Rachel Somerville, EdD

Dr. Rachel Somerville: Advancing Creativity, Community in Art Education

Dr. Rachel Somerville, EdD, Chair of Art Education at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D), is a transformative leader in the field of art education. A multidisciplinary artist with a strong academic background and a passion for integrating creativity into community well-being, Somerville is making a profound impact in both the classroom and the broader educational landscape. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Scripps College, a Master’s degree in Art Education from Arizona State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of California, Davis.

The Maine College of Art & Design Experience

As Chair of Art Education at MECA&D, Somerville sees the institution’s online graduate programs as a unique offering for aspiring educators. "The programs at MECA&D are developed by active practitioners and researchers, bringing contemporary, practice-based expertise into the classroom," she explains. This distinction makes the school’s curriculum particularly relevant for educators looking to merge academic knowledge with practical application. The online graduate programs at MECA&D provide flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to balance their careers and personal lives while gaining skills that can be directly applied to their practice.

Setting MAEd Graduates Up for Success

Somerville is especially proud of the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) program at MECA&D, which prepares graduates for leadership roles in art education. "The program equips graduates with the skills they need to be leaders in the field, offering flexibility and personalized support," she notes. Students have the opportunity to work with a network of peers and mentors, enabling them to build relationships that last well beyond graduation. The program’s emphasis on leadership, pedagogical innovation, and creative problem-solving ensures that graduates are well-prepared for success in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Art Education and Community Building

For Somerville, art education is inherently tied to community development. "Art fosters shared experiences, cultural understanding, and creative expression," she explains. “When arts are integrated into community life through public projects, exhibitions, and collaborative initiatives, it transforms spaces and sparks meaningful dialogue. The ability to bridge cultural and social divides makes art education a vital tool for cultivating strong, connected communities.” As communities become more diverse and interconnected, Somerville believes that art education has the power to strengthen identities and foster a sense of belonging.

Nurturing Critical Thinking, Empathy, and Creativity

Somerville firmly believes that art education is essential, not just for artistic development, but for nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and creativity in students. "Art education provides students with the tools to express themselves, solve problems, and engage with the world in innovative ways," she says. “Beyond its intrinsic value, arts education encourages emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and global citizenship.” As our society continues to face complex challenges, Somerville views arts education as a critical component in shaping future leaders capable of driving positive societal change.

Through her leadership, research, creative practice, and teaching, Dr. Rachel Somerville continues to inspire a new generation of educators and students. Her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in education—connecting communities, fostering resilience, and empowering individuals to envision new possibilities for themselves and the world around them.

Maine College of Art & Design Online delivers innovative, flexible learning experiences for aspiring and current art educators. Programs include a fully online Master of Arts in Education and Graduate Certificates in Expressive Art Therapy and Arts Leadership and Administration.

To learn more about our program pathways, request information today.