At the same time that arts funding and programming in schools are declining, exciting community-based art programs have successfully been able to build community, foster change, and enrich children's lives. Engaging Classrooms and Communities through Art provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to the design and implementation of community-based art programs for educators, community leaders, and artists. The book combines case studies with diverse groups across the country that are using different media - including mural arts, dance, and video - with an informed introduction to the theory and history of community-based art. It is a perfect handbook for those looking to transform their communities through art.

"Krensky and Lowe Steffen make the case for the importance of community-based art education, and outline its components and the specific steps and considerations for its implementation. Engaging Classrooms and Communities Through Art effectively addresses the praxis of community-based arts education. Krensky and Lowe Steffen provide a rich and detailed explanation of the role of the arts practitioner. At its core, Engaging Classrooms and Communities Through Art is an accessible, practical guide to implementing CBAE that will inspire and encourage." - Teachers College Record, April 2009

"Engaging Classrooms and Communities Through Art is a good beginning text for students interested in community-based art education....This book has many strengths. It honestly describes the hard work it takes to be successful in planning and implementing a community-based art project; it cautions art facilitators about challenges that might be faced; and it does an excellent job of articulating the process of moving through the examples that are given." - Art Education Journal, June 2009

"Recommended" - CHOICE, November 2009