Abstract
This project is an Alternative Culminating Experience for a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with an Elective Emphasis in Arts in Education. This Project follows Pathway V: Art Educator as Advocate and Leader. The researcher established a meaningful connection of events and revealed, in narrative form, the following: how the researcher evolved as both an artist and an educator; how those collective experiences provided abundant opportunities to advocate for the arts; what emerged from the researcher’s field work with respect to pursuing and preparing for a leadership role within arts education; and an explanation of why there is a urgent need for more advocates committed to reforming the environments of our children. Literature reviewed addressed theories of artistic alternative strategies for non art-based public classrooms, how their application addresses the need for diversity in teaching practices, influences societal conditions, and memoirs written by others who strive for social change.