Imagine That: Activities and Adventures in Surrealism (Raimondo, Joyce. Art Explorers.)

Rating:
Summary: Young readers explore SURREALISM
Review: "Celebrate the expressive ideas of the child-creativity is a gift to be nurtured in everyone."--Joyce Raimondo

IMAGINE THAT! is a study in the art of Surrealism that emerged after World War I. It is artists' response to the ravages of war through art that flows freely from the imagination and dreams, without deliberate purpose. From this thought process, artists' paintings evolved. Some of these artistic works were combined with images of actual objects and unusual or "bizarre" scenes. Some major artists represented in IMAGINE THAT! are:

**Salvador Dali
**Rene Magritte
**Max Ernst
**Meret Oppenheim
**Joan Miro & Frida Kahlo, who made noted contributions but were not considered "key" Surrealists

Surrealist artists encourage your imagination to run free and as topsy turvy as you like while harvesting those dream-like images. Make a surprise image creature, draw your dream, double your image, and make a collage or frottage. Start having fun in your world of imagination today.

Great stuff for tapping into young readers' and adults' creativity. Try the collograph creatures, the 3-D figurines, or the mystery box. Superb ideas for the art appreciation of the SURREALISM movement. I highly recommend IMAGINE THAT! Adults will also enjoy this one as well.


Rating:
Summary: Fun and thought-provoking!
Review: This is a great book to get kids really looking at art and responding to it. The creative activities, with step-by-step directions and lots of examples of kids' art, are perfect for homeschoolers or anyone whose school district has cut arts funding, as well as those who just want to increase a child's exposure to and understanding of great art. (You should see my daughter's Surrealist place setting with totally weird food.) Fun for all ages!