ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author defines and describes transformational art pedagogy as an approach to art teaching with students who have experienced psychological trauma. The use of a quintessential story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum as a framework for teaching reflection and art-making with students who have experienced trauma is introduced. Questions are posed for the art teacher to consider, along with Oz lessons, which can be discerned from teaching stories. The use of the author’s Yellow Bricks: An Oz Art Program for children and adolescents is outlined through a series of art-making directives that are drawn from the powerful metaphors in Baum’s beloved fairy tale. Educational practices that offer students a sense of identity, place, and hope are presented through this transformational approach to art-making.
