Art and Social Interaction

Judith Peck is a sculptor with work in 80 public and private collections including the Yale Gallery of Art and the Ghetto Fighters Museum in Israel. Peck holds a doctoral degree from New York University and two master’s degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University.

"Art and Social Interaction is an extraordinary example of student learning and community engagement in the major domestic issues of our time, including crime; mental illness; child, spousal and substance abuse; frail elderly concerns, and poverty."Dr Robert A. Scott, President Emeritus, Adelphi University"Dr Peck’s book on the healing of disenfranchised and marginalized populations via shared expressive art activities with college students is a breath of fresh air. An artist and an educational icon, she leads the next generation of students to appreciate the value and imperative nature of this endeavour."Kathleen Monahan, DSW, LCSW, LMFT, associate professor, School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook University"What makes Peck’s book different is the authenticity of her broad experience, and its relevance to professors, students and institutional administrators. The kind of work encouraged and fostered here draws on an altruism that is fading. This work facilitates social change and builds sorely needed connection between institutions and communities."Andy Teirstein, PhD, Arts Professor at NYU Tisch School of the Arts"Art and Social Interaction is truly a book for this moment, when those with educational privilege are called to use their skills to advance social justice. Professor Peck demonstrates the way visual art levels the playing field and facilitates critical insight into identity and society. Art and Social Interaction is a must read for university administrators and faculty as we work to educate the next generation of compassionate and skilled leaders."Francine Sherman, Clinical Professor Emerita, Boston College Law School; President of I Am Why, Iamwhy.org

• Part One: Art and Social Interaction: Concept and Design 1. Background and Overview 2. The Magic Mix: Art and Social Interaction 3. The Program as a Learning Experience for Presenters Part Two: Participating Groups: An Overview 4. Group and Site Distinguishing Characteristics 5. Site Characteristics Relevant to the Program 6. Barriers in Instituting the Series Part Three: Preparing the Program as an Academic Fieldwork Course 7. The Structure of College and Community Interaction 8. Pre-Registration Course Planning 9. Curriculum Content Part Four: Community Field Sites for the Art And Social Interaction Program 10. Determining Community Field Sites 11. Site Responsibilities, Personnel and Support 12. Orientations 13. Logistics of the Art and Social Interaction Sessions Part Five: The Creative Art Projects 14.Presenting Creative Art Projects 15. Art Projects: Descriptions and Processes Part Six: Enhancing, Expanding and Evaluating the Program 16. Enhancing Interaction with Participants and Staff 17. Expanding the Artistic and Social Experience 18. Evaluating Program Effectiveness 19. Student Reflections on Learning, Experience and Career Goals 20. Site Endorsements, Grants Team Reprt and Ex-Student Survey 21. The Jail Experience Part Seven: Beyond the Program 22. Careers in Art Therapy and Social Work 23. Music in the Prisons, by Professor Andy Teirstein 24. The Brain and Art in Collaboration 25. Artwork by Participants in the Institutions