What makes a good schoolhouse? Beyond the basics of classrooms and library, a good school inspires students and teachers and enhances the learning environment through its architecture and its art. Nowhere is this principle better demonstrated than in the New York City school system, the largest in the United States, where a collection of more than 1,500 artworks has been assembled over nearly 150 years. This extraordinarily diverse group ranges from stained glass by Tiffany Studios to vast mural cycles commissioned by the WPA to modern and contemporary works by Hans Hofmann, Ben Shahn, Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, and Vito Acconci. Education has been a priority for Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and school construction and public art have expanded dramatically under his leadership. New school buildings have been commissioned from noted architects including Polshek Partnership, Pei Cobb Freed, and Arquitectonica, with installations by Tony Oursler, Sarah Morris, and James Casebere. Public Art for Public Schools provides a comprehensive and insightful account of the history and future of this program, lavishly illustrated with archival images from the Department of Education and handsome new photographs by the noted architectural photographer Stan Ries, which were specially commissioned for this publication.

This anthology places art at the center of meaningful urban education reform. Providing a fresh perspective, contributors describe a positive, asset–based community development model designed to tap into the teaching/learning potential already available in urban settings. Rather than focusing on a lack of resources, this innovative approach shows teachers how to use the cultural resources at hand to engage students in the processes of critical, imaginative investigation. Featuring personal narratives that reflect the authors’ vast experience and passion for teaching art, this resource: Offers a new vision for urban schools that reflects current directions of urban renewal and transformation. Highlights successful models of visual art education for the K–12 classroom. Describes meaningful, socially concerned teaching practices. Includes unit plans, a glossary of terms, and online resources. Contributors include Olivia Gude, James Haywood Rolling Jr., and Leda Guimarães. “This terrific, much–needed resource promises to become a classic in the field.” —Christine Marmé Thompson, Penn State University

"The art and architecture in Cincinnati Public School's 45 oldest buildings ... complemented by essays"--Dustjacket.