Collaboration and Communication: An Authentic Connection Between Core Course and Art Educators

This research study is focused on the impact of prosperous collaboration between core course and art educators on providing an authentic education where students can view their learning as meaningful, relevant and engaging

Thriving in the Contemporary Business World: How to Empower Employees with the Creative Mindset, Skillset and Toolset.

In response to the increasing emphasis on creativity as a vital skill in today\u27s professional landscape, this master\u27s project explores contemporary academic research and literature to identify best practices regarding the creative mind, skill and toolset in an organizational setting focused on meeting employee needs. Drawing from a rich array of sources over the last five years, including academic journals, business reports, and books, the project synthesizes current trends and forecasts future developments in the field. The study aims to bridge the gap between the growing demand for creativity and the existing supply of solutions within organizational contexts. By applying Creative Change Leadership skills and the Creative Problem Solving framework, the project seeks actionable outcomes to empower employees with the necessary mindset, skillset, and toolset for creativity in the modern business environment. Central to the project\u27s objectives is the cultivation of employees\u27 awareness of their personal creative potential. Leveraging insights from established research and innovative approaches, the project endeavors to produce a tangible product or service to address the identified gaps in the market. Through a comprehensive exploration of the literature and practical application of creative leadership principles, this project contributes to advancing our understanding of organizational creativity and equipping individuals and businesses with the mindset, skillset and toolset to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape

Exploring Interoception - An Essential Skill of Exceptional Self-Leadership

Research into interoception, the awareness of the body’s inner state, suggests that the body is the true star in the mind-body relationship. Interceptive findings suggest that when we pay attention to our physical sensations – twinges, tingles, a quickening heartbeat – we have a depth of information now available to us that enhances our self-awareness and self-leadership. This paper is the result of exploring the theory and practice of developing interoceptive awareness and its implications for self-leadership

Portrait 2024 Spring

https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/portrait/1010/thumbnail.jp

Creating a Shared Vision by Using Future Thinking as a Start Toward an Optimal Organizational Climate for Creativity in a Healthcare Organization

I researched shared vision to create a shared vision of creativity for my healthcare organization, ignite passion, and get people on board with creativity as a future core competency. To enhance my literature search, I utilized AI, a cutting-edge tool in research. This led me to develop a detailed plan for the Create a Shared Vision on Creativity workshop, outline my model for Creativity dancing around healthcare organizations, and describe my design journey. The workshop, to be implemented in the fall of 2024, focuses on creating a shared vision for my organization as a starting point for implementing creativity as our future core competency. Episodic Future Thinking is interwoven into the workshop, and the process of using Session Lab, Canva, Google Scholar, ChatGPT, and Elicit, as well as networking with creativity experts, is described. The workshop is designed using a creativity mindset, skills, and tools, and the workshop\u27s outcome is a shared vision of our department chiefs of creativity as our core competency in 2034. This shared vision will be the start of an implementation strategy to achieve this shared vision in 2034

Nineteen Figures and Counting: Contextualization and Conservation Treatment of a Jacob Spoel Painting

This study focuses on the research, technical analysis, and treatment of an 1852 Jacob Spoel painting (Untitled, acc.62.28, 80cm H x 105cm W x 1.75cm D) owned by the Memorial Art Gallery and described as a ‘family gathering.’ When received by the department, the painting was not in a fit state for display; it was not structurally sound and had a disfiguring varnish reducing the readability of the composition. Technical research, multimodal imaging, radiography, and instrumental analysis, including x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, cross-sectional analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were carried out to understand the materials and techniques used by the artist. Results played a part in shaping the treatment strategy, and the painting was successfully stabilized and returned to a suitable condition for exhibition

Designing an Experiment for Playfulness in a Virtual Environment for Enhanced Creative Climate

This project investigated the integration of playfulness into virtual workshop environments to enhance creativity and participant engagement. The initial focus was on developing an online game to encourage mind-wandering and creative expression. However, research and discussions with faculty revealed practical challenges and potential distractions associated with implementing this idea. The project pivoted towards exploring alternative interventions and ended up with two interventions for virtual workshops as well as a companion blog with practical strategies. A wreck-it style welcome package containing fidget toys and creative prompts was proposed for individual participants. Additionally, a modified version of an in-person activity was designed for a virtual setting, encouraging playful competition and team building. The project concludes with a call for further research and collaboration. More research is needed on the impact of practices like games, fidgeting, and doodling in virtual environments to increase fun and dynamism. Practitioners and researchers need to collaborate to design experiments, collect data, and develop virtual workshop agendas that prioritize dimensions of a creative climate. Accessibility and inclusivity also require further attention to ensure participation for everyone, regardless of potential limitations

Creative I\u27mprint

Creative I\u27mprint This Master\u27s project delves into the innovative concept of a Creative I’mprint and its implications for creative practitioners in fostering effective change leadership. The project aims to investigate the dynamic relationship among perception, influence, and creativity, with the goal of empowering creative practitioners to better comprehend how their creativity impacts others and leaves a lasting impression. Through the design of a comprehensive workshop and conference presentation, the project facilitates the exploration and definition of creative practitioners\u27 Creative I’mprint. Drawing from diverse theories and frameworks including emotional intelligence, lateral thinking, and self-awareness tools, the project provides a structured approach for creative practitioners to navigate their creative journey. Furthermore, the project acknowledges the challenges and limitations encountered in the pursuit of defining and embodying a Creative I’mprint, while also outlining avenues for future research and development. Ultimately, this project contributes to advancing the understanding of creativity and change leadership, offering practical insights for creative practitioners to harness their creative potential and make meaningful contributions in their respective fields

Analysis and Conservation of a 19th Century Automaton

A late 19th century automaton, Madame La Doll, in the collections of the Buffalo History Museum ceased functioning recently, with the only recorded documentation of the object in motion stored on a DVD. Research was undertaken to provide provenance and authentication of museum records. Examination, digital photographic, and video documentation were done. Materials analysis using ultraviolet induced visible fluorescence, digital capture X-radiography, transmission Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and FFMPEG were undertaken to characterize all object and video materials employed, identify alterations and repairs as well as provide information relevant to the study and display of both the object and recording. Treatment was undertaken to improve the appearance and stability of the exterior by reducing dirt and applying appropriate material loss compensation. The historical video documentation is protected also within the museum’s records by properly documenting, performing a fixity check and digital migration of the DVD

Christ Child Bearing the Instruments of the Passion Technical Study and Treatment of a Painting on Copper from the Viceroyalty of Peru

Christ Child Bearing the Instruments of the Passion (acc.# 228017) is a 17th century Peruvian Viceregal painting on copper belonging to the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation. The painting depicts the Christ Child on a flower laid path as he carries the instruments of the passion also known as the Arma Christi Paintings executed on copper convey new and challenging preservation issues based on their materials and techniques.. The work had been heavily restored and exhibited several condition issues, including significant overpaint and broad losses. The painting was photographed using multimodal imaging techniques as well as reflectance transformation imaging and multispectral imaging. Analytical techniques including Raman, reflected FTIR, and scanning XRF were performed to better understand the painting’s materials and history. The palette was consistent with historical materials of the region and the period, and indicated the use of earth colors, vermillion, lamp black, lead white, and azurite. Finally, conservation treatments were undertaken to reduce the previous overpaint and improve the aesthetic legibility. The treatment was successful and restored unity to the composition