In this article, the author explores how the growing interest in creativity and entrepreneurialism, argued as primary 21st-century skills (Florida, 2002), encourages a focus on the competitive individual and a belief in scarcity. She proposes that we de-emphasize market-based success characterized by individuality, competition, and efficiency to…

In this instructional resource, the author draws on critical pedagogy (Freire, 1970; Garcia, 2015, 2020), funds of knowledge (FoK; González et al., 2005; Garcia, 2018), and counternarratives (Garcia, 2012; Pérez Huber & Solorzano, 2015; Yosso, 2006) to introduce critical car-culture narrative as a teaching tool that draws on art and car…

In this article, Leake is arguing for the relevance of contemporary art as a way to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the spaces of art education. Graeme Sullivan develops a similar argument in his "Studies" article, "The Art of Research." Where Leake looks to possibilities for contemporary art as it is presented in…

Art educators can "critique" senseless violence--mistreatment, exclusion, intimidation, bullying, violation, abuse, corruption, murder, and war--by unleashing the power of students' creativity. In this article, the author, sharing her philosophical context, discusses how art is preventative medicine with the power to transform the cycle…

Graffiti artist Sentrock sees his graffiti as a selfless act, a way of giving back to the community--when done legally--and inspires a group of middle school students. This is a case study of an artist and educator who teaches about graffiti art in public schools. He is unique in that he delineates between graffiti art and vandalism, and teaches…

This article describes a series of public space projects based on the contemporary practice of interventionist artists who seek to creatively transform spaces and disrupt the ritual of the everyday. Two of the four public space projects were planned for school spaces: (1) a mock marathon during class transitions ("Monthly Meeting Marathon"); and…

In this article, the authors share some of their learning about art, aesthetics, and people's ways of living. They discuss why the renewal of professional learning is important and demonstrate how K-12 teachers can engage in this process by creating a journal of critical inquiry about their own local communities' art, aesthetics, and cultures.…

Shortly after the author began teaching at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), Frances Hawthorne, one of the studio faculty, approached her to work on a community-based art project with students. Frances is a social justice artist who works collaboratively with marginalized groups such as the homeless and inmates at the…

C. Maxx Stevens, Katy Stone, and Hildur Bjarnadottir create monumental sculptural paintings, installations, and textiles to impart ideas regarding domesticity and nature as well as stories of evolving family or community traditions. Questioning and breaking traditional rules of art in unique ways, their innovative and graceful use of alternative…

Why teach art? Answers generated by preservice art teachers usually suggest a range of reasons (i.e.: so that students will have knowledge about art, acquire the skills of artists, and/or gain aesthetic appreciation). It is rare when students recognize that art is also taught in order to experience something yet unknown to the teacher, whether…

Presents an instructional resource for upper elementary and middle school students that focuses on the life and artwork of Charles Demuth and the impact of community on his artwork. Concentrates on four of his artworks and includes background information on his life and project ideas. (CMK)

Presents an instructional resource for middle and high school students that focuses on artworks by the El Paso (Texas) artists Luis Jimenez, Carlos Callejo, Gaspar Enriquez, and Gloria Osuna Perez. Explains that the artwork represents the artists' personal relationship to community. Provides background information and an activity for each artwork.…