Irene M. Luxbacher (1970-)

Irene M. Luxbacher puts her experience as an artist and teacher to work in her title The Jumbo Book of Art. Luxbacher told SATA that the book was inspired by the work done at the Avenue Road Arts School in Toronto, Canada. "The unique artwork and teaching methods of the instructors at the school was the source for many of the projects found within The Jumbo Book of Art," she said. As its name suggests, the book is a huge compilation of art projects for youngsters, from lessons on basic drawing and coloring techniques, to sculpture, paper arts, mixed-media projects, stenciling, dioramas, and mask-making. Luxbacher includes illustrations and step-by-step Irene M. Luxbacher's self-illustrated book purports that anyone with imagination can be an artist and offers many suggestions for artistic endeavors, along with information on materials, technique, and detailed instruction. instructions, and most of the items she uses are inexpensive and readily available. "This volume makes a terrific case for the argument that everyone can be an artist," enthused Sophie R. Brookover in School Library Journal. Brookover went on to recommend The Jumbo Book of Art as a "must-have" title "for every art and elementary school classroom."