Rick Garner

Professor of Art Education
PhD, Florida State University
MA, Towson State University
BA, Mary Washington College

Rick L Garner is Professor of Art Education in the School of Art and Design at Kennesaw State University. His educational background includes degrees in studio art, neuropsychology, art therapy, and art education. His research interests lie in the relationships between cognitive neuroscience, creativity, and the visual arts, as well as technology and disabilities. He has presented and published both nationally and internationally, for over 20 years. His recent book chapters include Out of This World Opportunities for Challenged Folks:  Disabilities, Art Education and Virtual Worlds and A Conceptual Model for Neuro-Creativity in Visual Arts.  His edited book, Digital Art Therapy:  Material, Methods and Applications was recently published.  He has produced a range of artwork, much of which is inspired by neuroscience and his work using art for brain injury rehabilitation and for working with students with disabilities in educational settings, as well as in psychiatric settings. 

He has worked extensively in the field of art and disabilities with a specific focus in the area of brain injury rehabilitation.  Since 2002, he and his students have worked with students in special education classrooms.  They have been met with an overwhelming demand for their services and in 2011 formed the collective ArtForce1 to develop programs and funding for these endeavors.  They have also conducted programs at Kennestone Hospital Cancer Center, Gardens of Roswell Assisted Living, The Epilepsy Foundation, The Center for Children and Young Adults, Devereux Georgia and others.