Description
Book SynopsisHow can community art build connection in diverse communities? Where is the art in contemporary libraries? How do you bring subway art into the classroom? Drawing on an abundance of examples from Finland, Italy, New Zealand, Spain and the USA, including the NYC 2nd Ave Subway, the Detroit's Heidelberg Project, the Favel Painting Foundation and bicycle rack sculpture, Szekely inspires readers to look beyond the classroom walls to develop meaningful art experiences for students. She shows the myriad art forms, media expressions, and design professions that have the influence and potential to shape the local environment, reaching far beyond the traditional museum and gallery venue. Underpinned by a clear philosophical foundation, the field-tested approaches show readers how to go beyond the study of reproductions or dwelling on of the masters who are framed in art museums, instead having meaningful art experiences using everyday objects and diverse collective experiences. She also show
Trade ReviewThis book offers to expand learning by adding the world outside of the art classroom—from the school’s hallways and staircases to the world outside the building. Big city settings, neighbourhoods, small towns and countryside are rich with images, histories and treasures to collect. Sparking students’ attentiveness encourages artistic thinking and making. Adaptable to preK-16, Szekely offers detailed approaches and questions to consider in advance. * Katherine Douglas, Co-founder of Teaching for Artistic Behaviour and Choice Based Art Education, USA *
Where is WONDER? Sadly, classrooms (even art classrooms) rarely spark wonder, curiosity and questioning – the necessary fuel for play and experimentation. Ilona Szkely opens the door to visual magic in the most unlikely of spaces. This book takes the reader on a journey to not only find wonder for learners but also for ourselves. * Cindy Foley, Executive Deputy Director for Learning and Experience, Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio, USA *
Szekely opens the door for students and art educators to seeing possibilities in public spaces for inspiring lessons in design, environmental art and even art activism. This book is loaded with possibilities to ferret out good and bad design from the common place of Wal-Mart, hotels or favorite local eateries, to the hallowed halls of universities and civic buildings. Among the many possibilities, she notes travel offers opportunities to find curated art and artifacts in places such as subways, buses and airport art collections. I recommend this book for anyone looking to link local sources and global visual culture to relevant art lessons. * Liz Langdon, Professor of Visual Art Education, University of Kansas, USA *
An excellent primer for preservice and current art teachers to think about ways to approach community engagement. The text is well written and accessible so readers from a range of backgrounds can build off of the great ideas shared in this text in their classrooms. -- Allison Rowe, Clinical Assistant Professor of Art Education, University of Iowa, USA
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of Illustrations Introduction
Part I: Art in Public Places and Alternative Museum Sites 1. Service Places 2. Transportation 3. Food and Art
Part II: Community as Art Treasures 4. Exploring Alternative Museum Sites in your Backyard 5. Parks and Playgrounds as Extensions to Art Classrooms and Home Studios 6. Personal Connections
Part III: Community Art Projects 7. Community Art Conclusion References Index
