A culture can be remembered and studied by the artwork it leaves behind. The artwork gives more than a pictorial or historical record of that culture. It also reveals the cultural practices and beliefs that form the accepted boundaries for the expression of culture. These boundaries are aesthetics. It is human nature to sometimes challenge these…

In this article it is argued that in order to be an effective artist teacher it is helpful to be a reflective practitioner. Initially a working definition of the artist teacher is formulated and the artist teacher scheme that has developed in England over recent years is discussed regarding its importance in offering both accredited and…

This article describes ones classroom's experience integrating a lesson for fourth grade students that involved creating a new relationship between a fairly modern art medium--colored tissue--and an ancient craft. Yarn painting is one of the more popular art forms of the Huichol, an indigenous people from the western Sierra Madre ranges in Mexico.…

This digest discusses the symbiotic relationship between art and social studies and suggests ways to integrate the two in the curriculum. The document advocates the study of art in context as a way to help students better understand the historical past by the values reflected in artwork, as well as recognize the power and potential of art for…

This guide and accompanying videotape are the fifth and final in a series that present full lessons and interviews with the instructors who created the lessons. Intended as starting points to stimulate thinking about a comprehensive approach to art education, these instructors discuss how they developed their lessons and how this approach has…

Characterizes much of the current postmodernist art design as capricious and self-indulgent. Explicates three fundamental concepts from the modernist school: a notion of order; clarity of form and space; and significant contrast. Criticizes current design for its emphasis on novelty and systematic violation. (MJP)

Constructs a theory of dance education based on critical pedagogy theory (CPT). CPT views education as a liberating rather than an oppressive force. Defines and elaborates various components and approaches for establishing critical methodologies in the dance classroom. These mostly concern empowering the student and developing a critical…

This article proposes an approach to teaching and learning in the university arts sector that is able to accommodate and assess creative process alongside practice. In arguing thus, romanticized notions of "the spontaneous artist" are exposed to scrutiny, and the creative process itself is made subject to analysis. Notwithstanding its focus on the…

The purpose of this book is to examine current conditions for art education (what is) and ask the reader to think about what ought to be. By blending history, theory, and practice, the author attempts to provide a multifaceted model for art teachers to use as a starting point in their efforts to improve art education as we prepare to enter the…

Discusses three types of distance in art education that should be bridged: (1) between studio art and art criticism/history; (2) between thinking in images and thinking in words; and (3) between art and culture in cognition. Recommends a curriculum to integrate studio work with criticism and teach art along with culture. (CFR)

Contends that using art textbooks is a relatively new trend in art education. Reports on a survey about art textbook use among 64 art teachers involved in an in-service teacher education program. Concludes it is important that the art education field encourages, promotes, and supports research on the use of art textbooks. (CFR)

Discusses the dilemmas posed by limited financial support for art education programs. Recommends four strategies for dealing with these problems. Suggests that discipline-based art education, which includes lessons on art criticism and art history, can be employed to provide quality art education. (CFR)

Quilters have been practicing geometric principles for centuries. Since straight seams are easier to sew than curved ones, the grid naturally evolved as the basis for their designs. This book is a resource for experimenting with traditional patchwork quilt patterns. It provides students a hands-on understanding of geometric concepts. It contains…

This lesson resource focuses on the portrait in a three-dimensional art technique. Materials needed include ceramic clay and a pear as armature for the sculpted head. Exemplars of both two and three-dimensional portraits are to be used as inspiration and motivation for personal expression of the human form. This plan includes lesson goals and…

This lesson requires attention to the composition and design elements essential to decoration of a curved surface. Skills taught are the techniques and processes of ceramic glazing and underglazing. Supplies required include commercially-made terra cotta flower pots, glazes, and a kiln. The plan includes lesson goals and objectives; background…