The Creative Edge - Inspiring Art Explorations in Libraries and Beyond

Library facilitators of art-based creativity sessions will learn how to choose materials and art experiences appropriate for young people from toddlers to teens and for intergenerational groups.

In the modern world, innovative and creative individuals have a distinct advantage: the creative edge. The Creative Edge explains how you can design and conduct art-based creativity programming in your library. Written by a library creativity specialist, this book is the result of the author's many years of experience facilitating art groups for all ages. Her programs have achieved national recognition and will serve as a guide for others to establish art-based creativity sessions. In this book, she incorporates research that documents the importance of creativity as an essential component of childhood development and connects it to library learning goals, including literacy.

Creativity research can be applied in libraries and at other public institutions to develop programs that will meet the needs of the next generation. The book includes many practical elements, such as lists for recommended art materials, step-by-step instructions on setup and procedures, and ideas inspired by picture book illustrations that connect to story time themes. The Creative Edge teaches readers how to provide programs that promote child-led exploration, experiential learning, innovative thought, and creative confidence.

List of contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1
The Arts and Creativity
Chapter 2
The Creative Edge
Chapter 3
Theory, Research, and Practice
Chapter 4
Learning through Creating
Chapter 5
Creating Balance
Chapter 6
Facilitating Creativity
Chapter 7
Collaborative Murals
Chapter 8
Art with Multigenerational Groups
Chapter 9
Groups for Children and Teens
Chapter 10
Setup, Assessment, and Documentation
Afterword
Bibliography
Index

About the author

Mary C. Fletcher, a library creativity specialist, holds a master's degree in art therapy and has experience as an artist and illustrator. She founded the Open Art Studio at the Avon Free Public Library in Connecticut.

Product details

• Authors: Mary Fletcher, Mary C. Fletcher
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 17.04.2019
• EAN: 9781440861093
• ISBN: 978-1-4408-6109-3
• No. of pages: 196
• Weight: 369 g
• Illustrations: 30 bw illus
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Media, communication > Book trade, library system; Theory of art, ART / Public Art, ART / Study & Teaching, Library and information services, School libraries & young reader services