Social media use, activism, and critical digital making are areas where artmaking can serve as both a mode of expression and a civic practice. In light of this context, the authors wonder how art curriculum can both draw on and support this form of civic work. The authors hope to demonstrate in this article that social activism is a highly visible…

Socially engaged artwork challenges viewers to ask critical questions about society, to dialogue about issues that affect quality of life, and to question how art is considered. Art educators can provide opportunity to discuss and respond artistically to issues within their communities. One way to approach this is through place-based educational…

What are the boundaries of art education? And what can we stand to subtract from it, while still allowing it to remain recognizable? These questions guided the authors', who are an assistant professor and a doctoral candidate in the field of art education-- developed a community art program in Tallahassee, Florida. The program, Artcation, took…

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the events that occurred at Pulse nightclub and how a social justice camp collided to create opportunities for campers, preservice teachers, and faculty mentors to use creative activities to connect community members during a time of tragedy. The author begins with a brief introduction to critical…

Developing students' understanding and fluency of the visual arts is one of the central goals of arts education for all students, regardless of grade level (Consortium of National Arts Education Associations, 1994). Yet, as many educators and arts advocates are quick to point out, the arts have consistently been cut from educational budgets and…

A local focus can give art educators a familiar basis to introduce and expand content. A community-inspired curriculum helps students realize that artists do not operate in a vacuum; rather, they are part of a social world in which art objects are created. In this article, the authors provide an overview of Community-Based Art Education (CBAE)…

Describes how high school students are involved in using natural materials found in the local environment for art projects. The materials used include wood, clay, and natural fibers. Provides photographs of ten students' projects. (JDH)

In June 2004, three out of four public schools in Florida failed to meet a new federal standard for school improvement, including one arts school that had earned "A" ratings on statewide tests for 4 consecutive years (Shanklin, 2004). Why are so many schools failing, including "A" schools? In this article, the author explains…

A check of staff development plans in 67 Florida counties revealed 143 components for arts-related professional growth. While briefly summarizing objectives for working with art media, this article concentrates on the in-service objectives related to more general teaching competencies, such as class management, instructional methods, and program…