This article provides a rationale for integrating folk art in an urban K-12 art classroom to provide meaningful instruction for all students. The integration of folk art can provide a safe, nurturing environment for all students to learn by acknowledging the value of art in the community. It can prepare students for participation in a democratic society by recognizing the richness of multiple perspectives found in individual and community creations. It can provide access to art for students who may have never viewed art in a museum or gallery setting. Rather than promoting an approach to art education that reduces art to a commodity, or simply teaching a technique, integrating folk art embraces a concept of teaching that celebrates the uniqueness in each person, and encourages them to think globally using universal themes. This article provides lesson examples and resources for integrating folk art in the art curriculum. This information may provide insight for art teachers using folk art to empower youth who are often labeled as at-risk by societal institutions. (Contains 4 resources and 6 online resources.)