Editor's note: the publisher and staff of Arts & Activities magazine extend to you our very best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a bright, happy and peaceful 2002

Arts & Activities, Dec, 2001 by Maryellen Bridge

As the holidays approach and the weather turns colder, the fun little snowman on our cover beckons you to come inside. In this issue, you will find a group of articles dealing with fabrics, fibers and textures, which are sure to add a warm, fuzzy feeling to the art room.

For elementary grades, "Integrating the Curriculum: A Nontraditional Ocean Batik" (page 18) presents a marvelous project that not only benefits the children involved in the creative process, but the school as a whole. "Cardboard Loom Weaving" (page 20) provides a basic introduction to the craft of weaving, appropriate for grades 3 through 6. "Children's Art Diary: Pillow Artists" (page 29) ponders the creative potential of these soft, comforting objects. "Connecting Fabric, Families and Folk Art" (page 31) mixes town history with a traditional art form, culminating in the creation of a rag rug.

"Badge of Honor" (page 30) tells the story of how a town's police department and junior/senior high school worked together to create a new logo design for the department's vehicles and uniforms--a wonderful example of how art is the perfect way to make a "community connection. "And, finally, "Asking Questions, Seeking Answers: An Interview With Michal Lile" (page 22) presents a textural painting project that will appeal to high-schoolers.

We also have a special focus on "Architecture in the Art Room" this month, with both a historical feature, "Building Awareness" (page 34), and a practical computer-art project, "Computer Architects" (page 32). Which brings us back to our Cover Story, "Valuable Snowmen." Our cheery little "cover guy" serves more of a purpose than simply inviting you into the issue ... he and his friends have an important, practical lesson to teach about shades and tints. Take a look at page 16. Then try it with your young artists. It's a "seasonal" way for them to learn a "valuable" art lesson. Enjoy!

Maryellen Bridge, Editor in Chief