fort Worth, TX, March 2013.

Kantawala. A. (2013). The next steps: Overcoming obstacles to getting a job in higher education. National Art Education Association Conference Fort Worth, TX, March 2013.

Kantawala, A. & Rolling, J. (2012). Critical Correspondences: Toward aesthetics of methodology. International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Urbana Champagne, IL, May 2012.

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P., Stankiewicz, M.A., (2012). Search, re-search, and re-vision of art education history. National Art Education Association Conference, New York, NY, March 2012.

Kantawala, A., Bolin, P., Stankiewicz, M.A. & Sandell, R. (2012). Re-visioning historical re-search: a not so ‘sexy’ methodology! National Art Education Association Conference, New York, NY, March 2012.

Kantawala, A., Hamilton, C. & Simpson, J. (2012). MA Art Ed. online research, part two: Results into practice. National Art Education Association Conference, New York, March 2012.

Kantawala, A. & Rolling, J. (2012). Critical correspondences: Toward aesthetics of methodology. National Art Education Association Conference, New York, NY, March 2012.

Kantawala, A., Daichendt, J., Holt, A., & Lewis, H. (2012). No dust, no cobwebs here: Forum for emerging/ re-emerging scholarly interest in art education history. National Art Education Association Conference, New York, NY, March 2012.

Darts, D., Stankiewicz, M., Efland, A., Siegesmund, R. (2012) Exploring the critical correspondence between philosophy of history and historical research. Moderated by Ami Kantawala. National Art Education Association Conference, New York, NY, March 2012.

Kantawala, A. & Daichendt, G. (2011). Art education drawing books: A historical context. College Art Association Conference, New York, NY, March 2011.

Kantawala, A. & Daichendt, G. (2011). Art education drawing books: A historical perspective writing our past: a dynamic process. National Art Education Annual Convention, Seattle, WA, March 2011.

Kantawala, A. & Stankiewicz, M.A. (2011). Imagination and innovation in teaching art education history. National Art Education Annual Convention, Seattle, WA, March 2011.

Kantawala, A. & Daichendt, G. (2010). Art education drawing books: A historical perspective. National Art Education Annual Convention, Baltimore, MD, April 2010.

Kantawala, A., Song, B., Baxter, K. & Walker, M. (2010). The balancing act: Re-examining the leadership role through the scholarly lives of novice moms. National Art Education Annual Convention, Baltimore, MD, April 2010.

Kantawala, A., Hochtritt, L.,Rolling, J., Serig, D. & Staikidis, K. (2010). Establishing collaborating dialogue: The mentor and the apprentice. National Art Education Annual Convention, Baltimore, MD, April 2010.

Kantawala, A. (2009). Writing doctoral dissertations: An untrained marathon. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, Minneapolis, MN, April 2009.

Kantawala, A. (2009). Recovering untold histories: A continued quest in historical inquiry in art education. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, Minneapolis, MN, April 2009.

Kantawala, A., Howe, S. & Furnari, J. (2008). Post-doctoral defense connections and re-connections. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, New Orleans, LO, March 2008.

Kantawala, A. (2008). Historical inquiry in art education: A point of departure. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, New Orleans, LO, March 2008.

Kantawala, A. (2008). Interventions: Framing pedagogical practices of drawing in the empire and the colony. College Art Association’s Annual Conference, Dallas, TX, February 2008.

Kantawala, A. (2007). Critical re-construction of art education histories: re-searching historical developments of drawing pedagogies in colonial India. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, New York, NY, March 2007.

Kantawala, A., Howe, S. & Furnari, J. (2007). The collaborative process in writing doctoral dissertation. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, New York, NY, March 2007.

Kantawala, A. (2007). Re-Framing invisible histories and postcolonial moments: Teaching drawing in India in the nineteenth century. College Art Association’s Annual Conference, New York, NY February 2007.

Kantawala, A. (2006). Re-framing invisible histories and postcolonial moments in art education: Teaching drawing in India in the nineteenth century. South Asian Studies Conference, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, October 2006.

Kantawala, A. (2006). Re-framing the past: Re-making invisible histories of 19th century pedagogies of drawing in Colonial India. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, Chicago, IL, March 2006.

Kantawala, A. (2005). Re-Framing the Past in undocumented histories of art education: Re-making invisible histories of 19th century pedagogies of drawing in Colonial India. Penn State Graduate Students Research Conference in Art Education, State College, PA, November 2005.

Kantawala, A. (2005). Writing doctoral proposals. Spencer Foundation Research Forum at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, November 2005.

Kantawala, A. (2005). Re-Searching the past through cultural re-call: Colonial Indian art education through postcolonial and cultural lenses. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, Boston, MA, March 2005.

Kantawala, A. (2004). A historical inquiry: Ideology, philosophy and practice of art education in Colonial India and England, 1837-1905. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, Denver, CO, April 2004.

Kantawala, A. (2004). Comparative analysis of art education in the 20th century art schools of London, Calcutta and Bombay. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, Denver, CO, April 2004.

Kantawala, A. (2002). Towards a reconciliation of Indian art education. National Art Education Association, Annual Convention, Miami, FL, March 2002.

Kantawala, A. (2001). Rethinking Indian art education. South Asian Art Conference, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, October 2001.

My teaching philosophy is based on the assumption that the quality of what we do as teachers and arts education advocates is grounded in presenting sound arguments to frame the challenges we ask our students to take on as emerging art educators. Hence, I emphasize the importance of the methodologies used to build the educational frameworks that shape the field, and the high expectations required by each student to contribute and participate in their unique way.

Graduate Courses Taught: Teachers College, Columbia University

  • A & HA 4085 Historical Foundations of Art Education

This course introduces students to the idea of “doing” historical research and major historical events and underlying beliefs, values and practices that influence contemporary art education at all levels of instruction. Selected literature focuses on historical research methods, sociocultural contexts, individuals, institutions, events from local, national and international perspectives.

  • A & H 5001 Research Methods in Art Education

This is an introductory course in the fundamental concepts, principles, and methods of educational research. It is a survey course that serves as a foundation for art educators who have little or no experience in educational research.

  • A & HA 4281 Field Observations in Art Education (Research Section)
  • A & HA 5005 Visual Arts Research Methods
  • A & H 5001 Research Methods in Art Education
  • A & HA 4860 Conversations Across Cultures (Doing Art Education Research: Spring 2017)
  • A & HA 4860 Conversations Across Cultures (Brushes with History: Fall 2015)
  • A & HA 4860 Conversations Across Cultures (Imagination and Innovation in Art Education History: Fall 2011)
  • A & HG 4470: Internship in Arts Administration (2011-2013)
  • A & HG 4576 Masters Seminar in Art Administration (2011-13)

Other Program Responsibilities (TC: 2007-2013)

  • Assisting students with IRB applications and doctoral certification process
  • Organizing workshops for doctoral requirements
  • Organization of doctoral student review and keeping track of student progress in consultation with Program Director

Graduate Workshops: Teachers College, Columbia University

February 2019

Doctoral Student Professional Development Workshop – Writing and Submitting Conference Proposals (with Mary Hafeli). Program in Art and Art Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

May 2017

Doctoral Student Professional Development Workshop – Writing and Submitting Conference Proposals (with Mary Hafeli). Program in Art and Art Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY


May 2016

Doctoral Student Professional Development Workshop – Writing and Submitting Conference Proposals (with Mary Hafeli). Program in Art and Art Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

February 2015

Doctoral Student Professional Development Workshop – Writing and Submitting Conference Proposals (with Mary Hafeli). Program in Art and Art Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

2013-14

Doctoral Student Professional Development Workshop Series (with Mary Hafeli). Four sessions, Program in Art and Art Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

Student Teacher Supervision

Supervision of student teachers in the M.A (Teacher Certification) Program from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY (January 2004 – May 2005 & Fall 2016 –present)

Teaching & Research Assistantships (2001-2007)

Teaching & Research Assistant to Dr. Graeme Sullivan, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY

Responsibilities included:

  • Assisting in a variety of courses with planning and management ( Historical Foundations of Art Education, Curriculum Design in Art Education, Writing for Publication and Conversations Across Cultures)
  • Management and execution of the summer INSTEP Program in Art & Art Education
  • Assistance with planning for INSEA Conference
  • Assistance with management of the text Art Practice as Research (SAGE Publications)
  • Management of A & H faculty travel and other related responsibilities in assisting the department chair

OTHER TEACHING APPOINTMENTS

Institution: Boston University, Boston, MA

Online Asynchronous Graduate Courses Taught and Designed (BU)

  • AR 890 Masters Research Project: Becoming a Practitioner Researcher: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to teacher-led, classroom-based research as a means of addressing issues facing art teachers, artists and teaching artists in schools and other community-based settings. The course is serviced by lead instructor and facilitators who are either advanced doctoral students from TC or other institutions and early career adjuncts. The course serves as a platform for the facilitators to mentor five master’s students in their research projects. This allows for an opportunity for doctoral students and early career adjuncts to teach at graduate level, providing constructive feedback, management of student expectations and attention to detail in mentoring graduate research. As the lead course instructor, it gives me the benefit to work closely with the facilitators, mentor them and seeing their growth in teaching and mentoring research.
  • AR 680 Insightful and Creative Leadership in Art Education: This course is designed to acquaint and prepare in-service art teachers with the basic skills and organizational strategies of leadership and management that are needed to serve within school systems and arts educational organizations, specifically museums and community art centers. The course brings in guest speakers from the field of art education—both the public and private school sectors, higher education as well as museums—to share their experience, research, and insights about effective leadership strategies and practices, which helps you as art educators to serve as agents of change. The course is serviced by lead instructor and facilitators who are either advanced doctoral students from TC or other institutions and early career adjuncts. The course serves as a platform for the facilitators to work with ten to twelve master’s students. This allows for an opportunity for doctoral students and early career adjuncts to teach at graduate level, providing constructive feedback, management of student expectations and attention to detail in teaching academic writing, critical reading and citations. As the lead course instructor, it gives me the benefit to work closely with the facilitators, mentor them and seeing their growth in teaching and guiding students at graduate level.

September 2011-September 2013

Lecturer and Program Manager, Arts Administration Program, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY.

Responsibilities included:

  • Managing program budget
  • Creating a scholarship opportunity for every incoming student in consultation with the office of admissions (Tom Rock) and Vice Provost (Bill Baldwin) using program
  • Developed guidelines for master’s research project
  • Managing course schedule
  • Managing program staff and streamlining procedures for office and program operations
  • Teaching, advising and supervising graduate students


September 2000- May 2005

Program Secretary: Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY.


Responsibilities included:

  • Managing program office routines
  • Assisting faculty in various tasks (courses, office tasks )
  • Overseeing masters and doctoral admission process
  • Planning and executing doctoral admission and interviews
  • Managing doctoral student review

September 1999 – June 2000

Assistant to the Director of Development at the Danforth Art Museum, Framingham, MA.

VISITING FACULTY APPOINTMENTS

Institution: Sir J.J. School of Art, Bombay, India:

Visiting Lecturer: June 1996 - June 1998 (http://www.sirjjschoolofart.in)

Undergraduate Courses Taught (Sir J.J. School of Art):

  • History of Indian and Western Art
  • Introduction to Aesthetics

Institution: Sophia Polytechnic, Bombay, India

Lecturer: June 1997 - June 1998 (http://www.sophiapolytechnic.com)

Undergraduate Courses Taught (Sophia Polytechnic):

  • History of Indian and Western Art

Institution: National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bombay, India

Visiting Lecturer: June 1997 - June 1998 (http://nift.ac.in)

Undergraduate Courses Taught (NIFT):

  • History of Indian and Western Arts

K-12 TEACHING EXPERIENCE (USA & INDIA)

  • Instructor at the Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA: September 1999 – June 2000
  • Bancroft School, Worcester, MA, Summer 2000
  • Bombay International School, Bombay, India, June 1996-June, 1998
  • Private Art Classes, Bombay, India, 1994-1998

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS (TC)

Institution: Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY: 2007-present

Program: Art & Art Education

Rank: Adjunct Associate Professor of Art Education

OTHER ACADEMIC APPOINTMENT

Institution: Boston University, Boston, MA: 2011-present.

Program: Online MA in Art Education (College of Fine Arts)

Rank: Lecturer



Dr. Ami Kantawala serves as an adjunct associate professor in the Art and Art Education Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York, and also teaches in Boston University’s online Master of Art Education program. She teaches a variety of courses at both universities ranging from research methods, masters seminar, history of art education, and leadership in art education, along with supervision of Masters’ research theses. She also served as a full-time Lecturer and Program Manager in the Arts Administration Program at Teachers College from 2011-13. She completed her BFA in Painting and Metal craft at Sir J. J. School of Applied Art in Bombay, India, and went on to complete her Ed.M. and Ed.D. in Art Education at Teachers College. She completed an extensive training program in Leadership from HERS Wellesley Institute in 2012-13. She was recently awarded the Eastern Region Higher Art Educator of the Year from the National Art Education Association. Dr. Kantawala was elected to be the incoming senior editor (beginning March 2020)  for one of the field’s bonafide peer reviewed journal Art Education (published by NAEA and ranked  fourth in the world in art education).

At Teachers College, she has pioneered coursework on the History of Art Education through a unique visual studies lens. She has designed two online courses on “Insightful and Creative Leadership within Arts Education” and “Master’s Research Project” for Boston University’s online Master’s program. These courses acquaint and prepare in-service art teachers with the basic research skills and organizational strategies of leadership and management that are needed to serve within school systems and arts educational organizations, specifically museums and community art centers. The research course introduces students to the conventions and practice of qualitative research in the context of art education, and as a form of inquiry that is grounded in the theories, practices and contexts used by art practitioners working in schools, museums, community agencies, etc. which aids in strengthening and informing the students practice.

Her research intersects historical methods, cultural studies, postcolonial theory, higher education leadership, qualitative research and mentoring. She has published articles in research journals such as Visual Arts Research, Studies in Art Education, and the International Journal of Art and Design Education. Dr. Kantawala also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Visual Inquiry: Learning and Teaching Art, Studies in Art Education, Journal of Social Theory in Art Education (both journals published by National Art Education Association (NAEA), and Journal of Cultural Research in Art Education. She has served as the co-chair of the brain trust on historical research methods in Art Education for the Higher Education Division Research Steering Committee, and recently served as the Eastern Region Director of the Higher Education Division for NAEA. She has also presented in several NAEA, AERA (American Education Research Association), HES (History of Education Society) and CAA (College Art Association) conferences on historical research, mentoring, new faculty development, international histories, research methods, undocumented histories of art education and art education in India.

2015

Brushes with History: Imagination and Innovation in Art Education History Amount Awarded: $ 20,000

Recipient for funding for special projects from the Office of the Provost at Teachers College, Columbia University, NY for Brushes with history: Imagination and innovation in art education history (description on pp.5-6) http://www.tc.columbia.edu/conferences/brushes-with-history/

2014

Recipient of the National Art Education Foundation Research Grant (2014-15) for conducting historical/archival research on Mabel D’Amico (1909-1999): Tales left untold

Amount Awarded: $ 3,000

From the 1920s through the 1940s, a number of artist-teachers developed methods of creative self- expression in their teaching. The life and teachings of artist and art educator Mabel D’Amico (1909- 1998), wife of Museum of Modern Art museum educator Victor D’Amico, are considered within this context. This study attempts to construct an educational biography of Mabel D’Amico using oral history as a primary method. While Victor D’Amico’s story as an art educator has been told, Mabel D’Amico’s story has remained in his shadow. Through her work and personal philosophy Mabel D’Amico attempted to create closer relationships among her students, the school, and the students’ home and community. Thus, understanding Mabel D’Amico’s life as an artist and an educator can be a powerful way to uncover hidden histories of artist-teachers and women leaders from the era of pedagogical progressives in art education history.

2006-07

Recipient of the Spencer Foundation Research Training Grant at Teachers College, Columbia University for 2006-2007 for dissertation research on Re-Framing the past: Re-making invisible histories of nineteenth century pedagogies of drawing in colonial India

Amount Awarded: $ 3,000

2005-06

Recipient of the Dean’s Grant for Student Research at Teachers College, Columbia University for 2005-2006 for dissertation research on Re-framing the past: Re-making invisible histories of nineteenth century pedagogies of drawing and re-membering art educators in colonial India.

Amount Awarded: $ 1,000

Historical inquiry in art education forms the basis of any research undertaken in the field. It is on this path that we discover ignored moments and personalities and clarify challenging ideas, thus approaching history from multiple perspectives. This historical study attempts to reframe the past of colonial Indian art education within the broader context of art education histories. It raises questions about the teaching of drawing and negotiation of teaching practices in between the cultures of the colonizer and the colonized and analyzes the similarities and differences between the art education practices of England and India.

The study offers a powerful reference point from which present-day practices for teaching of drawing and issues of culturally embedded pedagogy in art schools in India can be examined. By "reframing" the colonial past, this study invites students, especially South East Asian students, to establish a relationship with their past in the postcolonial context. It is an historical, theoretical, and comparative analysis, providing an opportunity to examine Indian art education from the position of both the colonizer and the colonized.


Brushes with History: Imagination and Innovation in Art Education History (BWH)

November 19-22, 2015, Teachers College, Columbia University.

Co-Organizer of the conference with Dr. Paul E. Bolin (The University of Texas @ Austin) and Dr. Mary Ann Stankiewicz (The Pennsylvania State University).

BWH was held in November 2015 at Teachers College (TC) with the goal of providing a forum for presentation and discussion of ideas, issues, information, and research approaches utilized in the historical investigation of art education within local and global contexts. The conference offered opportunities to engage with the rich resources in art education history at TC and beyond, explore more sophisticated approaches and methods of historical research, encourage interest in historical research, and extend the conversation on how meaning is produced in historical research trends and representations. This conference came two decades after the last academic conference on the history of art education held at The Pennsylvania State University in 1995 and was the “first” history of art education conference taking place in the 127-year history of the College as well as that of the Program in Art & Art Education. Information on the two publications resulting from the conference can be found on pp.7-8. For further information on the conference:

http://www.tc.columbia.edu/conferences/brushes-with-history/

Responsibilities included:

  • Conference planning and execution
  • Obtaining funding and sponsorships (sponsors included The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Davis Publications, New York Historical Society and Myers Trust)
  • Planning for revenue generation (Conference generated close to $65,000 through registration and sponsorships)
  • Publications

FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE COORDINATION

Teachers College, Columbia University

November 2020: Mapping International Histories Conference at TC

Co-Organizer of the conference, “Mapping International Histories of Art Education,” with Dr. Juan Carlos Castro to be held at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, November 2020.

Historical research over the past 50 years in Art Education has primarily focused on Anglo-European and North American contexts. What is missing from the contemporary discourse are inquiries into the history of art education from non-western, non-Anglophone milieus. Our aim in organizing a conference comprised of research and scholarship from these varied voices is to address,

What alternate questions might be raised through new interpretations of international histories of art and design education that could forge new connections and alignments for global art education in the 21st century?

National Art Education Annual Convention 2022

NAEA 75th Anniversary Annual Convention and Conference

·      Convention Program Coordinator

·      Responsibilities include curating the conference with associated details of giving it a focus, working closely with NAEA Executive Director, Divisions and NAEA President to give it a unique vision.

  • Volunteer teacher to teach Indian cultural practices at Chinmaya Mission Bal Vihar, New York, NY (2011-present)
  • Actively involved in establishing partnerships with organizations to build an expeditionary learning school in its fourth successful year in District 3 (West End Secondary School: https://www.westendsecondary.com)
  • Elected member of the School Leadership Team (SLT) at West End Secondary School: A District 3 6-12 public school in New York City
  • Actively involved in writing grants for PTA for PS 452- elementary school in District 3 (http://www.ps452.org)
  • Actively involved in PS 452 school relocation battle for District 3 in NYC (https://chalkbeat.org/posts/ny/2016/06/27/parents-who-support-controversial-upper-west- side-school-move-we-welcome-the-idea-of-rezoning/ & https://www.wsj.com/articles/readers- sound-off-on-school-rezoning-proposals-for-the-upper-west-side-1469142608)
  • Fundraising for Pico Ski Club, Killington, VT to support local athletes and raise funds for scholarships to send athletes to ski academies for pursuing a professional career in alpine racing nationally and

Master’s Degree Thesis Advisement at Teachers College * Masters of Arts (TC) (Art Education):10

Masters of Education (TC) (Art Education): 1 Masters of Arts (TC) (Arts Administration): 20

Master’s Degree Research Project Advisement at Boston University MA Online Program* Masters of Arts (BU) (Art Education): 75

*Titles available upon request

  • National Art Education Association
  • History of Education Society
  • Canadian Society of Education through Art
  • American Education Research Association
  • College Art Association
  • International Society of Education through Art

SERVICE ON THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF ACADEMIC JOURNALS 

Editorial Board member (elected) for Studies in Art Education (NAEA) (2014-2022)

Editorial Board member (elected) for Journal of Social Theory in Art Education (NAEA) (2014-present)

Editorial Board member (invited) for Journal of Visual Inquiry by Intellect Publishers (2010-present)

Editorial Board member (elected) for Journal of Cultural Research in Art Education (2016-2018)

Invited Reviewer for Canadian Review of Art Education published by Canadian Society of Education through Art (2015)

Invited Reviewer for International Journal of Art and Design Education published by Wiley.

SERVICE TO THE FIELD OF ART EDUCATION

Council for Policy Studies in Art Education (CPSAE) (Elected Member & Membership Chair 2017-2020).

Founding Member: Art Education Research Institute (AERI).

Reviewer for conference proposals for AERI 2017-present

Reviewer for proposals for NAEA 2016 Conference in Chicago, IL (Conference theme: LEAD: Share your vision).

Reviewer for History of Education Society Conference Proposals for Fall 2016 HES Conference in Providence, RI.

National Art Education Association Higher Education Division Eastern Region Director, October 2009- 2013. Contributed regularly to the NAEA News Column for Higher Education Division, proposal reviewer for the Higher Education Division and Manuel Barkan Award, and moderated the listserv for the Eastern Region of NAEA.

Reviewer proposals for AERA 2014 for the Arts and Learning SIG.

Reviewer for Arts Based Research Proposals for the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry for 2014 & 2015.

Co-author for the position statement on online teaching and learning by NAEA: 2013.

NAEA Research Steering Committee: Co-chair for historical research with Dr. Mary Ann Stankiewicz (2010-2013).

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