In this concise assembly of video vignettes, viewers are taken into the midst of a Massachusetts program called Very Special Arts. Program director Maida Abrams is shown working with several children as they explore ways to express themselves through painting, music, movement, and drama. In one sequence the participants turn themselves into jungle animals and interact with each other in character. Subsequently they conduct a "Me and My Monster" session in which they trace full-body outlines and draw colorful alternative identities. In the final section the children learn how primary hues can be mixed to reflect the entire range of human skin tones, creating a basis for exploring racial diversity and identity. (9 minutes)

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Multi-Arts Guide (01:35)
Judith Rubin discusses her path to art therapy and the concepts in this film.

Imaginative Development (02:14)
Maida Abrams discusses allowing children to express themselves. See children use several expressive modalities, including improvisation.

Me and the Monster (01:37)
Maida Abrams describes the elements of this lesson. See children create mixed media portraits.

Four Colors for Skin (02:45)
Maida Abrams and her students use primary colors to create their skin tones.

Credits: Very Special Arts Massachusetts (00:11)
Credits: Very Special Arts Massachusetts