For the last decade Michelle Kamhi has been prominent in her critique of contemporary art education. In her philosophy she positions herself as an essentialist who believes there are essential masterworks that define fine art, and the curriculum in art should teach fine art only. Her definition of fine art focuses on representation in painting and…

Much arts education research is devoted to articulating the development of students' modes of thinking and acting, describing the development of various aptitudes in terms of the individual's experiences and accomplishments. This article presents a lecture by Olivia Gude, the recipient of the 2009 Lowenfeld Award. In this lecture, Gude focuses on…

Offers a description of the work done by local artists in the small southern Indiana rural community of Orleans. Discusses the differences between the adults and the youth in the community and addresses the art education received by the rural Orleans students. Considers the implications for art education. (CMK)

Reviews the political controversy regarding the National Endowment for the Arts and the relationship of art to human existence. Argues that art is an essential aspect of the human spirit. Proposes a definition of art as human activity that illuminates the universal qualities of a particular action or experience. (CFR)

Discusses the role of industrial design in the twenty-first century. Explains that technology has widened the gap between rich and poor societies. Argues that future designers must concern themselves with the quality of life. Includes a description of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Industrial Design Program. (KM)

Contends that design basics are fundamental for anyone who has worked in art education for some time; yet, there is disagreement about basic design results. Discusses the history of design and design education. Asserts that the question art educators face is whether to continue what began as a form of moral control over artwork. (CFR)

Briefly discusses the role that rites of passage play in traditional cultures and considers the possibilities inherent in incorporating this social concept into middle school art projects. Defines middle school as a transitional stage in adolescent development characterized by institutional and personal separation that lends itself to these…

Explores ways that art education projects can illuminate and address issues of sustainable development, ecology, and waste disposal. Describes projects undertaken by a high school art class. Includes references to books concerning ecology, values, and culture. (MJP)

Explores approaches to art-making, art criticism, and aesthetics as applied to conceptual art. Describes a one-day workshop with gifted secondary students to analyze socially critical art. Illustrates how artworks initially classified as provocative or prohibitive in the classroom can become more comprehensible to students. (CFR)