The Art Room

Gr 1—5—The authors present projects inspired by The Art Room, a charity that gives children opportunities to develop self-confidence as they "learn and achieve through art." The 12 activities listed here utilize found objects—old chairs, bottles and bottle tops, stamps, beads, old jewelry, shells, string, plates, paper bags, fabric, and felt—and children's imaginations. Each project includes a list of needed items, instructions, and attractive step-by-step photo illustrations. The opening chapters also provide lists of suggested basic equipment, useful collectibles and where to find them, how to stay organized, and art and recycling websites. A few sentences of informative art history or helpful tips appear throughout. While a possibly useful addition to recycling or art projects titles, the crafts presented are somewhat predictable and most require adult supervision for sanding, painting, or application of spray varnish.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX