"Designed for children ages nine to twelve, Art in action 2 is the second of a two-volume set. The companion volume, Art in action 1, presents more elementary projects that are suitable for children ages five through eight." - book cover.

The field of expressive arts is closely tied to the work of therapeutic change. As well as being beneficial for the individual or small group, expressive arts therapy has the potential for a much wider impact, to inspire social action and bring about social change. The book's contributors explore the transformative power of the arts therapies in areas stricken by conflict, political unrest, poverty or natural disaster and discuss how and why expressive arts works. They look at the ways it can be used to engage community consciousness and improve social conditions whilst taking into account the issues that arise within different contexts and populations. Leading expressive arts therapy practitioners give inspiring accounts of their work, from using poetry as a tool in trauma intervention with Iraqi survivors of war and torture, to setting up storytelling workshops to aid the integration of Ethiopian Jewish immigrants in Israel. Offering visionary perspectives on the role of the arts in inspiring change at the community or social level, this is essential reading for students and practitioners of creative and expressive arts therapies, as well as psychotherapists, counsellors, artists and others working to effect social change.

Communities are often rich in art and cultural tradition, and sometimes students need a little push to explore this world beyond their boundaries. Congdon demonstrates how art education programs in schools and other sites can be expanded to address community-based and folk-life traditions. The text explains how art and aesthetic choices are at the heart of communities, and discusses how folk-life and community practices are associated with the natural and built environment, different occupations, recreational activities, and ethnic traditions.

Taking vigorous issue with the pervasive Western notion that the arts exist essentially for the purpose of aesthetic contemplation, Nicholas Wolterstorff proposes instead what he sees as an authentically Christian perspective: that art has a legitimate, even necessary, place in everyday life. While granting that galleries, theaters and concert halls serve a valid purpose, Wolterstorff argues that art should also be appreciated in action -- in private homes, in hotel lobbies, in factories and grocery stores, on main street. His conviction that art should be multifunction is basic to the author's views on art in the city (he regards most American cities as dehumanizing wastelands of aesthetic squalor, dominated by the demands of the automobile), and leads him to a helpful discussion of its role in worship and the church. Developing an aesthetic that is basically grounded, yet always sensitive to the human need for beauty, Wolterstorff make a brilliant contribution to understanding how art can serve to broaden and enrich our lives.

Ready-to-go, vetted approaches for facilitating artistic environmental projects How do we educate those who feel an urgency to address our environmental and social challenges? What ethical concerns do art-makers face who are committed to a deep green agenda? How can we refocus education to emphasize integrative thinking and inspire hope? What role might art play in actualizing environmental resilience? Compiled from 67 members of the Ecoart Network, a group of more than 200 internationally established practitioners, Ecoart in Action stands as a field guide that offers practical solutions to critical environmental challenges. Organized into three sections—Activities, Case Studies, and Provocations—each contribution provides models for ecoart practice that are adaptable for use within a variety of classrooms, communities, and contexts. Educators developing project and place-based learning curricula, citizens, policymakers, scientists, land managers, and those who work with communities (human and other) will find inspiration for integrating art, science, and community-engaged practices into on-the-ground environmental projects. If you share a concern for the environmental crisis and believe art can provide new options, this book is for you!

Action Art: Hands-On Active Art Adventures is A Collection of Over 100 Active Hands-On Art Experiences for Children 2-12, Full of Adventure, Movement, and Discovery. FOR SCHOOLS &• HOMESCHOOLS &• MUSEUMS&• LIBRARIES &• CHILDCARE &• HOME Shelving: ART ACTIVITIES &• EDUCATION &• PARENTING Over 100 action-packed art activities bring discovery and adventurous creativity to children's art experiences that will delight and challenge kids of all ages. Each child-tested art activity is grouped into engaging action categories including: Smacking &• Squeezing &• Tapping Rolling &• Spinning &• Swinging Blowing &• Exploding &• Smooshing Tools &• Toys &• Utensils Up &• Down &• All Around Full color photographs highlight all activities including painting, photography, collage and sculpture, each with helpful icons indicating levels for both children and adults. Action Art experiences are built on the knowledge that art for children is a creative process and not just a finished product. MaryAnn Kohl is famous around the world for encouraging children to experience creative art exploration best known as &“process art&”. Action Art offers 5 chapters of exciting and adventurous creative art activities, all with surprise outcomes, including &– Blowing Glitter, Dancing Blottos, Bubble Wrap, Boot Walk, Clear Color Squish

Sequential lessons explore the four art disciplines: aesthetic perception, creative expression, art heritage, and aesthetic valuing. Incorporates creation of art works by students in a variety of media and techniques. No art background for the teacher is assumed or required.