Art Publication Review

The art publication that I am reviewing is called Arts and Activities. Looking through this publication I was, just like many other magazines, frustrated that there are so many advertisements.  Out of 50 pages 20 of them are advertisements. Promoted here are books, supplies, projects, kilns, presses, and crafty crafts. I tend to think it is all just a bunch of junk for marketing but perhaps not... Of course I realize that the magazine needs to make profits, but am I as an educator interested in all of these advertisements? That is the question I asked myself as I skimmed through the magazine.  After thoroughly critiquing it, I have realized that some of them may be useful, but as a whole the magazine would be better without.  On the other hand it is very important to me to be aware of new technology advancements and new ideas to better the education environment.  But this of course could be an entirely different magazine with that one purpose in mind.  In context to our evolving technological age, I realize that a magazine such as this would prove a nuisance, to me and to our environment. I believe it is important to broaden the minorities efforts who's pursuits are to create a more "paperless" environmental system. Because nearly everyone is on the internet almost every day, advertisements may prove successful on non-profited educational websites. This would make it possible for educators throughout the United States and even the world to have access to free and appropriate educational material, while both the website host and the advertisers would be financially benefited.  It would also reduce costs spent by the federal government. Just some of my thoughts.. One article contained in this publication which caught my attention was that about the history of Negro League Baseball.  As I first began reading it was was puzzled by what it had to do with Art Education. Finally at the end it became apparent. Kadir Nelson, an author and illustrator wrote a book called "We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. Contained in it, is several illustrations depicting important events of the Negro Baseball League.  His painted illustrations are based on years of research, visual evidence and interpretations drawn from historical documents. Through these images he has captured a visual history that will inform us all of important aspects of American Life.  Among other things, these artworks help us understand racial discrimination and international sportsmanship more fully. 

Here are some of his illustrations: