This article urges a reconsideration of professional responsibility in arts education, moving beyond an emphasis on narrow technical expertise and strict disciplinary boundaries in order to respond to the needs of complex late modern society. We reconsider 'professionalism' in arts education as a site of struggle that requires 'systems…

The American Association for Adult Continuing Education Conference Theme Adaptability, Flexibility, and Sustainability--Adult Education in Dynamic Times is a reflection of the association's global commitment to Transforming Lives and Communities across the spectrum. For the past three years, the American Association has worked to codify and…

Quality community-based art education programs for older adults over the age of 50 should exploit the broad range of interests and cognitive abilities of participants by utilizing adult education theory, brain research, and the best practices of adult art education programs. We consider a developing paradigm on the cognitive abilities of the…

Discusses findings from studies in the psychology of aging and relates them to findings reported in the literature of adult education and art education to generate guidelines for teaching art. Suggestions are made for approaching the elderly student as a single type and for accommodating for differences within the group. (Author)

Many senior citizens 75 to 83 years old (the fastest growing segment of our society) are attracted to the visual arts. Unfortunately, the visual arts and those who teach them are not ready for this new generation. Art teachers must prepare themselves to work with this group. Needs are discussed. (RM)

Demonstrates the need for artistic outlets for the elderly and briefly describes art education programs that fulfill this need and the problems facing these programs. (AEM)

Observation of and interviews with the instructor and seven learners in a retirement center painting class focused on the physical environment, student and teacher-student interaction, and the artwork. Findings revealed a classroom climate characterized by practices for facilitating learning: mutual respect, collaboration, critical thinking, and…

This book is intended for use by older beginning writers and visual artists. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to the complexities of the creative process. The document is a guide to opening and using the creative process in the later years of life. It is arranged in chapters that take the student through a learning process. Exercises…

Discusses how older people respond to art, examining mental abilities developed in advanced age which would be helpful in developing art appreciation. Considers the cultural experience of older people and its implications for how they respond to art. Explores how older people's mental abilities and cultural experience can be considered in their…

Reviews professional literature on developments in art education for older adults since 1980. Describes programs at the national, state, and local levels that emphasize either the crafts or fine arts approach to art education. Recommends programs that promote creative thinking and self-expression. (CFR)

An outreach program was conducted during the 1978-79 year by the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts for the low-income elderly in conjunction with the local councils on aging and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and Title III of the Older Americans Act. Components of the program are described, including drop-in workshops at…

Reviews Pearl Greenberg's book on developing art programs for older adults. Finds it useful as reference for adult educators and those specifically involved in establishing art classes for older adults but lacking in its chapters on suggested art projects. (AEM)

Explores how art education can enhance the mental abilities and educational needs of older adults. Maintains that the postformal operations development stage may be helpful in art studies. Suggests that older adults could study the meaning of their life experience as well as their place in culture. (KM)

Explores an art education program offered in two aged-care homes in South Australia. Examines the argument for the establishment of gerogogy (education for older adults). Addresses considerations of art education for older adults, the research approach, the learning model that emerged, teaching, and recommendations for further research. (CMK)

Provides criteria, formulated by the Committee on Lifelong Learning for art education, for programs in the visual arts for adults. Specifically covers instructor qualifications, program goals and standards, program/curriculum content, instructional spaces, class size, and potential art hazards. (AEM)