This research explores the experiences of artists and artist-teachers involved in two professional development programs for arts education: a national Canadian program and a state-wide American program. Both programs aim to help classroom teachers develop ways of teaching in and through the arts by interacting with partnering artists and/or arts organizations. Based on survey data and interviews with artists, artist-teachers, teachers, and administrators, the paper outlines the experiences of artists and artist-teachers who had been involved in the programs for at least two years. The main themes developed through this research were: (1) how artists' views of their art forms were altered, (2) what the artists viewed as challenges of contemporary public education, (3) how artists' views of the teaching profession were altered, and (4) how artists articulated the benefits of the arts in young people's lives. The paper closes with a discussion of issues to consider when designing professional development programs involving artists and teachers.