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