Unlocking Creativity and Play with Derek Cooper: Inspiring Children through Art, Education, and Theater
Get ready for thought-provoking conversations on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, with your host, Rob Lee, and today’s guest: Derek Cooper, a multi-talented artist, educator, and actor who has made a significant impact at Port Discovery Children's Museum, igniting children's curiosity and fostering exploration. With a rich background in community theater from an early age, Derek's vibrant presence and enthusiasm infuse his engaging story times, music sessions, and theater programs at Port Discovery, delighting both kids and families. As the Senior Education Specialist, he meticulously crafts, trains, and evaluates a diverse range of activities and initiatives that encourage purposeful play and learning. Derek's unwavering dedication to expanding access to fine arts, particularly for children, shines through his work, driven by a desire to witness smiles and laughter. Rooted in a B.A. in Theatre from Lynchburg College, his passion for storytelling is evident as he harnesses its magical ability to emotionally connect and offer diverse perspectives, ultimately illuminating the world for young minds.
Within this segment, we dig into:
This is a must-listen episode as Derek shares his journey as an artist, educator, and actor. He discusses the mission of the museum, which is to use purposeful play to inspire and teach children. Derek emphasizes the importance of creativity in education and how it can be used to develop problem-solving and communication skills. He also talks about his experiences in community theater and the impact it has had on his life. Derek believes that creativity is a life skill that everyone can access and use to make things work with what they have.
Mentioned in this episode
Port Discovery
🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
If you have a story about art, culture, or community in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.
Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart
Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.
Support the show:
Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation
★ Support this podcast ★
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free