Customer Reviews

The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America (Bob Raczka's Art Adventures)

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Bob Raczka's books take the readers adventuring for sure. His latest title is a provocative survey of America & Freedom. By studying his choices of art to portray America we find ourselves thinking of some works of art we might have selected.

How we would describe our country in WORDS is also a useful exercise ~ for Americans of all ages. It would be a good classroom project to stimulate thoughtful weighing of what are the most important aspects of Freedom, as well as appreciation for an array of artists and different art forms, not necessarily those that young students are commonly exposed to in school. Three favorites of mine from Raczka"s book are "Cradling Wheat" by Thomas Hart Benton, "Brooklyn Bridge" by Georgia O'Keefe, "Action Party II" by Mark Tansey. The latter, new to me, is a tongue-in-cheek view of artists painting a space shuttle lift-off.

Enjoy the book, then indulge in making choices from your own inner gallery. Have a family discussion; there might be less resistance to visiting museums during your next family vacation, thanks to another Art Adventure with Bob Raczka. And be sure to look up these other titles:
"UNLIKELY PAIRS" (#0761323783); "HERE'S LOOKING AT ME"
(#0761234041); "3-D ABCs" (0822564742).

A wonderful fun book that is perfect for the classroom! I use it to teach my art students about famous American Artist. My students love the pictures and the story. Definitely one to buy!