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Florida State University Professor of Art Therapy and director of the Institute for Arts & Art Therapy with the Imprisoned Dave Gussak has launched a podcast exploring how the arts are transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals.

On “Creativity Unconfined,” Gussak, a leading expert who has authored numerous books on the topic, interviews guests involved in prison arts programs and advocacy efforts.

Gussak said the podcast is designed to raise awareness about the positive impact of arts programs in prisons, spark new ideas among practitioners, and inspire others to get involved.

“I’m incredibly excited to bring together leading voices from across the field for conversations about emerging research and personal stories about the impacts of art and art therapy in prison settings,” Gussak said. “My hope for this podcast is that it can be a space that’s welcoming and informative not only for therapy practitioners, but for anyone — including corrections professionals, community activists and artists, and of course, formerly incarcerated individuals and loved ones.”

The first eight episodes of the podcast will be available May 31 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, with new episodes released each Monday.

Among Gussak’s first guests are Chris Fausto Cabrera, an artist and activist who credits art and writing with helping him survive 21 years in a Minnesota prison; Antonio Espinosa, a former prison guard who became an advocate safer for prison environments through the arts after the death of his partner during a prison altercation; and Julie and Mike McBride, whose son was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he committed when he was young.

The podcast is produced by FSU art therapy graduate students Malea Burroughs and Sydney Nichols.

For more information about Arts & Art Therapy with the Imprisoned and its mission, visit AATI.fsu.ed.

Those interested in supporting AATI or “Creativity Unconfined” can make a gift at give.fsu.edu/AATI.

FSU Alum Dr. Morgan Joseph Hamilton Named Gretchen Hupfel Curator of Contemporary Art at Delaware Contemporary

Florida State University proudly celebrates alumnus Dr. Morgan Joseph Hamilton on his recent appointment as Gretchen Hupfel Curator of Contemporary Art at Delaware Contemporary. In this role, Hamilton oversees artist relations, exhibitions, and the APC residency program.

Hamilton earned both his BFA in Studio Art (2013) and his PhD in Museum Education and Visitor-Centered Curation (2024) from Florida State University, a rare and powerful combination that reflects FSU’s commitment to interdisciplinary training across creative practice and scholarly research. His doctoral work, which also included a graduate certificate in Educational Program Evaluation, positioned him at the forefront of visitor-centered museum studies and digital engagement.

Before stepping into his current curatorial leadership role, Hamilton served in multiple positions at Delaware Contemporary, including Museum Programs and Learning Director and Artist and Public Programs Manager, where he steadily expanded access-driven initiatives that connect artists, educators, and the public.

In addition to his museum leadership, Hamilton teaches graduate research at the University of Delaware and is co-authoring Creating Digital Exhibitions: A Guide (Rowman & Littlefield), a forthcoming publication examining how museums can responsibly translate exhibitions for digital audiences.

FSU is proud to count Dr. Hamilton among its alumni whose careers exemplify the impact of rigorous studio training paired with research-driven inquiry. His promotion underscores the national reach of Florida State’s BFA and doctoral programs and their role in shaping the next generation of cultural leaders.