The Creative Edge: Inspiring Art Explorations in Libraries and Beyond

by Mary C. Fletcher

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440861093
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	04/17/2019
Pages:	196
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.41(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

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.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 The Arts and Creativity 1

Chapter 2 The Creative Edge 11

Chapter 3 Theory, Research, and Practice 27

Chapter 4 Learning through Creating 43

Chapter 5 Creating Balance 59

Chapter 6 Facilitating Creativity 75

Chapter 7 Collaborative Murals 89

Chapter 8 Art with Multigenerational Groups 103

Chapter 9 Groups for Children and Teens 123

Chapter 10 Setup, Assessment, and Documentation 151

Afterword 165

Bibliography 167

Index 173

What People are Saying About This

MaryAnn Faubion Kohl

"As an internationally recognized author of over 20 books on process art experiences for children, I am delighted to recommend The Creative Edge to librarians to encourage bringing open-ended art experiences to the children’s library. True art, rather than adult-pre-designed crafts, inspires children to think, discover, explore, and come up with new ideas. That’s what creativity is all about! The possibilities in Mary C. Fletcher’s book are inspiring, motivating, and important. I give my highest recommendation."

Miguel Figueroa

"I continue to be inspired by Mary Fletcher, Kari Ann St. Jean, and the work of the Avon Free Public Library, not simply for their innovation in the Art Studio space and its programming, but for the ways in which they have centered creativity as fundamental to their practice of librarianship. This book provides numerous ideas for programs, promotion, and services, but it also asks us to expand the spirit of our work and the value we can provide to communities."

Susan Striker

"This book is well written, thoroughly researched, and easy to understand. It touches on the most important aspects of inspiring creativity and using art to enrich literacy in young children. More important, it takes this crucial information out of the ivory tower of art education and introduces it to all of the most important people who work with young children: pre-school teachers, library workers, caretakers, and parents."

Editorial Reviews

Library staff wanting to expand their knowledge as well as their artistic offerings would be well served by this title.” —Booklist Online

From the Publisher

"Library staff wanting to expand their knowledge as well as their artistic offerings would be well served by this title."

Booklist Online

08/01/2019

While many libraries offer craft programs or art therapy services, this book dives deeper, challenging them to provide more multifaceted creativity programming for patrons of all ages. Far too often, parents (and even programmers) tell children how a finished project should look, but Fletcher stresses that patrons should have the freedom to be playful and carefree and to take chances and make mistakes. She draws from her work launching a program called the Creative Edge at the Avon Free Public Library in Connecticut, which led to the institution being designated one of the first art studios in a U.S. public library. The author's suggested projects are simple, high in quality, low in cost, and open-ended, making them accessible to most communities. Fletcher lists basic supplies and materials and budgeting tips. There aren't many photos and there are a limited number of actual art projects featured, but the goal here is to foster a creative mind-set, take risks, and provide guidance without leading the way. This somewhat academic but clear book sheds light on this difficult concept. VERDICT A great addition to children's services courses in library school, as well as for staffers looking to rethink programming and what it means to be creative.—Renee McGrath, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NY

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