“Flores’s narration makes the projects accessible to anyone who is willing to put the time into creating this unique style of art.”
– School Library Journal

“A ‘must’ for artists of all backgrounds intrigued by hands–on learning about Aboriginal style.”
– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

Aboriginal Art: Past, Present, and Future

“An absolute ‘must–have’ for any art college DVD library.”
– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

Action Jackson – A Picture Book About Jackson Pollock

“Great, fun introduction to art.”
– Cory, British Columbia

African–American Artists: Affirmation Today

“Students interested in art will enjoy it immensely.”
– School Library Journal

Anna’s Art Adventure

“...an exemplary picture–book biography, with lyrical prose and appealing illustrations....”
– School Library Journal

Art Display Cards Set/8

“Very highly recommended for grade school and middle school art education resource collections, Crystal Art Display Cards would also prove invaluable supplements to home schooling art instruction curriculums as well.”
– Internet Bookwatch

“Art Display Cards are a high–quality product that provide instant reference. The cards will prove to be a welcome addition to any K–12 art teaching environment.”
– SchoolArts

Art Is... Complete Set

“The delightful Art Is... video series from Crystal provides easy–to–follow instructions and guidance for a variety of art and craft projects for children.”
– Emergency Librarian

Art Is... Computer Animation: Student Animation Showcase

“After viewing this delightful motivational video, students will be eager to use a basic computer–animation software program to create their own productions. The video showcases a collection of award–winning animations created by high school students and provides a variety of possibilities that are posible to achieve in the classroom.

The teacher, Don Wass, describes the process that his students used in making their animation programs. He briefly explains key framing, the use of a storyboard wall and a timeline, different camera positions and angles, changing facial expressions (on a dog), making three–dimensional objects move, and more.

A musical background adds to the delightful and often humorous animations. This video is a good companion to Crystal Productions' video "[Art Is...] Computer Animation", which features a demonstration of basic computer animation by Don Wass.”
– B. Herberholz, Arts & Activities (5/5 Stars)

Art Is... Elements & Principals of Design

“The color and close–ups are excellent, and the interesting and easy–to–comprehend narration parallels the Elements and Principles of Design posters....Teachers could easily use this DVD to structure an entire series of lessons.”
– Arts & Activities

“This indispensable program takes the mystery out of the elements and principles of design and helps art educators teach these concepts which are an integral part of the National Standards.”
– Arts & Activities

Art Room Basics Posters

“...is suitable for almost any art classroom...”
– Arts & Activities

Art Styles: 1850s–1950s Portfolio Prints

“These prints would make a nice classroom display for illustrating centuries of changing art styles.”
– SchoolArts

Art Styles Posters

“Teachers will be eager to find bulletin–board space to showcase these colorful and informative posters.”
– Arts & Activities

“Once again Crystal Productions has created a valuable visual resource for the art classroom. Every middle and high school art room should have these posters on display.”
– SchoolArts

Art Styles Videos

“Lisa’s friendly presentation and the beautiful display of artwork combine to make this series a welcome addition to classroom and public library shelves.”
– Children’s Bookwatch

Art Talk: Talks with Working Professionals

“...is especially recommended viewing for public school art education classes and a gem for public library collections. Individual artists are also sure to enjoy and perhaps even draw insights from the wisdom of their contemporaries!”
– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

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“This presentation is well suited for students across the grade/school/age spectrum and would act well as a departure point for discussions and writing assignments about careers in art–related fields.”
– Arts & Activities

Careers In Art, 2nd Edition

“The text is clearly organized and easy to read. Well worth the reasonable price...essential for all school and public libraries.”
– School Library Journal

Colors Of A Creative Culture & Found Sounds Bahia

“Uplifting... highly recommended”
– Video Librarian

“Inspiring & entertaining”
– School Library Journal

“Strong appeal for ethnographic & cultural studies collections”
– School Library Journal

“Extraordinarily compelling”
– The New York Times (Reader Review)

“Two fascinating documentaries”
– Digital Dogs

“A testament to the power of imagination”
– Inner–City Arts

Create–A–Timeline

“Very highly recommended for grade school and middle school art education resource collections, Crystal Art Display Cards would also prove invaluable supplements to home schooling art instruction curriculums as well.”
– Internet Bookwatch

Creating Cultural Art

“These projects are appropriate for a wide age range of students...”
– P.H., Arts & Activities

“...is a good starting point for rich and compelling lessons in an elementary or middle school classroom.”
– D. Wilkin, PAEA

Creating with Crayons

“Perfect for teachers of younger students and classroom teachers without in–depth art backgrounds.”
– Arts & Activities

Crystal Color Wheel

“I just love your color wheel! It is large enough that my students can see it from anywhere in the room, but they love to walk up to it and study the masterworks. The rotating inner wheel is an invaluable tool as well.”
– K. Parker, Art Teacher

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“I love the posters. I use digital photography in my yearbook class. The posters are great.”
– S.D., Flagstaff, AZ

“...an asset in the middle school and high school classroom.”
– L.M., AZ

Discovering Shape Posters

“Appropriate for the primary level...”
– Arts & Activities

Drawing and Painting Activities: Using Masterworks as Inspiration

“...richly illustrated with photographs showing students making art...a worthwhile resource for kindergarden through eight–grade art teachers.”
– SchoolArts

Drawing For All: Perspective and Landscape

“If we could have only one art instruction series in our video library, this would be the one.”
– P.S.

Dropping In On... Series

“An excellent addition to any grade school or junior high curriculum.”
– Childrens’ Bookwatch

“…the human characters make a good contrast with the well–reproduced paintings....”
– SchoolArts

Dropping in on Impressionists

“...especially recommended for grade school DVD libraries. Also highly recommended is the tie–in companion book, ‘Dropping in on Impressionists’.”
– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

Dropping in on Rousseau

“...might be just what you need to help you better understand how to describe, analyze, and interpret works of art.”
– Amazon.com

Dynamic Art Projects For Children

“This book is very easy to follow and provides some creative ideas on projects for kids. We used one of the projects for a class auction fund raiser which turned out awsome. Each child participated and I was surprised to see how well the results turned out for our 4th graders.”
– T. Barrette, Teacher (5/5 Stars)

“This is a wonderful example of an art curriculum that not only teaches young people the concepts of art, but also allows them to use their own creativity. A great addition for all libraries and art curriculums.”
– School Library Journal

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“A warm video portrait that will excite the imagination and creativity of any child and adult who are lucky enough to see it!”
– J.S.

Exploring Color: Creating Color Wheels and Using Color Schemes

“Peggy Flores very competently takes viewers through the introductory steps of understanding the element of color.”
– Arts & Activities

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“Recommended for upper elementary, middle, and high school art classrooms and libraries.”
– SchoolArts

Getting To Know The World’s Greatest Artists Set/7

“Mixing solid facts with appealing visuals, this first–rate, well–priced program is highly recommended for elementary–school art classes.”
– Booklist

Going Back Home

“Folk art books for children such as this are few and far between. This one should insprire a new generation of folk and naive artists.”
– A Customer, Amazon.com (5/5 Stars)

Graffiti World

“This beautifully designed volume is respectful and knowledgeable about its oft–misunderstood subject matter.”
– School Library Journal

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“We were awed by Andy Goldsworthy’s magical organic sculptures several years ago upon publication of his A Collaboration with Nature (1990), and we’re just as uplifted now by the experience of reading this retrospective volume.”
– Booklist

How Artists See Set/12

“Carroll’s series... eclipses the competition... How Artists See has the makings of a classic – a core experience for budding art enthusiasts to build on.”
– Publishers Weekly

“Wow! If you have been looking for a way to get children interested in art, call off the search: it just doesn't get any better than this.”
– The Children’s Literature Choice List

“They encourage young readers to notice the big picture as well as its details, to compare and contrast, to put themselves into the painter’s place, to ask more questions, and to react with artistic expression of their own... these are first–rate art appreciation guides for adults and young children together, or older readers alone.”
– Children’s Literature Review

How To Throw Large Pots

“I just ordered five more of your wonderful videos after watching your Introduction to Throwing tape.”
– V.K., Richmond, VA

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“The movie is rich in both visual impact and history, and would lend itself to research and writing assignments.”
– P. G., Arts & Activities

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“The camerawork and lighting showcase each project perfectly. Flores’s tone is clear and she is obviously speaking to both teachers and children...A fun purchase for elementary school media centers, community centers, and art camps.”
– I. Miller, School Library Journal

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“...an interesting diversity in gender, ethnicity, and country of origin. All of these artists have made meaningful and unusual contributions to the field.”
– School Library Journal

“An informative Teacher’s Guide provides the teacher with the opportunity to pre–plan lessons and to reinforce knowledge of each artist and his or her work.”
– Arts & Activities

“This is a highly recommended set of posters that would be a valuable classroom resource for use by all ages.”
– Arts & Activities

“Beautiful in color, rich in information and details...a topnotch resource for the classroom.”
– Arts & Activities

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“A unique tour of the cave that would be unavailable in any other way.”
– School Library Journal

Latino Art & Culture in the United States

“A good curriculum choice for schools offering classes in Latino society or contemporary arts. Highly recommended.”
– Video Librarian

Laurence Gartel: Digital Media Artist

“The video will hold the interest of students, who will find it to be inspirational and over too soon. This reviewer, captivated by the gorgeous color and mesmerizing action, found herself wishing the movie were longer.”
– P. G., Arts & Activities

Leonardo’s Palette

“This book will be of great interest to readers in the elementary grades and would be a great addition to social studies programs.”
– Resource Links

Line: 7 Elements of Art

“...makes this most basic element graspable and relevant to readers of all ages.”
– SolCal Art lover

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“...is a wonderful and very satisfying experience for students of all ages.”
– P. H., Arts & Activities

“A practical and fun project for any art classroom or young arts and crafts enthusiast at home, this is recommended.”
– E. Gieschen, Video Librarian

Making Creative Mobiles

“This is a great book for both ideas and techniques. Inspirational!”
– M. M.

Making Dinosaurs Out of Clay

“Since kids love dinosaurs and squishy clay, an instructional video that combines the two is sure to entertain budding young sculptors. Providing simple, easy–to–follow instructions mixed with fun dino facts, artist Mark Abildgaard demonstrates (in real time) how to make dinosaurs of the two–legged (the ever–popular Tyrannosaurus Rex), four–legged (Triceratops and Stegosaurus), and winged (Pteranodon) varieties. The camera angles and editing effectively illustrate the creative process, while the addition of chapters on the DVD make the program easy to use in small segments. It should be noted that Abildgaard assumes viewers have access to a kiln, even though he is careful to use only tools that are easily found at a grocery store instead of traditional clay modeling tools, and spends a good deal of time demonstrating how to paint and glaze the sculptures. Recommended. Audience: Elementary, Intermediate, Public Libraries.”
– E. Gieschen, Video Librarian

“...is a simple crafting DVD especially recommended for young dinosaur enthusiasts, but enjoyable for viewers of all ages and skill levels in the art of clay sculpting. A short "how–to" program covers basic modeling and sculpting techniques, walking the viewer through the process step–by–step with user–friendly instructions and demonstrations. A real treat for parents and children to share while exploring creative possibilities with clay.”
– Midwest Book Review

Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision

“"It's the people, not the politics." Although the works – the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Civil Rights Memorial, among others – starkly portray the true spoils of war, whether foreign or domestic, architect Maya Lin's "strong clear vision" embodied in these works is a hyper–personalized tribute to "the people." Her simple, yet eloquent, memorials invite not the traditional stand–in–awe–and–admire response, but rather a tactile engagement: visitors' fingers trace the names of the fallen carved on national elegies.

An Oscar winner for Best Documentary in 1995, writer/director Freida Lee Mock's chronicle of Maya Lin's work effectively captures the extraordinary aspects of Lin's career: submitting the winning design as a college student for the Vietnam Veterans memorial, the 20–year–old Lin's introduction into the world of public sculpture/architecture was literally a baptism by fire, as she found not only her ideas, but her heritage under vicious attack. Undeterred, Maya Lin went on to create one of the most famous pieces of architecture in the world.

The instantaneously famous architect would go on to create many more works, and the cameras follow the artist quietly building a decade's worth of projects, but none would cause anywhere near the controversy engendered by her maiden effort. And – from a narrative standpoint – that's one of the minor problems of the film: the dramatic action falls off after the first half hour; a second is that Lin herself (whom we learn very little about personally) tends to go on at length about design tidbits that might put an architect in drool mode, but don't really engage the general viewer.

Still, these are minor quibbles: Mock's film is a great portrait of the artist, which also serves as an inspiration for aspiring... well, all of us, really. Regardless of our calling, that "strong clear vision" is what we seek to achieve in our work and in our lives. Highly recommended.”
– Video Librarian, (4/5 Stars)

Mobiles Posters

“Excellent examples of mobiles by contemporary artists and clearly written text make the posters appropriate for classroom display or for use by individual students.”
– P. Stephens, Associate Professor of Education

My Many Colored Days

“Great, great book…my students loved it.”
– N.D.

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“This is a fun introduction to creating a variety of simple–yet–cool optical illusions on paper.”
– Video Librarian

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“…provides an engaging way to teach young artists the primary and secondary colors.”
– P. Stephens, Associate Professor of Education

Papier–Mâché Sculpture

“Ordinary household materials are transformed into lovely folk art designs in this easy–to–follow art lesson...this film will motivate and inspire.”
– School Library Journal

Paul Soldner: Playing with Fire

“Highly recommended to those interested in ceramic arts and art history.”
– Educational Media Reviews Online

Perspective Posters

“Do yourself a favor if you are teaching drawing and get this excellent set of posters. You and your students will be glad you did.”
– Arts & Activities

Printmaking: Basic Techniques

“...lessons are presented in an easy–to–understand manner…This is a no–nonsense, yet light–hearted presentation that gets right down to business.”
– P. H., Arts & Activities

Public Sculpture: America’s Legacy

“It’s hard to imagine a better designed and produced package...useful in several curriculums and a valuable addition to most schools.”
– School Library Journal

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“...a stimulating and productive way to open students’ eyes to how industrial waste (junk) around the world has been and can be transformed into highly imaginative art objects.”
– Arts & Activities

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“A complex–looking technique is made entirely understandable in this step–by–step video.”
– Arts & Activities

Tessellations Teaching Posters

“...takes the mystery out of creating tessellations....”
– Arts & Activities

Tessellations: The History and Making of Symmetrical Designs

“Highly recommended for school libraries and art classroom resource centers.”
– SchoolArts

The Annotated Mona Lisa: A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post–Modern

“Excellent from middle school to college.”
– Amazon.com

Tissue Paper Creations

“This upbeat presentation will motivate viewers to experiment with this medium to create their own works of art.”
– SchoolArts

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“As we have come to expect from any resource material by Gerald Brommer, this set of posters is informative, thorough, and beautiful.”
– Arts & Activities

Who Is The Artist? American Scene & Who is the Artist? Fantasy Art

“This art appreciation video compares and contrasts the work of three artists who delved into the realm of the imagination for inspiration. Well–researched biographical information on each artist is weaved seamlessly into the narrative. The selected art provides a good overview of each artist’s distinctive style. Simple interactive quizzes are sprinkled throughout. Another excellent video in the series is “Who Is the Artist? Painters of the American Scene – Benton, Hopper, Wood.” [Here the two are combined, ed.]”
– School Library Journal (5/5 stars)

Who Is the Artist? Complete Set

“Before the video ... only a few students could match the artist with the art work. After the video, I quizzed the students again and they were excited to tell me that they know who the artist is.”
– D.N., Art Teacher

“This well–produced series should build the art history abilities of students from grades three through middle school.”
– SchoolArts

“Informative and delightful videos...a welcome addition to any schools’ resource center.”
– Arts & Activities

Who Is The Artist? Impressionism: Degas, Renoir, Cassatt

“This creative video introduces the work of Mary Cassat, Edgar Degas, and Pierre–Auguste Renoir and teaches you how to recognize their work by their styles and technique of painting as well as the subjects that dominate their work. After you are introduced to each artist, you are shown other paintings to see if you can figure out who painted them based on what you've learned in the video. The video is fast–paced and fun.”
– Amazon.com

Who is the Artist? Painters of Fantasy Art

“This art appreciation video compares and contrasts the work of three artists who delved into the realm of the imagination for inspiration. Well–researched biographical information on each artist is weaved seamlessly into the narrative. The selected art provides a good overview of each artist's distinctive style. Simple interactive quizzes are spirnkled throughout. Another excellent video in the series is "Who Is the Artist? Painters of the American Scene – Benton, Hopper, Wood."”
– School Library Journal (5/5 stars)

Who Is The Artist? Post–Impressionism: Cezanne, Van Gogh, Seurat

“I took a survey before the video to see if [my students] could identify one of Cezannes’, van Goghs’, or Seurat's artworks. Only a couple people seemed to match the artists with the artwork. After the video, I quizzed the students again and they were excited to tell me that they knew who the artist is.”
– D. Norris, Art Teacher

Why Is Blue Dog Blue? A Tale of Colors

“Highly recommended for young readers in the process of learning about colors.”
– Midwest Book Review

With Hand and Heart: A Portrait of Southwestern Native American Artists

“A beautiful video and one to be viewed several times to absorb the full richness of the works of these artists.”
– Arts & Activities

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