Anna Beresin - Böcker

This book honors the legacy of Dr. Brian Sutton-Smith, Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Folklore at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sutton-Smith was considered the premier play scholar of his generation, with numerous publications in the fields of developmental psychology, folklore, anthropology, sociology of sport, education, and philosophy. We present an eclectic array of essays written in honor of the centennial of his birth, ranging from the scholarly to the overtly playful. There are essays distilling his work to their key ideas and some that offer a robust and respectful critique. There are personal anecdotes honoring his memory, and original works of fiction celebrating his legacy. The book is a publication in the TASP biannual Play and Culture Studies series and includes photographs of Brian Sutton-Smith, as well as heartfelt appreciation from scores of colleagues.

What can the art of play teach us about the art of play? Showcasing the paintings of more than one hundred Philadelphia public elementary school children, folklorist Anna Beresin’s innovative book,  The Art of Play, presents images and stories that illustrate what children do at recess, and how it makes them feel.Beresin provides a nuanced, child-centered discussion of the intersections of play, art, and learning. She describes a widespread institutionalized fear of play and expressive art, and the transformative power of simple materials like chalk and paint. Featuring more than 150 paintings and a dozen surreal photographs of masked children enjoying recess, The Art of Play weaves together the diverse voices of kids and working artists with play scholarship.This book emerged from Recess Access, a service-learning project that donated chalk, ropes, balls, and hoops to nine schools in different sections of Philadelphia. A portion of the proceeds of The Art of Play will support recess advocacy.

What can the art of play teach us about the art of play? Showcasing the paintings of more than one hundred Philadelphia public elementary school children, folklorist Anna Beresin’s innovative book,  The Art of Play, presents images and stories that illustrate what children do at recess, and how it makes them feel.Beresin provides a nuanced, child-centered discussion of the intersections of play, art, and learning. She describes a widespread institutionalized fear of play and expressive art, and the transformative power of simple materials like chalk and paint. Featuring more than 150 paintings and a dozen surreal photographs of masked children enjoying recess, The Art of Play weaves together the diverse voices of kids and working artists with play scholarship.This book emerged from Recess Access, a service-learning project that donated chalk, ropes, balls, and hoops to nine schools in different sections of Philadelphia. A portion of the proceeds of The Art of Play will support recess advocacy.