Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Gibbons.
Eric, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve spent the past 35 years teaching art, from classrooms in New Jersey and Egypt to my current position as a high school art teacher and department chair in North Carolina. Early in my career, I realized I loved not only teaching students but also creating practical resources that helped other teachers succeed.
That passion led me to found Firehouse Publications and develop the ArtEdGuru brand. Over the years, I’ve written and published more than 50 books for art educators, built an online community through my website and YouTube channel, and developed digital tools that make lesson planning faster and more engaging. My goal has always been simple: save teachers time while inspiring creativity in their classrooms.
Today, I continue teaching because it keeps me connected to what educators and students need most. Every lesson I teach and every challenge I encounter helps shape the books, videos, and resources I create. As I prepare for retirement from the classroom, my focus is on expanding ArtEdGuru and Firehouse Publications so I can continue supporting art teachers around the world for many years to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As in all things, there are ups and downs. In the early 90s my paintings were selling well and getting coverage in national publications. When the housing market crashed, sales went to nearly nothing, so I pivoted to publishing which became another source of income. In the late 2000’s I began to explore social media to share my knowledge, and that seemed to find success. My accounts across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and others are nearing 1 million followers. I think pivoting is important.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m best known for turning practical classroom experience into resources that art teachers can use immediately. I specialize in curriculum design, lesson planning, and helping teachers create engaging, standards-based art programs that foster both creativity and critical thinking.
Through my ArtEdGuru brand and Firehouse Publications, I’ve written more than 50 books, created hundreds of lessons, produced educational videos, and developed digital tools that help teachers spend less time planning and more time teaching. My work has reached educators across the United States and around the world.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve never stopped being a classroom teacher. Everything I publish has been tested and refined with real students before it reaches other educators. That keeps my work practical, relevant, and effective.
I think what sets me apart is the combination of long-term classroom experience and innovation. After more than three decades in education, I continue to embrace new technologies to help teachers work smarter while keeping creativity at the center of art education. My mission has always been to empower teachers so they can inspire the next generation of artists and creative thinkers.
What are your plans for the future?
I am looking to my retirment in about 2 years as a classroom teacher and what that will look like. I am thinking more social media, more books, more travel, and more offerings of professional development for art educators. I have been invited to Indiana to deliver the keynote address at the state’s art education association convention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artedguru.com
- Instagram: artedguru
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/artedguru
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artedguru
- Other: https://www.firehousepublications.com
