Collecting Creativity: Pairing Carl the Collector with Ability-Inclusive Art Activities

The Kentucky Arts Council will offer a free Creative Industry Summit Series on Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. Eastern. Presented in partnership with Kentucky Education Television and Arts for All, this session features “Carl the Collector,” a PBS KIDS series that celebrates the many ways children think, learn, communicate, and express themselves—while building confidence and sparking creativity. 

Designed for families, educators, and caregivers, this session explores how “Carl the Collector” supports inclusive learning through storytelling and creative play. Participants will be introduced to new resources, including educator guide and the “Collecting Creativity Parent & Caregiver Activity Guide”, which pairs the series with thoughtfully adapted, sensory-friendly art activities. These tools are especially supportive for children on the autism spectrum and for learners who benefit from different approaches to engagement. 

This session will share practical strategies you can begin using right away, including: 

• Extending the show’s themes through inclusive, hands-on artmaking 
• Supporting learners of all abilities through sensory-friendly creative activities 
• Encouraging imagination, communication, and self-expression at home and in classrooms 
• Using videos, printable activities, digital art games, and caregiver tips to support creative learning 

Amanda Wright

Amanda Wright is Director of Education Outreach & Services at Kentucky Educational Television (KET). She leads statewide efforts focused on professional learning, family engagement, and initiatives that support kindergarten readiness and student success. Her work helps ensure Kentuckians have access to trusted educational content that has been central to KET’s mission for more than 50 years.

Holly Ackerman

Holly Ackerman is Manager of Early Childhood Outreach at KET and a leader in digital education resources. With more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education, she creates and delivers high-quality professional learning for educators across diverse settings. Ackerman is a co-creator of KET’s Let’s Learn KY initiative and holds a master’s degree in early childhood education with an emphasis in STEM from the Erikson Institute.

Catie Bates Robertson

Catie Bates Robertson, Executive Director of Arts for All Kentucky, brings a background in art history, nonprofit management, and community-based arts leadership. Raised in Western Kentucky, she has worked in galleries and museums locally and nationally and has been active in arts nonprofit leadership since 2014. She assumed leadership of Arts for All Kentucky in September 2023.