ART IN ACTION

A children’s guide to doing projects with a purpose in the home, school, or community.

Author Chavez, the creator of Subway Therapy, offers a guide for kids who want to make art with purpose, to make a statement, or to start change. Writing conversationally, he begins with his own story of Subway Therapy and his motivation for making a difference. He puts into perspective what it means to be an artist and what art is. Encouraging readers to think about who they are as artists in new ways—maybe they’d rather think of themselves as scientists, creators, or change-makers—he gives tips and advice on creativity, passions, and discovering a cause. In the following chapters, he describes examples of different projects and how they can be executed in homes, schools, and neighborhoods. The projects range from talking to family members and making a family tree to going out into the community and setting up a photo booth to capture portraits of people. Chavez gives tips on how to reach strangers and share projects online safely. Specific projects are laid out in numbered steps with lists of necessary materials and/or equipment along with abundant encouragement to experiment and have fun. Sometimes the language used feels dated, and the chapters on projects at home are not inclusive of those who may not have a family or steady home life.

A change in perspective about what art can be and an exhortation to undertake projects with a purpose.