This book presents art appreciation lessons to encourage students to see works of art in two ways, as objects that are interesting in themselves and as objects that spark further exploration. Organized with an introduction and 4 sections subdivided into 8 lessons, each lesson, based on an artwork from the Smithsonian Institution's collection,…

The purpose of this booklet is to draw attention to the need for a serious visual arts education program, to describe the experiences of seven school districts that are developing such programs, and to discuss the factors and issues involved in revitalizing visual arts instruction. An introductory section summarizes findings from a study in which…

An Art Involvement Program is described which helped students in middle schools, junior high and high schools develop their sense of aesthetic appreciation through visits to an art gallery. Publicized through press releases, the program involved various schools in New Jersey that decided to participate. Students from a wide variety of backgrounds…

Discusses the theoretical structure of Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE). Elaborates on the role of imagery for learning in all areas that involve perception, especially art history, art criticism, and aesthetic perception. (AEM)

This guide is intended to aid local elementary and middle schools in Idaho as they improve and expand art instruction for their students. This model is built around discipline-based art education and allows students to experience art aesthetics, art history, art criticism, and art production. This is a sample and is not considered to be…

Provides six lesson outlines to help teachers motivate high school students to discuss basic questions about the meaning and function of art, aesthetic responses cultural context, and artistic skill. Illustrates artwork from the Museum of Modern Art by Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Meret Oppenheim. (KM)

Describes different theories of art and how they disagree on the question of the way that artworks relate to the circumstance of their origins and use. Discusses how these circumstances influence the way one thinks about artworks. Considers where E. D. Hirsch's ideas on cultural literacy fit into this aesthetic controversy. (KM)

Describes objects from everyday life and analyzes artworks by four contemporary artists whose works make use of familiar objects (Louise Nevelson, Claes Oldenburg, Mitchell Syrop, and Betye Sarr). Divides lesson into four steps: (1) discussing everyday objects; (2) viewing artworks; (3) studying artists; and (4) class activities related to the…

Provides four sample activities and illustrations to develop students' perceptual skills. Seeks to help teach students that (1) understanding art takes time and effort; (2) personal reactions are important; (3) understanding the culture in which artworks are created is useful; and (4) many different approaches are available for understanding art.…

Elementary school art history lessons may be aided by the use of everyday games and playthings, such as jigsaw puzzles, board games, card games, puppets, and dolls, that have been altered to include an art history overlay. Such activities should help children better understand art and encourage them to talk about art. Specific examples of such…

Describes art education in elementary schools in Japan and the content of their art textbooks. Maintains that the challenges of developing skills, making choices, and learning about the artistic heritage that are offered to Japanese children also should be offered to U.S. children. (KM)

As a curriculum guide for high school teachers and students, this volume is a natural outgrowth of the philosophy of the New Museum of Contemporary Art. It provides thought-provoking and innovative materials that challenge the normative practice of art education and art history. Contemporary art is used as the focal point for an antiracist,…

This document is the secondary level visual arts component of the North Dakota Arts Curriculum Project. After a presentation of the philosophy, goals, and objectives for the visual arts program, the guide is organized into four sections. The first section, "Visual Arts Program Components," presents an overview of educational…

This report presents and compares the results of the first and second art assessments conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in 1974-75 and 1978-79. The achievement and attitudes of approximately 7,500 9-year-olds, 11,000 13-year-olds, and 13,500 17-year-olds were surveyed. The report consists of an introduction to the…

Uses the artwork of Color Field painter, Helen Frankenthaler, to discuss abstract painting, how mood can be conveyed through color, different methods of applying color, and how different color combinations change the appearance of colors. Suggests art-related activities for elementary and secondary levels. (KM)