Art cars can turn the stuffiest grown-ups into kids, but they can also turn kids into surprisingly mature artists. (Kids, for one thing, are seldom hindered by the notion that cars are too valuable to be painted and glued on.) Creating an art car in a classroom setting can teach a range of skills, from problem-solving, self-discipline and teamwork to color theory and design. It's a fun and effective way to expose kids to the wider world of visual arts, too. The experience of creating and exhibiting a rolling work of art can boost a child's self-esteem; it can also help kids see themselves as part of the larger community. (Just imagine having 250,000 people view your artwork!)
	Beth Secor, coordinator of The Orange Show Foundation's Children's Education Program, jumpstarts the imaginations of young artists in schools throughout Houston. With slides, videos, brainstorming sessions and advice, she helps teachers and students develop plans for art cars as class projects. The Orange Show's education program also includes a concert series, a barrio mural project and a lowrider bike-building program, as well as writing, storytelling and art workshops. It serves more than 10,000 children each year, 85% of whom attend inner-city community centers and schools. More than half attend schools without art instructors.
	Through The Orange Show's Art Car Outreach, as well as through the efforts of teachers like Bellaire High School's Rebecca Bass, Roadside Attractions: The Artists Parade of Art Cars has become an important student venue. Since the first official parade in 1988, more than 5,000 children have participated. Many have accompanied cars, but others, with tremendous originality and flair, have marched, danced, biked, skated or been otherwise transported through the parade. This year no less than 15 automotive entries will have been created by groups of children. Read Beth Secor's following prescription, and who knows what will happen next year?
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