This research explores the integration of creative and expressive arts in a young adult problem-solving court and the perceived benefits of participation. The Young Adult Diversion Court (YADC) was created to help young adults 17 to 20 years of age complete probation requirements. This qualitative study is informed by interpretive interactionism…

This essay addresses the relationship of improvisation and identity. Biographical research that was conducted by the author into professional musicians' lifelong learning showed the huge importance of improvisation for personal expression. Musically, the concept of "sound" appeared to serve as a strong metaphor for identity. In addition,…

The integration of expressive activities in play groups with preadolescents encourages them to reach more deeply into their own resources, enabling them to handle future challenges more effectively. Developmental and therapeutic rationale, along with research support, is given for the integration of creative activities into a humanistic play group…

Describes an art therapy method which purports to create an environment for healing and education by using small figurines. The technique allows participants to share imagery, metaphor, and symbolism. Uses three case examples (a child, women with eating disorders, and art therapy students) to illustrate this method in practice. (RJM)

Maintains that expense and lack of experience with glazes and firing the kiln need not prevent teachers from using clay in the classroom. Describes how author experimented with clay and fibers and subsequently devised numerous art activities for elementary school students. (KM)

Describes how artists' styles, images, and methods can express their cultural heritage, cultural influences, life experiences, and memories. Uses Romare Bearden's (1914-1988) collages and photomontages as examples. Suggests some collage activities for elementary and high school students based on their own life experiences. (KM)

Describes a self-portrait unit for middle school students using collage. Students draw silhouettes and then fill these in with cut-out magazine images reflecting their personalities. Encourages students to be inventive. The college background also reflects their personality. (KM)

Describes methods of introducing ceramics to preservice teachers, emphasizing creativity and enjoyment rather than skill building. Maintains that these methods are less intimidating for new students and that they will encounter the necessary skills while being creative. (KM)

Describes how three groups of twentieth-century U.S. artists--Landscape and architectural artists, pop artists, and the photo-realists--used the object as the primary image in their artwork. Maintains that this approach to studying still life may be more relevant for teachers and students today. (KM)

Describes a cultural arts program of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (PTA) that encourages K-12 students to explore their thoughts and express them through the arts. The 1988-89 theme was "Proud Experiences," around which students created artwork that depicted feelings of accomplishment as well as national and family pride.…

Creative production of women as measured by their performance on six criterion task activities was studied with university women. The Something About Myself (SAM) inventory (Khatena & Torrance) was utilized as a pre- and post-test instrument to assess the perceived level of creativity. The self-report inventory resulted in a total creative…

Describes how middle and high school students can learn the principles of layout and design through calligraphy. Outlines how students selected their own poems and decorations, and discusses how to arrange them before creating the artwork. (KM)

Describes the origin and function of Tibetan lineal books. Outlines a lesson plan that can be used by students in all grades to create their own lineal books. (KM)

Maintains that students need to be exposed to different forms of book construction to increase their awareness and conception of books as an art form. Outlines goals, instructional concepts, integrative aspects, and evaluation criteria to help students at all levels design their own books. (KM)

Describes how to create paper cuts and suggests the most appropriate materials for young children that give good quality results. Describes the methods the author, a professional artist, uses to assemble her own paper cuts and how these can be adopted by older students. (KM)